EP Rapporteur for Kosovo Ulrike Lunacek stated that EULEX should carry out investigation into the allegations about human organ trafficking presented in the report by Dick Marty, adding that it would be better if former chief prosecutor of the ICTY Carla del Ponte were not involved again in this process.

She qualified as positive the information that EULEX has launched a preliminary investigation based on Marty's report. On the occasion of the requests made by Marty and the Human Rights Watch that the probe should be conducted by an independent body which is not located in Kosovo, Lunacek stated for Deutsche Welle that at the moment this is not possible.

We have EULEX in the field as a mission which has an EU mandate to deal with legal issues. The ICTY and Del Ponte already looked into this matter, but concluded that there was not enough evidence for the continuation of the investigation.

There were also other independent institutions which have conducted probes, and I do not see the reason why things will turn out different this time, Lunacek said. She underlined that there is no agreement within the UN Security Council that Marty's allegations should be investigated by an independent body.

However, Lunacek underscored that it is problematic that there is no law on protection of witnesses, but added that it is soon to be adopted. She called on the EU countries, as well as the U.S. and Canada, to help and secure protection of potential witnesses, who would have to change identity and leave Kosovo.

Ahead of the long-awaited talks between Belgrade and Pristina, Lunacek expressed hope that both parties will prove in practice that they are willing to resolve issues which would enable better living conditions for the citizens. She underlined that as far as the EU is concerned there will be no talks about status or borders.

Lunacek believes that it is possible and important for Kosovo to enable its participation in international institutions and regional cooperation through the dialogue. On the other hand, if Serbia wants to progress on the EU path, it will have to be constructive in the negotiation process, Lunacek concluded.