Szunyog: The consequences of Banjska's terrorist attack feel not only in northern Kosovo, but throughout the region

The chief of the European Union Office in Kosovo, Thomas Szunyog, believes what happened on September 24th was a strong alarm leg, and that all actions that could further escalate the situation on the ground should be avoided.

Kosovo Police were attacked by heavily armed people. The scope of the operation was unprecedented and represents a major escalation, which conflicts with the European Union's repeated calls for deescrossing Kosovo's north. The consequences of this terrorist attack are felt not only in northern Kosovo, but throughout Kosovo and throughout the region. We also see that the attack has certainly increased the international community's concern about the situation in northern Kosovo. Deceleration and rapid stabilisation of the security situation is now more urgent than ever. In the greatest appearance, the road ahead has not changed, in fact it has become more necessary.

Szunyog has said they expect Kosovo and Serbia to work on normalising relations through dialogue.

We expect Pristina and Belgrade to work on normalising their relations through EU-led dialogue. This is a platform where they can address various issues, which burden intercommunal relations in Kosovo. All actions that could further escalate the situation on the ground must be avoided. At the time when Europe is threatened by the Russian war against Ukraine, we should not allow violence and instability in Kosovo. We just can't afford it”, Szunyog's for Kosovo-Online.

He has also commented on last week's visit to the Banjsca monastery, along with the deputy director general for Europe of the European Foreign Action Service.

“We had an important discussion with representatives of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo for recent developments, with a focus on the role religious leaders can play in promoting intercommunal peace relations. I understand that the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo represents a point of reference and moral authority for the Kosovo Serb community, offering spiritual support to many believers. In the EU, we have always supported freedom of religion and the importance of being able to practice it”.