Bilcik: The association would reduce tensions, Bansjka is not the act of individuals so it needs an investigation

Bilcik has said the road ahead is the commitment of both sides in the dialogue. According to Slovak rapporteurs, the foundation of the Association would affect the reduction of tensions between the two states, and according to him it would also show Kosovo's commitment to progress in dialogue.

And Bilcik also said that what happened in Bansyska and the large weapons used there can only be the work of individuals, and therefore he says that a proper investigation is necessary.

The only way ahead is the true commitment of both sides in the dialogue. Increasing tensions, the uncertainty Serbs feel in Kosovo, are the result of the fact that there is no progress in dialogue. And here I want to stress again that there is a relatively quick diplomatic solution that would help reduce tensions, and this is serious business in the Association of Serbian municipalities. This would show Pristina's commitment, and if this were to happen, I think we would see progress in dialogue. At the same time, it is very clear that what happened in Banjska -- concentration of large resources, weapons -- could not have been done by individuals. Therefore, a proper investigation is needed”, Bilcik says in an interview for “Pobjeda”.

Asked if he supports the position of some European Parliament deputies who believe the EU should consider a new strategy for dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, but also for the Western Balkans in general, Bilcik has responded negatively.

I definitely don't support this idea. I think we've had a dialogue for years. And the European Union's mediation in dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina is the only basis that has the long-term and complete support of all member states institutions, and in recent years, and there is no reason to reconsider it. The only way forward is the true commitment of both sides to dialogue. And of course, given the recent events, it will also require a thorough investigation into what happened in Banjska. In essence, this is something that is mainly in the hands of Serbia and Belgrade. And events should not be used or abused. We need as much devotion from Belgrade as we need from Pristina in the” dialogue itself.