EU police in Kosovo: We are not interested in popularity

The second large-scale anti-EULEX protest in Kosovo took place on 29 March 2011 and, according to the EU Observer website, there were about 2000 ethnic Albanian carrying banners such as ‘Free the Freedom Fighters’ and ‘Eulex go away.’

Speaking to EU Observer from Pristina on 30 March 2011, EULEX spokeswoman Kristiina Herodes said: ‘We are a rule of law mission and we have to carry out our mandate. We have executive power on war crimes cases, so we have to carry out our duties. This is not a beauty contest. We are here for serious business.’

The protests were organised by the Association of War Veterans, representing the interests of former anti-Serb guerrilla fighters in the Kosovo Liberation Army [KLA], in reaction to the arrest of nine ex-KLA members on EULEX charges of torturing and killing both Serbs and Albanians in the war.

• Primary Source

EurActiv, 30.3.11: Thousands protest against EU's Kosovo mission http://www.euractiv.com/en/enlargement/thousands-protest-eus-kosovo-mission-news-503628

ESO: Background information: EU takes first steps on probe into Marty organ-trafficking report http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-takes-first-steps-on-probe-into-marty-organ-trafficking-report/

ESO: Background information: Blow to Kosovo on organ-trafficking claim http://www.europeansources.info/record/blow-to-kosovo-on-organ-trafficking-claim/

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