“At the end of August, Presidents of Serbia and Kosovo agreed to integrate judicial staff into Kosovo judiciary and we are sorry that Belgrade asked that the process be delayed,” said Maja Kocijancic Spokesperson of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, adding that Pristina had done its part.
“The implementation of judicial agreement is highly important as it will contribute to strengthening of the rule of law in Kosovo, particularly in the Mitrovica region,” Kocijancic said in a press conference.
“We expect constructive engagement for the sake of implementation of all agreements reached within the EU-facilitated dialogue for normalisation of relations,” Kocijancic pointed out.
She said it was important to integrate judicial personnel into Kosovo judiciary without further delays and as soon as possible.
Kocijancic said that the implementation of agreements yielded by the dialogue posed a challenge, adding that the EU is working with both sides to make it happen.
“The progress in EU integration of both sides is decided by the dialogue,” Kocijancic said.
She said that the implementation of agreement on judicial integration had been scheduled to begin on 17 October, regretting it did not work out as planned.
“It is clear each side has its own obligations arising from the agreement,” Kocijancic said.
*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
