Brussels, 28/10/2014 (Agence Europe) - Eulex staff members are said to have been corrupt and threatened journalists, according to Kosovan daily newspaper Koha Ditore. The Eulex mission is reportedly investigating allegations that some of its high level members have dropped criminal charges against senior leaders in Kosovo in exchange for money, according to the newspaper - which cites cases of murder and corruption. Eulex told news agency Reuters that it did not wish to comment on “an ongoing investigation or on any document disclosed”. “The allegations are receiving the necessary follow up”, the mission added. The journalist who published the affair reportedly received threats from members of the Eulex mission in order not to publish the article.
Maja Kocijancic, the spokesperson for High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, said that any allegation of abuse is taken very seriously. “There are rules to follow if this type of case of suspicion is to be handled”, she said. “The mission is acting in the framework of its mandate and uses the tools it has available, but does not cross the boundaries. The rules and ways of functioning are very clear”, she added. Kocijancic stated that the head of the mission was leading a dedicated team in a difficult environment. “For all these allegations there are rules in place, mechanisms that are followed, legal proceedings where the truth can be checked or confirmed”, she added. (CG)