France has called for those responsible for the September 2023 attack in Banjska to be brought to justice, while urging Kosovo and Serbia to resume dialogue and fully implement the Brussels and Ohrid agreements.
Speaking during a United Nations Security Council discussion on Kosovo, France’s representative, Jay Dharmadhikari, said both countries share a European future, but stressed that achieving it requires continued efforts to normalise relations.
“Despite all the challenges, Serbia and Kosovo share a European future that will serve their peoples. This demanding path requires continued efforts to normalise their relations through the dialogue facilitated by the European Union and its Special Representative, Mr Peter Sørensen, with the support of both countries’ partners,” he said.
Dharmadhikari urged both sides to restore momentum in the dialogue, pointing to the agreement reached on March 14 on the phased implementation of the Law on Foreigners.
“France calls on both countries to regain the momentum of the dialogue launched earlier this year with the Agreement on the Phased Implementation of the Law on Foreigners, reached on March 14,” he stated.
He emphasised that the full implementation of the Brussels and Ohrid agreements remains the central objective, requiring firm commitment from both parties.
France Welcomes Kosovo’s New President
The French representative welcomed the election of Justina Shiroka Pula as President of Kosovo, saying the development could help ensure the proper functioning of state institutions and advance necessary reforms.
France also stressed that Kosovo’s institutions must guarantee the active participation of Kosovo Serbs at both the local level and within the judiciary.
France Raises Concerns Over Kosovo’s Law on Specialist Chambers
Addressing the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, Dharmadhikari reaffirmed France’s support for international justice, saying accountability for the most serious crimes is essential for victims and can contribute to reconciliation.
He said the law adopted by Kosovo’s Assembly amending legislation related to the Specialist Chambers was inconsistent with Kosovo’s international obligations.
“France calls on Kosovo to fully respect its international obligations in order to guarantee the independence, impartiality and judicial integrity of the Specialist Chambers,” he said.
‘Unacceptable’ That Banjska Attack Suspects Remain at Large
Dharmadhikari also addressed the Banjska attack, stressing that those responsible must face justice.
“Moreover, almost three years after the events, it is unacceptable that those responsible for the Banjska attack remain at large. The perpetrators of these attacks must be brought to justice and held accountable,” he said.
The September 2023 attack in northern Kosovo resulted in the killing of Kosovo Police Sergeant Afrim Bunjaku and heightened tensions between Kosovo and Serbia.
France Reaffirms Support for International Missions in Kosovo
Concluding his remarks, the French representative reaffirmed support for UNMIK’s work in coordination with KFOR, as well as for the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX).
He noted that UNMIK’s mandate remains linked to the normalisation of relations between Kosovo and Serbia and pledged France’s continued support for coordination among international peacekeeping efforts, in full respect of their respective mandates.
