The German Embassy in Kosovo has strongly responded to a recent letter by Petar Petković, Serbia’s chief negotiator, addressed to the European Union and its member states, in which he urged them to stop what he called Kosovo’s “escalatory actions”—including the construction of two new bridges over the Ibër River in Mitrovica.
In a public statement, the German Embassy reiterated that while the Government of Kosovo must refrain from escalatory moves, calls for de-escalation must apply equally to all parties.
“As we have consistently stated, we call on the Government of Kosovo to refrain from escalatory actions. However, calls for de-escalation must be applied equally to all sides,” the Embassy stated.
The Embassy went further, raising serious concerns over Serbia’s failure to prosecute those responsible for the Banjska attack, singling out Milan Radoičić, the former deputy leader of the Serb List party, who has publicly admitted to organizing the attack, yet continues to roam freely in Serbia.
“It is clearly not the Government of Kosovo that is failing to enforce legal action against those responsible for the horrific attack in Banjska. The fact that Mr. Radoičić, who publicly admitted to leading the attack, continues to move freely in Serbian territory profoundly undermines efforts to build trust and accountability in the region,” said the German Embassy.
To emphasize the importance of self-reflection before casting blame, the Embassy invoked a German proverb:
“In German we say, ‘Erstmal vor der eigenen Haustür kehren’ – first clean in front of your own door. This proverb reminds us that one should get their own house in order before constantly scolding Kosovo for its decisions.”
In conclusion, the Embassy stressed that failing to act against perpetrators of violence is just as damaging as uncoordinated actions by Pristina, and that the region needs rule of law and accountability on all sides.
