EU slams Serbia over Kosovo parallel courts

(PRISTINA) - The EU rule of law mission in Kosovo (EULEX) on Thursday strongly criticised Serbia's insistence on a parallel judicial system in Serb-dominated parts of the breakaway province.

"In no other places in Europe do we have two judicial systems operating at the same time and at the same place," EULEX head of mission Yves de Kermabon said in a statement.

"Two jurisdictions would be no justice. This will trigger conflicting decisions which will go against the rights of the population. There can be only one judicial system in Kosovo," he insisted.

Kermabon made his comments during a visit to the eastern, Serb-majority municipality of Ranilug in reference to the Serb parliament's decision late December to appoint judges to parallel Serb courts controlled by Belgrade.

"The political decision by Belgrade to nominate judges for Serb courts in Kosovo has to be dealt with urgently," he warned.

Kosovo unilaterally split from Serbia in February 2008 and its independence has been recognised so far by 65 countries, including the US and the majority of EU countries.

Serbia opposes Kosovo's independence and continues to consider the territory as its southern province. It backs and finances the region's parallel administrative, educational and judicial system in areas with a Serb majority.

The most ambitious civilian mission ever deployed by the EU, EULEX began operations in December 2008, taking over from the UN, which administered Kosovo after the 1999 war.

The some 3,000-strong mission works to bring the justice system, police and customs up to European standards.

"EULEX does not recognize neither assist the so-called parallel structures in Kosovo," Kermabon said, adding his mission's mandate was "clear".

"It says that we are here to assist the Kosovo institutions, judicial authorities and law enforcement agencies."

EULEX Kosovo - European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo