UNMIK/PR/1740
PRISTINA – In the latest step to normalize rule of law in the north of Kosovo, UNMIK today reopened the courthouse in north Mitrovica.
From today, the courthouse will be staffed by UNMIK international personnel, including two judges, two prosecutors, legal officers and administrative assistants. In this initial phase of the reopening, the prosecutors and international judges will only handle urgent criminal cases, and apply UNMIK law and procedure. Civil cases will not be heard.
In the next phase, local judicial workers and court staff would be introduced. This would increase capacity to deal with more cases. UNMIK is currently holding discussions with relevant stakeholders in order to expedite movement towards the next phase.
“The reopening of the court in north Mitrovica is a first step to ensure that rule of law is provided to everyone in Kosovo. I am pleased that Belgrade and Pristina are supporting this pragmatic development, which is in everyone’s interest,” said Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General Lamberto Zannier.
“However, a court – like all rule of law institutions – does not stand in a vacuum. The Court’s success will require continued constructive actions by all sides and the support of the communities that it serves,” he said.
