BRUSSELS, Dec. 5 (UPI) -- The deployment of police and civilian officers to Kosovo to help the country meet European security standards is scheduled for Tuesday, EU officials said.
The top foreign policy envoy for the European Union, Javier Solana, said he welcomed the decision to implement the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo, or EULEX, Dec. 9, the Council of the European Union said Friday.
"I very much welcome the declaration of initial operational capability for the EULEX mission in Kosovo," Solana stated. "The mission can now start its work."
EU member states said the EULEX mission was ready to take on the responsibility of providing assistance to Kosovo authorities in the area of the rule of law, with a special emphasis on policing activities.
The EU Council launched EULEX in February, and it reached full operational capacity this month. The mission will not serve as a replacement for the U.N. Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo, the EU Council said.
"The mission is proof of the EU's strong commitment towards the Western Balkans, and it will contribute to the enhancement of stability in the whole region," said the foreign policy chief.
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia Feb. 17.
