The EU Office in Kosovo has expressed regret over yesterday’s demolition of houses near Lake Ujman (Gazivoda), an operation which, according to the mission, “was carried out while the affected residents had initiated legal proceedings within the 15-day deadline set out in the notices issued by the public company Ibër-Lepenc/Ibar-Lepenac regarding the release and clearing of the land.”
“The EU is concerned about the lack of respect for due legal process in this and several other recent cases in northern Kosovo since February of this year,” the EU Office said in a Facebook post, KosovaPress reports.
The EU called for the immediate suspension of any further demolitions, forced evictions or seizures until concerns regarding due legal process, proportionality, property rights, human rights and effective legal remedies are properly addressed.
“Authorities should engage without delay with the affected residents and municipalities and explore lawful solutions,” the EU said, adding that the role of the Kosovo Police in such operations must remain strictly within its legal mandate, be based on clear requests or decisions by the competent authorities, and be properly documented.
“Irreversible enforcement measures in the context of ongoing proceedings and disputed property claims raise serious concerns about the rule of law,” the post said. “In line with Kosovo’s European path, the EU expects the authorities to address these concerns with urgency and transparency and to ensure that similar actions are not repeated.” /KosovaPress/
