Commander of KFOR, Major General Angelo Mikela Ristuća, spoke at a briefing with Belgrade journalists about the current security situation in Kosovo. Especially in light of the incidents in the north of Kosovo, 2May 9, when KFOR soldiers were injured.
He points out that a political solution to the Kosovo issue is necessary, and that both sides need the will to reach it through dialogue, under the auspices of the EU and with the support of the US.
As he says, the constructive approach of both parties is crucial, in order to create the necessary conditions for long-term stability in Kosovo and in the region, for the benefit of all nations, as well as future generations.
He added that the events that threatened to disrupt stability required a huge military and diplomatic effort to re-establish a more peaceful and balanced situation.
"They only confirm that a political solution can bring lasting peace and stability to this area." Many events, especially those of May 29, confirm that political solutions are needed. This is the reason why NATO and KFOR fully support the dialogue mediated by the EU and the US," Ristuća said.
Ristuća also says that the situation is currently unstable and there is a lot of distrust, but that the very fact that negotiators from both sides sat down at the negotiating table after the incidents on May 29 is positive.
Avoiding escalation the main goal
He also states that a political solution is the only acceptable one, and points out that KFOR is there to provide an open space for negotiations, in order to reach a solution for normalization through dialogue.
As he says, when there is mistrust, there is a high risk of misunderstandings and bad assessments, and KFOR is there to avoid those risks and to increase the trust of the two parties, as well as to avoid escalation.
"There is a risk, that's why we are in Kosovo, otherwise we wouldn't be there," Ristuća said.
Investigation of the attack on KFOR soldiers Ristuć said that he hopes that the authorities in Belgrade investigate the persons who participated in the incident on May 29, when KFOR soldiers were injured, and who then returned to central Serbia.
They expect the perpetrators of the attack on KFOR soldiers to be prosecuted and brought to justice on both sides.
He also says that he knows that the Kosovo authorities are conducting an investigation, but that there is no new information in this regard.
ZS/Demostat
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