The recent explosion at the Ibër-Lepenc canal, which posed a serious risk to vital resources such as drinking water and energy, has been labeled as a direct attack on public interest by Čedomir Čupić, a political scientist and professor at the Faculty of Political Science in Belgrade.
Čupić emphasized the importance of urgent and thorough investigations to prevent further escalation of tensions in the region.
“This terrorist act represents a serious risk. It threatens drinking water, energy stability, and the lives of people in Kosovo. Such an action must never be accepted. It is crucial to uncover the motive and the perpetrators of this act through a full investigation,” Čupić told RTK.
The incident has heightened tensions between Kosovo and Serbia. Kosovo has accused Serbia, drawing parallels with Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, while Belgrade has denied the accusations and called for an impartial investigation, offering cooperation with EULEX, KFOR, and the Kosovo Police.
“Unresolved incidents, such as the attack in Banjskë, are dangerous examples and remain precedents that could encourage further destabilizing acts. These situations require a swift and decisive response because otherwise, the consequences could be tragic,” Čupić added.
He further stressed that any plans for armed actions in the region are illusions, highlighting NATO’s presence as a guarantee of stability. According to Čupić, such efforts to destabilize only harm citizens and must be stopped once and for all.
The professor also called for the international community to hold all parties accountable and ensure measures are taken to prevent similar events in the future.
