20 September 2013

At a meeting today in Pristina, Civilian Operations Commander Hansjoerg Haber and Deputy Prime Minister Hajredin Kuçi discussed the tragic death of EULEX staff member, Audrius Senavicius.

After the meeting, Mr. Haber stated:

"I have come to Kosovo today to express solidarity and sympathy with my colleagues on the ground. This is a tragic event and it is important that EULEX staff on the ground know that they are supported and valued by the highest leadership levels in Brussels. Today is a day that we remember our fallen colleague Audrius Senavicius, and I earlier this morning visited the Logbase at Mitrovica where I met with others involved in the incident and opened a book of condolences for Mr. Senavicius. I have every confidence that our police and judicial personnel, working together with the Kosovo police and judicial institutions, will conduct a thorough investigation into the tragic event of yesterday, and that they will also investigate thoroughly other incidents that have occurred, such as the event in Bosniak Mahala this morning. I note that this morning our police and customs officers went to their duty stations in the north. This is a tremendous demonstration of their professionalism and dedication."

Deputy Prime Minister Kuçi said:

"I would like to take this opportunity to offer my condolences to EULEX and to the family and friends of Mr. Senavicius. The Government of Kosovo stands ready to offer every assistance to EULEX through its rule of law institutions. We are already co-operating well together in the joint police investigation on the ground. I am pleased to note that this morning both Kosovo Border Police and Kosovo Customs personnel were able to travel to their duty stations in the north as per usual. We will not be deterred by this crime from implementing the IBM agreement."