Bilcik: Link between Banjska events, Belgrade leadership not established so far 

“We must continue the dialogue. There is no plan B. We have always said it, I think everybody who is engaged in this issue, who has followed closely the relations between Belgrade and Pristina, knows that dialogue is the only way forward, and any other alternative could be a tragic alternative,” stressed Bilcik.

He said all sides must get back to dialogue, that everybody has to be serious about the dialogue and committed to the dialogue, adding that this is especially in the interest of the people living in Kosovo, both the Serbs and the Albanians.

“Because otherwise I think we may have a very different picture that none of us is going to like, so dialogue is the only way,” said Bilcik.

Regarding the events in Banjska, Bilcik said it is crucial to establish all the facts and to have a clear and credible investigation into what happened, that justice is delivered and lessons learnt.

“What happened in Banjska is basically an example of what can happen if politics, dialogue and communication fail us. This is potentially hugely explosive, especially in the Western Balkans, and especially when we talk about relations between Belgrade and Pristina,” cautioned Bilcik.

He said that, up until Banjska, many who follow closely the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina were very frustrated with Pristina and with the fact that Pristina was not engaging genuinely when it comes to the delivery of the proposal on the Association of Serb Municipalities.

“Since Banjska, I think all eyes are looking also at Belgrade, and this is something we will be addressing in the resolution,” said Bilcik, adding that he does not know what the final version of the resolution contain.

Bilcik said restrictive measures will be addressed in the resolution, but explained that his political group in the EP is clearly stating that measures against Serbia should be adopted only if there is a clear link between the events in Banjska and the leadership in Belgrade.

So far this has not been established, he emphasized, and noted that the European Parliament will adopt a political resolution, but the decision on any measures towards Belgrade is in the hands of the EU member states and EU Council.

“It is too early to say what is going to happen. This is why my essential point is that we needs facts, we need a credible, speedy investigation, delivery of justice, and this has to be done in the best possible manner. Also, time is of the essence,” said Bilcik.