On the occasion of the conclusion of the supervision and monitoring of the Kosovo Customs, the Customs director, Lulëzim Rafuna and Acting EULEX Chief, held a press conference, where they assessed that supervision of the Customs by foreign missions since 1999, ends today, but cooperation with EULEX on management of the integrated borders will continue in the future.

Rafuna expressed appreciation to the EULEX mission as well as to the U.S. people who made many investments on Customs with their tax money.

Bernd Thran from EULEX said that despite the fact that this mission will not have a further mandate at Customs, they will help with strategic advices. He praised the Customs’ progress on incomes and prevention of smuggling.

Head of the USAID and Deputy Ambassador of the United States of America, James Hope, stressed that the U.S. Government donated five million dollars to the Kosovo Customs.