"We can say that the mission will not be terminated and will continue, the work that they (mission participants) did in an honest, sincere and high-quality manner will proceed," the minister told journalists at the parliament on Thursday.
He confirmed that EULEX staff members came under fire on their way to work near Mitrovica in northern Kosovo on Thursday morning. Two people were injured, while Audrius Šenavičius, 35-year-old customs officer from Lithuania, was killed.
"Kosovar forces and police are investigating the incident. We don't know who the perpetrators are and cannot provide further details yet. We send our deepest condolences to the family and relatives," Linkevičius said.
He said messages of condolences were received from NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and EU High Representative Catherine Ashton.
"I received a call from Kosovo's minister (Foreign Minister Enver Hoxhaj) who once again emphasized the importance of the mission. It involves more than 2,000 people aiming to help and fight corruption, improve local and administrative capacities. It is really valued. It involves representatives of all 28 EU countries and five non-EU countries," said the Lithuanian diplomacy chief.
Asked about the danger of the mission in Kosovo, the foreign minister said it could not be compared to the missions in Afghanistan or Iraq.
"This is not among the most dangerous missions. On the other hand, the situation in the region is tense. I even dare to say that some do not like the reconciliation process between Kosovo and Serbia. It is not easy, there have been a number of meetings, Serbia does not recognize Kosovo's independence but holds conversations and negotiations, as it is important for Serbia's path to the EU. We are committed to helping them on this path. Some do not like the process, and this may also lead to tensions and havoc," Linkevičius added.
On Thursday morning, EULEX officers aboard two vehicles came under fire from unknown persons in the vicinity of Municipality Zvecan close to the Serbian border. The shooters at the EULEX officers are yet unknown.
Another two officers were injured in the attack, they are undergoing treatment in hospital.
EULEX has launched an investigation. Troops of the NATO-led KFOR have been dispatched to the scene.
