Repeated statements came from the USA regarding the tension on the border between Serbia and Kosovo. White House National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby stated that they observed Serbia’s “unprecedented” military buildup on the Kosovo border and said, “We believe this is a highly destabilizing development.” said.
“We call on Serbia to withdraw these forces from the border and contribute to reducing the temperature,” Kirby said. he said. Stating that the USA is in close contact with Serbia and Kosovo, as well as with NATO and its European allies, Kirby stated that the incident that resulted in the death of a police officer as a result of the Serbs opening fire in the north of Kosovo on September 24 should be investigated.
“THE PRESENCE OF THE PEACE FORCE WILL BE STRENGTHENED”
Kirby stated that approximately 30 people were involved in the attack in question and underlined that the criminals should be brought to justice.
Kirby stated that the weapons seized in Kosovo pose a threat not only to the personnel in the region but also to international personnel, including NATO troops, and stated that they will continue to follow the situation closely. “In light of current developments, the presence of NATO’s Peace Force in Kosovo (KFOR) will be strengthened,” Kirby said. he said.
Calling for moderation on all parties, Kirby pointed out that diplomatic efforts will continue.
CALL TO REDUCE TENSION
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on Serbia to reduce tensions and fulfill the obligations of the normalization agreement within the framework of the European Union (EU)-led dialogue. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Mathew Miller made a written statement regarding Blinken’s phone call with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.
According to the statement, Blinken emphasized that steps should be taken to reduce tension immediately following the incident that resulted in the death of a police officer when armed Serbs who blocked the road opened fire on the morning of September 24 in Banjska, where mostly Serbs live.
Underlining that the criminals must be brought to justice, Blinken stated that he appreciated the way NATO’s Peace Force in Kosovo (KFOR) and the European Union’s Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) dealt with the incident.
Blinken stated that he welcomed the decision to strengthen KFOR’s presence in the region and said, “Serbia must urgently reduce tensions and fulfill the obligations of the normalization agreement within the framework of the EU-led dialogue.” gave his message.
“OUR MEETING WAS NOT EASY”
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Vucic said to the press after the phone call, “Our meeting was not easy.” He noted that they were referring to what happened on September 24 in the north of Kosovo.
Vucic said, “Blinken talked about possible sanctions against Serbia if it is not acted appropriately. I told him that the USA is a great and powerful country. I expressed my opposition to this.” he said.
WHAT HAPPENED IN THE NORTH OF KOSOVO ON SEPTEMBER 24
The tension, which had been going on for months in the north of Kosovo, escalated again on the morning of September 24, when armed Serbs who blocked the road in Banjska, where mostly Serbs live, opened fire, resulting in the death of a police officer.
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced that a heavily armed group of approximately 30 people, whom he described as “a professional terrorist/criminal structure”, attacked the Kosovo police and held Serbia responsible for the incident.
The armed group, which took shelter in Banjska Monastery and its surroundings, was surrounded by the Kosovo police and clashes continued in the region throughout the day.
Kosovo Minister of Internal Affairs
Serbian President Vucic confirmed that the incident that resulted in the death of a Kosovo police officer was committed by Kosovo Serbs. (AA)