Italian Ambassador: Serbia brings to justice those responsible for terrorist attack in Banjska, Kosovo urged to establish association

On the Italian Republic Day occasion, it was highlighted that Italy will continue to support Kosovo in its stability and integration into Euro-Atlantic structures and other international mechanisms.

Italy's ambassador to Kosovo, Antonello De Riu, said that as part of the NATO-led mission, Italian troops will stay to support Kosovo's stability and security in co-ordinating with their allies.

“As part of the NATO-led mission, our Armed Forces will stand in the country to support the stability and security of this nation, in co-ordination with our allies, and despite the dangers of our personnel safety, as witnessed during the May of 1923 events in Zvecan, resulting in numerous injuries among our soldiers... Italy will continue to support Kosovo in this crucial phase by supporting its integration into Euro-Atlantic structures and other international mechanisms, if this will necessarily require a constructive approach”, De Riu said.

De Riu argued that achieving lasting peace and reconciliation is a complex process and that according to him dialogue facilitated by the EU is still critical of reaching an agreement to normalise relations between Kosovo and Serbia.

He said Serbia is expected to meet its responsibilities to bring to justice those responsible for the terrorist attack on Banjska, while adding that Kosovo is required, among other things, to continue with the creation of the Serb Major Commission Association.

“Achieving peace and lasting reconciliation is a complex process, with many layers, and the EU facilitated dialogue is still critical of reaching an agreement on normalising relations between Kosovo and Serbia... relying on the achievements of Ohrid and Brussels last year, Serbia is expected to meet its responsibilities under the Normalisation Road Agreement and fully co-operate to bring to justice those responsible for the terrorist attack on Banjska, who are currently living in Serbia, facilitating their extradition to Kosovo, while asking others to continue creating Most Serb Commissions with justice, Rhe added to the multi-Serb Commission, Decu>

Meanwhile, Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti, until he praised Italy's contribution to Kosovo, said the latter has been a staunch supporter of Kosovo's development, security, defence and integration into the European community.

Kurti stressed that our relations with Italy are marked by strong diplomatic ties, economic exchanges and cultural interactions.

He added that Italian businesses are increasingly investing in Kosovo.

“Italy has been a staunch supporter of Kosovo's development, security, defence and integration in the European community, for which we are deeply grateful... our relations with Italy are marked by strong diplomatic ties, economic exchanges and cultural interactions. Our co-operation includes different sectors from trade and investment in education and culture. Italian businesses are increasingly investing in Kosovo, bringing innovation and expertise that contribute substantially to our economic growth. Another extremely generous contribution is Italy's invaluable healthcare aid, which has helped save the lives of hundreds of children and adults in Kosovo”, Kurti said.