Zvecan violence against KFOR soldiers, Bardonini: Waiting for Responsibilities to Be brought to Justice

Bardonini has reaffirmed NATO's commitment to preserving peace and stability, praising dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia as the only road to long-term solutions.

In interview for searching RTVDukgjini, Italian Major General, said NATO has been present in Kosovo since the end of the war in 1999 and has significantly influenced the improved security.

Out of 50,000 soldiers in 1999, KFOR has been transformed into a smaller but more flexible force, with about 4,600 troops currently.

Despite improvements, the situation is still fragile. The 2023 tensions and recent incidents, including the attack on Iber-Lepenc, testify that peace is not guaranteed”, Bardon said.

He confirmed that KFOR has taken preventive measures, strengthening its presence on the ground and co-operating closely with local communities, Kosovo Police and local security institutions.

As for last year's incident in Zvecan, where KFOR soldiers were injured in confrontation with Serb protesters, Bardoni said violence was unacceptable and has demanded that the culprits be brought to justice.

He expressed regret over the lack of progress in this direction and said NATO has reacted by sending 1,000 additional troops.

Regarding the terrorist attack in Banjska, where police Officer Africa Bunnjak was killed, KFOR commander reiterated the position that the investigation into the event is outside his mandate and belongs to law enforcement authorities.

Regarding reports of increasing Serbia's military presence near the border with Kosovo, Bardon said there have been no violations of NATO procedures and that the situation on the administrative line is under full control of KFOR.

He said there is regular co-operation with Serbia's Armed Forces and Kosovo security institutions./Periscopi/