Swiss money to rebuild Kosovo judiciary

Switzerland has pledged SFr2 million to help rebuild Kosovo's judicial system. Just over a quarter of the money will go towards reconstructing a prison bombed by Nato during last year's conflict.

The Federal Development Agency (Deza) said the official agreement for the funding would be signed with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo within two weeks.

The Swiss contribution will be spread over two years. Deza has promised SFr1 million for rebuilding the hospital and visitor centre at the prison in Istok in northwest Kosovo, and training prison personnel.

The building was a target of a Nato attack during the Kosovo war. The Alliance claimed it was the command centre for the Serbian police and the Yugoslav army.

The prison, which reopened in June, has room for 520 inmates and is designed to hold prisoners serving long term sentences.

Another SFr1 million from the foreign ministry will be directed at improving Kosovo’s judicial system and, in particular, the courts.

Switzerland’s involvement comes after a request from the head of the UN mission in Kosovo, Bernard Kouchner, in February.

swissinfo with agencies