13 August 2013

Today, EULEX Head of Mission Bernd Borchardt met the Acting Regional Commander Nenad Djuric. They discussed the work of the Kosovo Police Regional Command Team and challenges that exists for successful policing in the north.

Borchardt emphasized that EULEX is offering its expertise and support to the new policing team in the north.

Head of EULEX and the Acting Regional Commander also talked about a joint operation in support of combatting illegal deforestation that was conducted today between the Kosovo Police and EULEX Police. The operation consisted of both air and ground intelligence gathering and is an example of both KP and EULEX combining efforts in the fight against organized crime. The operation consisted of KP ground elements with support from elements of Police Strengthening Department and Task Force Mitrovica. The operation was a response to community concerns in the Leposavic/Leposaviq area regarding the significant ecological and economic damage caused by illegal deforestation.

"I am very pleased to meet with Mr. Djuric today. His plans for working with the community to ensure their safety and security are exactly what is needed", said Borchardt.

At the beginning of August EULEX deployed additional experienced advisors from Pristina to Mitrovica in order to support the Kosovo Police Regional Command Team in the north, and in particular the Acting Regional Commander Nenad Djuric. They will supplement the ongoing Monitoring, Mentoring and Advising (MMA) support to KP in the north and ensure that the mission provides a consistent and 'joined up' MMA approach at all levels within the KP command structure.