Given the tensions on Serbia’s border with Kosovo, the German federal government appealed to the government in Belgrade to calm the escalation. “There must be no further escalation between Serbia and Kosovo. It is important that Serbia immediately reduces troops on the border”, wrote the German Foreign Ministry on Twitter today (X).
“Together with our partners, we are in intensive contact with all parties. The political process must continue urgently,” he said. The reason is that tensions have risen again in northern Kosovo, which borders Serbia.
Last weekend, 30 armed and masked men opened fire on Kosovar police officers in a village not far from the border with Serbia. According to police reports, a police officer and three attackers were killed in an exchange of gunfire.
In a statement, the alleged leader of the group, Kosovo Serbian businessman Milan Radoicic, claimed to have carried out the action on his own initiative and not to have informed any official bodies in Serbia about the matter. He has now been questioned.
Serbia does not recognize Kosovo’s independence
Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia in 2008. But Serbia does not recognize this. Since the incident, there have been reports of a build-up of Serb troops on the border with Kosovo. NATO therefore wants to increase its presence in the Western Balkan country.
Yesterday, a spokesman for the German Foreign Ministry called on Serbia to “unequivocally call for the renunciation of violence”. It is irritating to see how Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic “declares victims of perpetrators”. In a conversation last night, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on Vucic to ensure de-escalation. Both Western Balkan countries intend to join the European Union.
Kosovo wants everyone involved extradited
Kosovo wants Serbia to extradite to Prishtina all people who were “involved in the planning and implementation of the terrorist action” on September 24 in Banjska. Kosovo’s Interior Minister Xhelal Svecla told Free Europe that the request to Belgrade would be made by international partners.