Brussels, 19/09/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 19 September, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton condemned “in the strongest possible terms” the attack which led to the death of a Lithuania member of EULEX staff in northern Kosovo the same morning. “The perpetrators must be brought to justice”, she said. According to Ashton's spokesperson, Maja Kocijancic, this is the first death of this type since the mission was set up in 2008. “The issue of security is very important for us. We are seeing what we can do and how to respond. We will respond if necessary”, she said. Ashton stated that the EU “is determined to continue its engagement and commitment in Kosovo and will press on with its work in the context of the EU-facilitated dialogue” between Serbia and Kosovo. She also called on all parties to redouble their efforts to implement the agreements reached, to normalise relations and to improve the lives of the people on the ground in northern Kosovo. EULEX has condemned this “act of cowardly violence”. “Task Force Mitrovica was immediately activated and a murder investigation is ongoing. The area has been sealed off. No effort will be spared in bringing the perpetrator to justice”, EULEX stated, launching an appeal for witnesses.
Kosovo's Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi described the attack as horrible and shameful, and called on the authorities to arrest the perpetrators and bring them to justice. “This is shocking”, said Kosovo's Minister for European Integration Vlora Citaku, adding that “attacks against EULEX staff are unacceptable!”
Around 7.30am, two EULEX vehicles, transporting six members of the mission, came under gunfire in the neighbourhood of Zvecan.
Municipal elections are planned in Kosovo on 3 November, as part of the agreement with Serbia. On 19 September, Ashton appointed Italian MEP Roberto Gualtieri (S&D) as chief observer of the EU elections observation mission. (CG/transl.fl)