14 minutes agoRiztuccia: KFOR has prevented the situation in Banjska from running into an even more serious situation
Periskopi(3 years ago)
(3 years ago)KFOR's outgoing commander, Angelo Michele Ristuccia, has said the presence of KFOR troops in Banjska has prevented events from escalating into an even more serious situation. He has said he was in regular contact with all of his colleagues, including EULEX, representatives of Kosovo institutions and [the] organisations....
He has said he was in regular contact with all of his colleagues, including EULEX, representatives of Kosovo institutions and the Kosovo Security Organisations, as well as with the chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Serbia.
Restuccia at the helm of KFOR will be replaced by Turkish General Ozkan Ulutash, the handover of duties is scheduled for 10 October, and the current KFOR commander stresses that Kosovo and Serbia should return dialogue.
Asked whether KFOR could have done more in Banjska and whether similar events could be repeated in the future, as well as whether KFOR participates in the investigation into events in Banjska, Ristica said.
After the attack on the Kosovo Police in Banjska, Kosovo Police have intervened as the first reacter, reacting in line with its legislationary responsibilities. The presence of KFOR troops in the area prevented events from being broken into a more serious situation. I have been in regular contact with all my relevant colleagues, including EULEX, representatives of Kosovo institutions and Kosovo security organisations, as well as the chief of the Serbian Army General Staff”, he told Kosovo-Online.
“KFOR remains fully committed to implementing its mandate, impartially based on UN Security Council Resolution 1244 in 1999 in order to preserve a safe environment and freedom of movement for all communities in Kosovo. KFOR does not conduct law enforcement activities, which is an exclusive task of the Kosovo Police, which acts as the first reacter. These activities are monitored by the European Union's Mission for Rule of Law (EULEX), as second in charge. KFOR is the third reacter. In light of recent events, KFOR has increased its presence and activities in northern Kosovo. We continue to call on Belgrade and Pristina to engage in the EU-brokered dialogue as the only way to resolve open issues and find solutions that respect the rights of all communities. This is essential for long-term security in Kosovo and stability in the region”, he said, among other things.
