Clear Goffus: Increasing number of troops is solution to long-term peace in Kosovo

Over the past year, we have increased the number of troops in Kosovo, unfortunately due to a greater security challenge and repeated tensions. As long as it is unfortunately necessary for now, adding troops is not the solution to long-term peace and stability in Kosovo”, he said.

Kosovo's north remains tense since early 2023, when held ProtestsAgainst the deployment of Albanian mayors to Serb majority municipalities in that part. The situation grew tense after Murder of an Officer of the Kosovo Police by a group of Serbs armed later that year.

The Kosovo government was criticised for this year's decisions to ban the Serbian dinar, for closing several branches of Serbia's Post in the north, and for its intentions to open this main time on the Iber River, which divides Kosovo's majority Albanian to the south and Serb majority in the north.

Goffus said the solution is <x0political”, and added that “is essential” that Pristina and Belgrade engage constructively in the dialogue mediated by the European Union to resolve their issues.

“Sic we have seen, uncoordinated and unexpected actions, especially in the north, can increase the risk of violence, which undermines the security of all people in Kosovo and increases the risk facing KFOR troops”, he added.

He underlined that such actions add to NATO allies and partners' concerns about the stability of the region, security in Kosovo, and the security of their troops.

Kosovo's government announced in early August its intentions to open the bridge over the Iber River as well as for vehicle flow, as it is open only to pedestrians. This was rejected by the United States, the EU, but the military alliance's own mission, KFOR.

But this week, Prime Minister Kurti said that His government is continuing consultations, discussions with alliesAbout opening the bridge.

Goffus said that the timely and timely co-ordination of “” with NATO and the international community is “jetic”.

I've highlighted this to all of my colleagues today. That is also true of the host of issues, including the bridge on Iber, where KFOR is present”, he added.

Zvecani and Banjska

On May 29th 2023, Serb protests in northern Kosovo against the deployment of Albanian mayors in four municipalities there culminated in clashes with KFOR members.

During the clashes, 93 KFOR members were injured, some of whom had serious injuries.

Speaking about this, Goffus said that NATO's men and women's “suffered unacceptable and unprotested attacks”.

In September that year, a group of armed Serbs attacked the Kosovo Police in the village of Banjska in Zvecan, killing Sergeant Africa Bulnjak. Three Serb attackers were killed in the subsequent fighting.

The responsibility for the attack was later taken over by Milan Radoic, former deputy chairman of the Serbian List, the largest party of Kosovo Serbs, who enjoys the support of official Belgrade.

For the attack, Kosovo blames Serbia, but Belgrade denies it has a finger on it.

Goffus stressed that he expects those responsible for these attacks on Zvecan and Banjska to be held accountable.

“NATO has made this clear to both Belgrade and Pristina”, he underlined.

In the end, he reiterated and uncoordinated and at the wrong time actions, along with striking rhetoric, promote tensions and endanger stability and peace in Kosovo.

At this critical time for European security, we must make sure to work together faithfully. NATO will play its role”, it concluded. /rel