92000E2167

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2167/00

by Ioannis Souladakis (PSE) to the Council

(30 June 2000)

Subject: Rowdy behaviour by KFOR troops in Skopje

According to FYROM press reports, KFOR troops on leave in Skopje have been causing trouble on the streets and bars of the city, assaulting passers-by, particularly young women. Most of these incidents are caused by the excessive consumption of alcohol by the troops on leave. The population of Skopje almost always suffers as a result of this behaviour, but the KFOR military police takes a very relaxed attitude. This conduct by KFOR troops is an insult to the hospitality shown by FYROM to the KFOR troops, but above all damages the image of the peacekeeping effort undertaken at enormous cost by NATO and the EU in particular, which is involved through broader agreements in FYROM and in the normalisation of the situation in Kosovo.

How does the Council intend to protect the reputation of the EU in the FYROM in the face of the unacceptable conduct of KFOR troops so as not to cast a shadow over the contribution it is making to peace in the region?

Reply

(7 November 2000)

The behaviour of KFOR troops is a matter for KFOR commanders, NATO and the national authorities of the sending states. For its part, the EU is naturally concerned that the behaviour of all representatives of the international community working together to restore stability, security and multiethnic democracy in accordance with UNSCR 1244 should be exemplary whether in Kosovo or outside. It is confident that its own representatives generally conform to this high standard and that this is well understood by the population in Kosovo as in neighbouring countries they may visit on duty or leave.