
Career diplomat Zoran Milivojevic said it is important for Serbia to conduct an “all-encompassing and thorough” investigation into the events in the Banjska village in northern Kosovo, and that the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue should not depend on that.
Milivojevic told N1 that Serbia should follow through the investigation and prove it was not in any way involved in the Banjska incidents.
This is important not only because of the European Union (EU), but also because of the dialogue and normalization process, it is “in the interest of all.”
He said it was inappropriate to raise the issue of Milan Radoicic’s extradition, noting that, according to Resolution 1244, extradition to oneself is impossible.
“Raising the issue (of extradition) is out of place, but full investigation – yes,” said Milivojevic.
Armed clashes broke out on September 24 between a group of Serbs, led by former deputy leader of the Belgrade-backed Serb List Milan Radoicic, and the Kosovo Police in the Banjska village in northern Kosovo. One Kosovo police officer and three Serbs were killed. Radoicic has accepted responsibility for the events in Banjska, denying any involvement of the Serbian authorities.
Milivojevic said it was up to Serbia “conduct (the investigation) firmly, verifiably and based on facts, as for how it will be evaluated, that is not up to us.”
Asked what he expects from the investigation, Milivojevic said the full truth which, he stressed, is also important for Serbia.
“We did not need Banjska, we were doing good in the negotiation process, dialogue, there isn’t a single element indicating that Serbia was involved, and that needs to be proved,” he said.
Milivojevic voiced his opinion that sanctions against Serbia are not possible, because they would require the full consent of all members, and would render pointless the continuation of the dialogue which, he said, is a greater interests.
European Parliament Rapporteur for Kosovo Viola von Cramon recently said that a package of measures has been prepared for Serbia as “a response to the September 24 terrorist attack in Banjska.”
Milivojevic said these measures are more lenient than sanctions, but that every measure throws into question Serbia’s participation in the dialogue.
“Serbia is ready for dialogue, an investigation will be conducted anyway. The dialogue should not depend on the Banjska case. The investigation should not affect this, because dialogue has no alternative,” said Milivojevic.
The Pristina side is exclusive, said Milivojevic, adding that the dialogue depends on the mediators, especially those who have influence on Pristina, meaning the US.