UK Ambassador to the OSCE Neil Holland called on Serbia to help hold accountable those behind the attacks in Zveçan and Banjska.

He also urged Serbia to honor its pledge to support the investigation into the November 2024 attack on the Ibër-Lepenc canal.

In a statement on the UK Government’s website, issued after the OSCE Mission in Kosova’s six-month report, Holland encouraged both Kosovo and Serbia to stay engaged in the EU-facilitated dialogue. He said both sides must meet their obligations, including forming the Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities.

On May 29, 2023, more than 90 KFOR troops were injured during protests by Serbs in northern Kosovo. The protests opposed the entry of Albanian mayors into municipal buildings in North Mitrovica, Zveçan, Leposaviq, and Zubin Potok. Local Serbs had boycotted the elections that brought those mayors to power, following calls from the Belgrade-backed Serb List.

Kosovo arrested several people for violent acts during the unrest and for attacking KFOR troops. Serbia has not confirmed whether it is investigating the attacks.

On September 23, 2023, in Banjska, an armed group of Serbs led by former politician Milan Radoicic attacked Kosova Police, killing Sergeant Afrim Bunjaku. Radoicic is believed to be in Serbia.

“The UK stresses the need for justice and accountability for all violent acts,” said Holland. “We urge Serbia to fully cooperate in holding the attackers from 2023 accountable and to support the Ibër-Lepenc investigation”.

Holland called on both countries to respect the dialogue agreements. “Delays and violations hurt ordinary citizens and harm stability in the Western Balkans”.

He reaffirmed the UK’s firm support for Kosovo’s independence, sovereignty, and Euro-Atlantic path.

/a.p./