Kosovo: Feith Provides Clarity

Just when you think that the recent rhetoric from the EU might suggest a new, more pragmatic approach to the north, we can count on the EU Special Representative, ICR Pieter Feith, to bring us back down to earth. Various outlets are reporting his March 31 comments on the scheduled May 30 municipal elections to be held by the Serbian government in north Mitrovica and Novo Brdo. Feith reportedly made clear that he would not recognize these elections. “As the International Civilian Representative, I want to stress once again that we will focus on the elections organized by Pristina authorities.” He also suggested that the new EU office in north Mitrovica was part of the EU's commitment to support his so-called “strategy for north.”

Belgrade was quick to react. State Secretary for Kosovo Oliver Ivanović told the press that Serbia is “not asking for his support or approval for the elections….[Feith] does not exists for us neither as an organization nor as a person.” Ivanović reportedly said Feith had “discredited” himself with his strategy to impose Pristina’s rule over the Serb majority north.

EU Envoy to northern Kososo Giffoni had been trying to separate his newly opened “Europe House” from Feith and his strategy.

On a related matter Tanjug reports that EULEX has had no luck trying to convince the Kosovo Judicial Council in Pristina that Belgrade might appoint the Serb judges that would work in the North Mitrovica court should there be agreement to reopen it.