Barduani: Conflict arises where dialogue is lacking, this also applies to Kosovo

KFOR Commander Major General Enrico Barduani, in an interview with RTK, emphasized that the issues between Kosovo and Serbia cannot be resolved militarily but only through political means, highlighting dialogue as the key to addressing outstanding matters.

Barduani underlined that KFOR is prepared to face all security challenges and has strengthened its forces, particularly along the administrative line with Serbia, following the attack in Banjska last year.

The KFOR Commander noted that he took on his role during a highly complex and fragile security situation.

"Overall, the situation on the ground is calm but remains fragile, and many unilateral actions taken by certain parties genuinely do not help stabilize it. This forces us to carefully monitor the security situation," Barduani said.

Speaking about the opening of the bridge on the Ibar River, the Italian Major General stated that KFOR's position is clear—that any decision regarding the bridge must be made through dialogue and in coordination with the international community.

"KFOR will maintain a stable presence at the bridge and will continue conducting regular patrols in the surrounding areas. Regarding the bridge and other unresolved issues, it is essential for all actors to refrain from unilateral announcements and actions that could create tensions. That is why we will remain vigilant and closely coordinate with all our partners to prevent any escalation," Barduani explained.

His main priority, he said, is to ensure that KFOR remains well-positioned to continue contributing to the safety and stability of all citizens and communities in Kosovo.

"To that end, we must maintain KFOR's operational readiness to address any security challenge that may arise. However, let me add that beyond operational preparedness, strong cooperation and regular trust-based communication with our local, regional, and international partners are crucial for regional stability," Barduani stated.

He also mentioned that KFOR continues to support the dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade, which he described as the framework for resolving outstanding issues for the benefit of all communities living in Kosovo.

When asked about solutions to the security challenges between Kosovo and Serbia, the KFOR Commander replied that the solution is not ultimately military but political, as dialogue, in his words, is the key to resolving most issues.

"Of course, KFOR will spare no effort to continue fulfilling its mission based on its mandate, at any time and impartially, for the benefit of all. However, military efforts will always remain incomplete unless Pristina and Belgrade engage constructively in dialogue, with the support of the European Union and, more broadly, the international community. History has always shown that dialogue is the key to resolving most issues. Conflict arises where dialogue is lacking. This also applies to Kosovo," Barduani affirmed.

He also discussed the number of KFOR troops in Kosovo, emphasizing that in the event of rising tensions, KFOR is ready and equipped to take all necessary actions to continue fulfilling its mandate.