A (Serb) local elected official from North Mitrovica assassinated. Eulex investigates

(B2) Dimitrije Janićijević, municipal councilor of North Mitrovica (Kosovo), was assassinated in Kosovo last night. He was hit by several bullets fired from a car with an automatic weapon, in front of his home. He died before arriving at Mitrovica hospital. " We attempted resuscitation, which lasted more than half an hour, but without success, and his death was officially confirmed at 1:13 a.m. “, indicated to the Agency Tanjug, the director of the hospital Mitrovica. Janićijević was the father of 3 children and his wife was expecting a fourth. He was a member of the Independent Liberal Party (SLS) and had stood in the last elections for mayor of North Mitrovica. A party which advocates dialogue with the Kosovars and had signed a coalition agreement with H. Thaci, the Serbian Prime Minister.

A survey by Eulex

The special investigative task force of Eulex Kosovo has been dispatched to the scene and is carrying out the first investigations in liaison with the Kosovo police (KP). An autopsy was ordered, carried out at Pristina hospital and an appeal for witnesses was launched. The High Representative reacted in the afternoon with a press release sending condolences to her family and friends. Catherine Ashton said she was waiting for a " prompt investigation into this murder so that its perpetrators are brought to justice ". " Any use of violence is completely unacceptable she said (download here).

Multiple reactions

(shift) While addressing his "sincere condolences" to the family, the European Union Special Representative, Samuel Žbogar, highlighted “the very complex situation in northern Kosovo”  and called on Wednesday “ North Mitrovica citizens from all communities, Kosovo forces (...) and international representatives (...) to work together to defuse tensions”.  On the Serbian side, the Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Ivica Dacic condemned "very harshly the assassination" and called for her "immediate resolution" (Download here). On the Kosovar side, the act is also " sentenced " (Download here). 

Comment (NGV): This is a blow to the process of peace and rapprochement between Pristina and Belgrade, even though a meeting was to be held in Brussels on the new holding of elections in North Mitrovica. Read : North Mitrovica continues to sow discord between Belgrade and Pristina