UN mission calls for renewed trust in Kosovo to break cycle of mistrust

​​​​​​​By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - A senior official of the UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) on Tuesday urged renewed trust-building and a steady commitment to diplomacy between Belgrade and Pristina.

Milbert Dongjoon Shin, in his address to the UN Security Council, began by praising Kosovo's recent municipal vote, describing it as a "peaceful and inclusive atmosphere."

He urged political actors to maintain restraint ahead of next month's second round, adding: "I call on all parties to maintain the same calm and inclusive environment in the run-off elections set for November 9th, in order that people can continue to freely enjoy their right to vote."

Calling diplomacy essential to stability, he said: "We welcome the dialogue meetings in June and September between Belgrade and Pristina in Brussels."

"We call on both parties to avoid measures that might erode trust," he said, urging "the parties to address outstanding issues constructively and in good faith, within the dialogue framework, under the leadership of the EU Special Representative Peter Sorensen."

Shin welcomed steps to regularize civil documentation and emphasized the importance of accountability following the Banjska incident.

"We call on all relevant authorities in Belgrade and Pristina to take transparent and effective measures to bring perpetrators to justice," he said.

Tensions between the two countries reached their peak Sept. 24, 2023, when armed Serbs blocked a road and opened fire in the village of Banjska in northern Kosovo, where mostly Serbs live.

The clash resulted in the death of a police officer.

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced that a heavily armed group of approximately 30 people attacked Kosovo Police, as he held Serbia responsible for the incident.

The armed group, which took shelter in the Banjska Monastery and its surroundings, was surrounded by police, and clashes continued in the region throughout the day.

Kosovo's Internal Affairs Minister Xhelal Svecla announced that at least three attackers were killed in the operation in Banjska and six people were detained, including two attackers and four who supported the attack via radio connections.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic confirmed that Kosovo Serbs committed the incident. Milan Radoicic took responsibility for the events and was released on condition of judicial control after being detained in Serbia.

Radoicic, a politician and wealthy businessman, has ties to the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) and Vucic.

Interpol issued a red notice for the arrest of Radoicic and the other attackers in December 2023.

UNMIK's official further noted the mission's activities despite financial constraints and said the mission "continues… to promote trust and social cohesion" through programs that strengthen community leadership and cooperation.

Shin also said to the Council members that "by working together, we can sustain progress in dialogue, uphold human rights, and reinforce the foundations for lasting peace."