Serbs: EULEX indirectly hindering agreement implementation

KOSOVSKA MITROVICA - Local self-government representatives from northern Kosovo, which is home to Serb majority population, stated during a joint meeting in Kosovska Mitrovica on Wednesday that EULEX is indirectly hindering the implementation of the Brussels agreement.

According to earlier announcements, the meeting focused on the relations with EULEX in the context of the EU Mission's operations in the municipality of Zubin Potok and the pressures exerted on the current Zubin Potok Mayor Stevan Vulovic and former municipal president Slavisa Ristic.

According to reports by Pristina media, Vulovic is suspected of aiding the escape of a Serb detainee from the Zubin Potok police station in March 2014.

The Kosovo Police Service tried to deliver the summons to Vulovic last month but failed as he was not at home at the time.
In the meantime, EULEX interrogated Vulovic's and Ristic's wives although they gave their official statements to the Kosovo police as required.

Representatives of local self-governments from northern Kosovo stated that the unfounded suspicions and threats involving detention for Vulovic pose a serious jeopardy for the operation of the Zubin Potok municipal assembly, and pointed out that fairness and rule of law are brought in danger by the implementation of double standards.

And while Albanians charged with gravest crimes are being released pending trial or are placed in house arrest at best, EULEX lex specialis regulations still apply for Serbs on the assumption that they are guilty until proven innocent, the northern Kosovo local government officials said.

It is regrettable that neither the Serbian government guarantees or the possibilities of bail or other guarantees for...