NATO has reiterated its call for those responsible for the violence in northern Kosovo in 2023 to be held accountable, marking the third anniversary of the Banjska attack that left Kosovo Police Sergeant Afrim Bunjaku dead.
The attack took place on September 24, 2023, when an armed group attacked Kosovo Police officers in the village of Banjska in northern Kosovo.
A NATO official told Klan Kosova that the Alliance had repeatedly made clear to Serbian counterparts at all levels that attacks against KFOR personnel and subsequent violence in Kosovo in 2023 were unacceptable.
“We continue to call for those responsible to be held accountable,” the official said.
The official stressed that Serbia remains important for regional stability and said NATO expects its partnership with Belgrade to work in both directions.
“We expect Serbia to engage constructively with NATO and its neighbours. In this regard, the NATO Secretary General continues to remain in contact with President Vučić,” the official said.
NATO also highlighted the continued role of the Kosovo Force (KFOR) in maintaining a safe and secure environment in Kosovo.
“KFOR is well positioned to respond to any security developments, including through increased presence in the north of Kosovo, with patrols, observation points and engagement with representatives of all communities,” the official said.
The Alliance added that KFOR remains fully focused on implementing its long-term United Nations mandate, based on UN Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999.
The anniversary comes as accountability for the Banjska attack remains an issue in Kosovo-Serbia relations, with Kosovo authorities continuing to call for those responsible to face justice.
