US signs accord to join EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo

摘要

The US has signed an accord with the EU to allow it to participate in the EU Rule of Law Mission (EULEX) in Kosovo, which will work with the UN-mandated NATO Force in Kosovo (KFOR) to provide stability in the country. "This is a distinctive case of the US participating in a civilian European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) mission," said a joint statement by the US and EU on the agreement. "It is critical for international efforts to deepen rule of law in Kosovo in order to contribute to greater stability in the region." About 80 US personnel, who are mainly in the country already, working under the UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), will be transferred across to the EU mission. UNMIK has supervised the region since it broke away from Serbia in 1999.