Lubizde (Kosovo): The head of the European Union's rule-of-law mission to Kosovo said today his policemen and judges would not deploy in mid-June as expected, amid objections from Russia.

The mission, known as EULEX, was due to start work when Kosovo's constitution comes into force on June 15 as the new country's leaders hope to take full control of the country from the UN.

But ongoing wrangling between the EU and UN over who will have the final say in Kosovo's affairs, months after Kosovo declared independence from Serbia, has cast doubt over the mission's deployment. Some UN members, including Russia, consider the EU-led mission to be illegal because it has not been approved by the Security Council.

EULEX chief Yves de Kermabon did not elaborate on why the 2,000-strong EU-led mission was not ready to deploy fully, but cited "political and technical" issues behind the delay.

Most nations in the EU have recognized Kosovo's independence, but Serbia has vowed to hinder Kosovo's statehood and has Russia's support in stopping the UN from treating Kosovo as a state.

Kermabon did not exclude that his mission would run into difficulties in mentoring newly independent Kosovo in ensuring rule of law, amid growing disputes among groups split over Kosovo's independence.

"Twenty-seven (EU) member states were very strong on the decision to send this mission to Kosovo," Kermabon told reporters after meeting local policemen.

Russia considers the EU mission to be aimed at developing Kosovo's statehood, according to officials involved in talks on overcoming the impasse. Russia has proposed the EU work under the auspices of the UN, but EU officials have brushed off the suggestion.

Source : PTI