The Head of the EULEX Mission in Kosovo, Giovanni Pietro Barbano, has spoken about the security situation in the north of the country, comparing the period before the Banjska attack with the current situation.
In an exclusive interview with KosovaPress, Barbano said that the situation in northern Kosovo is undoubtedly calm, but remains fragile due to the existence of potential factors that could trigger tensions.
Barbano on the situation in the north: It is undoubtedly calm, but still fragile
“Today, the situation is undoubtedly calm, but still fragile. It is fragile because of the existence of potential factors that may generate tensions. It is encouraging that most of these factors are being discussed in advance with local authorities, either within the framework of the dialogue process or in the context of developments following the Banjska attack. This helps prevent potential tensions from a security perspective. Nevertheless, there are still some issues that remain under our observation and assessment and that require solutions. What I expect and I would like to see is that every action to be discussed with the international community, particularly with EULEX, in order to avoid unilateral actions that may affect the rights of individuals”, Barbano told KosovaPress.
Barbano also credited the recent engagements of the Government of Kosovo within the dialogue process for helping maintain stability in the north, saying these efforts have been effective in preventing incidents.
Barbano: Government engagement in dialogue has prevented incidents in the north
“I must say that recent developments and the government’s engagements within the framework of the dialogue, particularly in the north, have proven to be very useful and effective in preventing incidents. However, from time to time there are still actions that are not sufficiently coordinated at the local level and that continue to attract our attention and concern,” he said.
He further noted that the police in the north are working to gain the trust of the local population through various initiatives and activities carried out in cooperation with NGOs, civil society organizations, and local communities. However, he stressed that there will always be individuals or groups that may seek to undermine peace and security.
Barbano also expressed concern over the continued discovery of weapons, not only in the north but throughout Kosovo, which he said indicates that weapons remain relatively easy to obtain.
Barbano: I am concerned about the continued discovery of weapons, not only in the north but all across Kosovo
“One aspect that continues to concern us is the ongoing discovery of weapons, not only in the north but throughout Kosovo. This indicates that weapons and offensive equipment continue to be available and relatively easy to acquire. Therefore, this requires significant attention from both the police and the prosecution, as well as the launch of voluntary weapons surrender campaigns aimed at demilitarizing these areas,” Barbano told KosovaPress.
