NATO has renewed its call for accountability over attacks against peacekeepers and other acts of violence in Kosovo in 2023, stressing that its partnership with Serbia must be based on constructive engagement from both sides.
Speaking on the third anniversary of the Banjska attack, a NATO official said the Alliance had repeatedly communicated to Serbian authorities at all levels that attacks against KFOR peacekeepers and other acts of violence in Kosovo during 2023 were unacceptable.
“We have been clear with our interlocutors in Serbia, at all levels, that the attacks carried out against KFOR peacekeepers and other acts of violence in Kosovo in 2023 are unacceptable. We continue to call for accountability for those responsible,” the official said.
The NATO official emphasized Serbia’s importance for regional stability and said the Alliance expected its relationship with Belgrade to involve reciprocal engagement.
“Serbia is important for regional stability and we expect our partnership to be a two-way street. We expect Serbia to engage constructively with NATO and its neighbours,” the official said.
The official added that NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte remained in contact with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić on these issues.
The Alliance also said that the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) remains prepared to respond to potential security developments in Kosovo.
“KFOR is well positioned to deal with any security development, including through an increased presence in the north, through patrols, observation posts and engagement with representatives of all communities,” the official said.
The comments come as Kosovo and international partners mark three years since the September 24, 2023, armed attack in Banjska, northern Kosovo, during which Kosovo Police Sergeant Afrim Bunjaku was killed.
NATO has repeatedly called for those responsible for violence against KFOR personnel and other security incidents in Kosovo to be held accountable.
The Alliance also reiterated that its operations in Kosovo remain focused on implementing its UN mandate under UN Security Council Resolution 1244, adopted in 1999.
KFOR continues to maintain a presence across Kosovo, with NATO describing the mission as a key element of its efforts to contribute to a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all communities.
