Cochard: Banjska a heavy blow to normalization; pressure on both sides

Recent events in northern Kosovo, in the village of Banjska, are interpreted by the European community as a heavy blow to the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina. Now, there is pressure on both sides, and what is expected from Serbia is to establish the truth regarding these events, hold those responsible accountable, and move forward, the French Ambassador to Serbia, Pierre Cochard, said in an interview on "Euronews Centar".

Cochard added that only the final outcome of this incident could influence the establishment of normalization in northern Kosovo, which he believes is crucial for the further progress of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue under the EU's auspices.

He said that the arrest of Milan Radoicic was the first step in that direction, but emphasized the importance of clarifying all the details surrounding the incident to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Cochard also said that the issue of sanctions against Serbia due to recent events was not the focus of European officials, but that the primary goal was to reach the key and official facts about what had happened on the night between September 23rd and 24th in northern Kosovo.

"Talks were held in Brussels, and what I can say is that the goal and demand of all countries are to shed light on the events in Banjska, which will determine the EU's further reaction. If these events are clarified, if those responsible are brought to justice, then the process of normalization will proceed," he said.

He added that French President Emmanuel Macron himself, during the recent third Summit of the European Political Community in Granada, Spain, had expressed the aspiration of Europe to work towards the normalization of relations in Kosovo, primarily for the people on the ground.

"That meeting of the European Political Community is very important because all European countries that share the same vision of how our continent should look came to the table. There were also discussions about Kosovo. President Vucic talked with President Macron and other leaders, and I think that the meeting was very useful for conveying our messages, which is to explain and shed light on the events in Banjska and continue with the dialogue. This is the priority and the message of President Macron. So, continue the dialogue to find a path to normalization between Belgrade and Pristina," Cochard said.

When asked if he knew the details of the meeting between Vucic and Macron, he said he didn't know, but the issue of what had happened in Banjska had certainly been the focus of the discussions.

"Macron emphasized the need to fully investigate the events in Banjska. He said it was necessary to criminally prosecute individuals who had admitted guilt for that serious and unacceptable incident. This is a condition for us to move forward and continue the bilateral dialogue. There is a clear will on the part of France, Germany, Italy, and European bodies to quickly resume the dialogue so as not to find ourselves in a tense situation like the one that happened in Banjska and the preceding months. There have been tensions for several months," he said.

Commenting on the reports that the international Quint group could return to Belgrade, Cochard said that there was an intention on the part of France, Germany, and Italy to quickly return to the region.

"It is necessary to implement certain commitments made by Kosovo and Serbia, starting with serious discussions on the establishment of the CSM. Of course, this also concerns the rapid organization of elections in the northern municipalities with the full participation of the Serbs to break out of the current impasse. The parties need to agree on the next steps that must be implemented to fulfill the obligations and agreements related to the Franco-German agreement and the one from Ohrid," Cochard said.

He is confident that there can be progress in the future dialogue because, as he explains, there is now stronger political engagement.

"We are witnessing the consequences of not implementing the commitments made in Ohrid – tensions, conflicts, incidents. Political engagement is now quite strong, and the will to achieve results has never been stronger. Therefore, when the mission's arrival is confirmed, all EU member states are convinced that there is no more room for waiting," Cochard believes.

He notes that there is pressure on both sides now, and that's why he believes they are ready to cooperate in some way.

"It would be extremely risky for either side to be seen as constantly raising obstacles. That is risky for the European future and relations with the EU. We are at a decisive moment, and it needs to be seized to move forward. Refusing to engage in normalization is not one of the conditions for EU accession. Normalization is the only thing that matters to people on the ground. I think we will have increased pressure on both sides to achieve normalization in the near future," Cochard said.

As he added that what was accepted in Ohrid remains unchanged.

"On one hand, it's the formation of the CSM, and on the other, that Serbia will not oppose certain actions by Kosovo towards international membership in specific organizations. For now, what is in the agreement is that Serbia will not oppose Kosovo's entry into a certain number of international organizations without further details," Cochard said, among other things.