EU must end lawlessness in Kosovo

The international Nato peacekeeping force Kfor will control the border crossings between northern Kosovo and Serbia at least until mid-September. The decision, agreed on Thursday between Serbia and Nato, spells the failure of Kosovo's Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi's plan to force Belgrade to recognise the Kosovar customs stamp, writes the left-liberal daily Süddeutsche Zeitung: "Thaçi was forced to reluctantly accept the agreement between the Kfor and Serbia. The northern tip of the country remains a lawless zone where smuggling and corruption flourish. ... It is really the task of the EU Rule of Law Mission to put an end to such activities. ... But as long as five EU countries refuse to recognise the tiny Balkan state there is little hope of a joint European stance. ... To prevent further escalation the EU must force both sides to resume talks and dispel the illusions of the conflicting parties. Neither will Belgrade be able to recapture Kosovo nor will Priština be able to integrate the North with risky campaigns."   

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