Hamilton: NATO knows the names of those who have carried out the attack on Banjska

In the question posed by Telegraph, which was present at this meeting, concerning the incidents in the north and the possibility of their repeating now on the eve of new elections, Ambassador Hamilton said the situation in Kosovo is generally stable and secure.

“But of course, KFOR is here for a reason, because there is a story of fragility. The mandate of KFOR and NATO is to work with Kosovo institutions to ensure that this stability is preserved. So, KFOR and NATO are always watching and listening, to make sure there is no increasing instability. But I must say that, at the moment, we feel very comfortable with the situation on the ground in Kosovo”, Hamilton said.

Ambassador Hamilton also spoke of the attack in Banjska, saying NATO expects responsibility and justice for the 2023 incidents, while stressing that this issue remains important even for reports between NATO and Serbia, Telegrafi reports.

“Just as I came from Belgrade before I arrived here in Pristina and my message to Serbian authorities is that NATO expects accountability, that justice be put in place for those who organised and carried out those attacks must face justice”, he said, stressing that attacks on KFOR members are unacceptable.

The ambassador added that Serbia knows the authors of this attack, so they expect concrete steps.

For NATO-Serbia relations to move forward in a deeper and more meaningful way, we must see that representatives of the Banjska attack are brought to justice. And we know who they are, we believe even the authorities in Serbia know who they are. Therefore, as I said, the ball is on Serbia's side to take the next steps. That was the message I delivered to my Serbian co-talkers, and now the ball is on their side”, he said.

According to Hamilton, though NATO wants a deeper and more transparent relationship with Serbia, some co-operation processes cannot advance without responsibility for attacks in northern Kosovo, Telegraphy reports.

“would say deeper relations between NATO and Serbia. For example, advancing a partnership programme individually adapted to Serbia in a very real sense. We want to see this happen, but we will not move forward with those aspects of practical co-operation until we see accountability and justice for the 2023” incidents, Hamilton said.

Ambassador NATO also cited the process of dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, where it stressed that NATO supports it.

“Must have continued and powerful dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade. NATO strongly supports the EU-led process of Pristina dialogue '%s', under the direction of Peter Sorensen”, Hamilton said.