Brussels, January 10, 2014 NOA.al – The delegation of the Republic of Kosovo, led by Deputy Prime Minister Edita Tahiri and composed of Mimoza Ahmetaj, Ambassador of Kosovo in Brussels, and Besnik Osmani, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, had this afternoon bilateral meetings with EU representatives led by Anna – Maria Boura.

The topic of discussion was the implementation of the Brussels Agreement, in accordance with the laws of Kosovo, regarding the issue of taking office and operation of new municipal bodies, with particular emphasis on the four municipalities in northern Kosovo.

After the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Tahiri stated that "meeting with EU representatives today was important; we received guarantees that the EU strongly supports the observance of the laws of Kosovo by the new municipal bodies in the process of taking office and functioning". For their part, EU representatives stated that "the Brussels’ agreement is clear and based on the laws of Kosovo, and just as elections were held in accordance to Kosovo laws the process of inauguration and operation must also be in full accordance with them."

EU has also announced that it is in constant contact with the mayors of these municipalities and in the afternoon a meeting was held in Brussels with the delegation of these municipalities headed by Zvecani mayor, whom the EU clearly informed that new municipal bodies have to respect the laws and constitution of Kosovo during their inauguration.

On the other hand, the Kosovo delegation at the meeting with the EU stressed that "the Government is fully committed so that the process of establishment and operation of the new municipalities shall be completed across Kosovo according to the law and the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo."

Praising once again the important contribution that the EU has given and is giving in the constitution of local bodies, the Kosovo delegation appreciated the clear position of the EU in support of the laws of Kosovo and urged for EU continued commitment until the completion this process.

Further on, the delegation also informed the EU that in case the laws of Kosovo shall be ignored by any elected mayor or municipal counselor then Government of the Republic of Kosovo shall take appropriate legal measures and declare their illegality."

Meetings with the EU will continue tomorrow to finalize this process properly in accordance with the laws of Kosovo and the Brussels’ agreement.