Konjufca warns of the danger posed by Serbia’s territorial ambitions

Serbia’s territorial ambitions and the lack of accountability for the attack in Banjska are serious concerns for Kosovo’s sovereignty and regional stability, according to Kosovo’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Glauk Konjufca.

In an interview with The Hungary Insider, published on October 15, Konjufca said recent developments show, in his view, that Serbia is continuing the same policy toward Kosovo and offering political protection to those involved in the armed attack in Banjska. He described the threat to the Republic of Kosovo as real and called on the international community to take this pattern of behavior seriously.

Konjufca referred to statements by Serbian officials, Milan Radoičić’s public appearances at political rallies in Serbia, and the September 2023 attack in Banjska, in which Kosovo police officer Afrim Bunjaku was killed.

He said that although Radoičić has admitted organizing the attack, he remains free in Serbia and the Serbian prosecutor’s office has yet to indict him. Konjufca called on the European Union to pressure Belgrade to hand over Radoičić and the other accused individuals to Kosovo’s judicial authorities. Justice for Banjska, he said, is crucial to preventing further acts of aggression and establishing lasting security in the region.

Konjufca also warned of the possibility of a new escalation. He said that a concentration of Serbian combat forces near the border, or another attack on Kosovo’s territory and critical infrastructure, would constitute a serious escalation.

To prevent such situations, he said, a strong NATO presence through KFOR and close cooperation with American and European partners are necessary. Konjufca added that Kosovo will continue to strengthen its defense institutions while remaining committed to diplomacy, constructive dialogue, and peaceful relations with all its neighbors.