Vachter: Agreement on judiciary for a better life of citizens (Radio Kontakt Plus)
Deputy Head of the EULEX Joelle Vachter said that she believes that the implementation of the Brussels agreement on judiciary will contribute to improving the lives of citizens in the north.
When will start implementation of the agreement and what kind of role in this process will have EULEX?
We expect further steps regarding the implementation of this agreement. We are ready to implement the agreement at any time.
Which obstacles do you expect in the implementation?
It is very difficult to answer to the question without main details of the agreement, but like I said from the technical side we are ready to assist in the implementation.
In which way will be stopped emigration from Kosovo?
In a way this is a political issue and EULEX cannot comment on this aspect. From a technical standpoint, our advisors work together with local counterparts to ensure that Kosovo respond to this challenge to the fullest extent possible and in accordance with the law.
The trial for five Serbs, including the leader of the Civic Initiative SDP is scheduled for today. What are your expectations in regards to the length of this trial?
The trial will continue today and a few hearings are scheduled for February, March and April 2015. Regarding the war crimes charges against Oliver Ivanovic, so far, three witnesses out of 18 gave statements. At the hearings scheduled from 18th to 27th February will be interviewed seven more witnesses. After it, the court will hear 40 more witnesses proposed by the Prosecution Office, regarding the events from 2000. The defence team of Oliver Ivanovic has proposed 27 witnesses, while the team for defence of Delibašić proposed hearing of 12 witnesses. The defence team of Ilija Vujacic proposed hearing of 15 witnesses. The Court shall take all necessary actions, so that the trials would be held quickly and without delays or interruptions.
Will the property in Kosovo be discussed in Brussels and what is your position on the issue of Trepca?
EULEX has assisted in the implementation of many agreements resulting from the Brussels dialogue, but we cannot determine the agenda, since it depends on Belgrade and Pristina side. In regards to Trepca we understand that this topic is very complex, but at this point, it is primarily economic, social and political issue, rather than issue of the rule of law.
One of the issues that burden the relations between Serbs and Albanians in Mitrovica is a "Peace Park" on the main Ibar Bridge. How do you see the solution to this issue?
What really need to be solved are barricades in the minds of the people. I hope that together with growing trust between the two communities, they will be more focused on improving the economic prosperity and life, and less on the issue of bridge. I look forward to the time when this issue will be agreed and solved.