Barbano: The north remains calm, but sensitive; government dialogue has helped avoid incidents

The head of the EULEX mission in Kosovo, Giovanni Pietro Barbano, assesses that the situation in the north of the country is currently calm, although in his view it remains fragile due to the presence of factors that could generate tensions.

Speaking about security in the north compared with the period before the aggression in Banjska and the current situation, Barbano underlines that the commitments of the Government of Kosovo within the framework of the dialogue have helped prevent incidents.

“Today the situation is undoubtedly calm, but still fragile. Fragile because of the existence of potential factors that could cause tensions. It is encouraging that most of these factors are being discussed in advance with the local authorities, whether within the framework of the dialogue or in the context of developments after the attack in Banjska. This helps prevent possible tensions from a security perspective. However, there are still some issues that remain under our observation and review and require solutions. What I expect and want is for every action to be discussed with the international community, especially with EULEX, in order to avoid unilateral actions that could undermine the rights of individuals,” Barbano told KosovaPress.

According to him, recent developments and the executive’s involvement in the dialogue process, especially regarding the north, have had an effect in avoiding problematic incidents.

“I must say that recent developments and the government’s engagement within the framework of the dialogue, particularly in the north, have proved very useful and effective in preventing incidents. However, from time to time there are still actions that are not sufficiently coordinated at the local level and that continue to draw our attention and concern,” he stresses.

Barbano further says that the police in the north are trying to gain the trust of residents through various initiatives and activities carried out in cooperation with NGOs, civil society and the community. However, he adds that there are continually individuals or groups that could undermine peace and security.

He also expresses concern over the constant discovery of weapons, not only in the north but across the entire territory of Kosovo. According to him, this shows that weapons remain relatively easy to obtain.

“One aspect that continues to concern us is the ongoing discovery of weapons, not only in the north but throughout Kosovo. This shows that weapons and offensive means continue to be available and relatively easy to obtain. Therefore, this requires great attention from both the police and the prosecution, as well as the launch of campaigns for the voluntary surrender of weapons with the aim of demilitarizing these areas,” he says in his latest interview as head of the EULEX Mission.