U.S. Ambassador Says Special Tribunal Would Boost Kosovo's Credibility

U.S. Ambassador Tracey Ann Jacobson

PRISTINA -- The U.S. ambassador to Kosovo has told RFE/RL that the proposed establishment of a special tribunal to deal with allegations of organ trafficking by former Kosovo Albanian rebels would help Kosovo build up its "international credibility."

Ambassador Tracey Ann Jacobson, in an interview with RFE/RL's Balkan Service on April 8, said Pristina's failure to approve such a court "would be potentially very damaging for Kosovo's credibility and it would give a tool to those who want to question the legitimacy of Kosovo's independence."

The proposed court will look into allegations that former Kosovo Albanian rebels harvested organs of murdered Serbs during the 1998-1999 war.

The allegations stem from a 2011 report by Council of Europe rapporteur Dick Marty.

Kosovo's authorities have rejected the allegations as an attempt to tarnish the reputation of the rebels.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008.