The Head of Mission of the European Union Rule of Law in Kosovo (EULEX), Giovanni Pietro Barbano, gave an interview to the TV station Klan Kosova setting the record straight on the monitoring role played by the Mission in relation to the violent events that happened at Banjska/Banjskë on 24 September 2023.

The interview was aired on 25 September 2024 as part of the Klan Kosova’s documentary “Banjska – Battlefield of a war,” featuring interviews with representatives of both local institutions and international organizations.

Barbano clearly explained the role and posture of Mission, emphasizing that: “It must be clear that we acted in monitoring capacity and we were prepared to intervene in our role as second security responder, but this capacity, this responsibility, is only enacted on the basis of an explicit request from the Kosovo Police, that did not ask us to intervene in such a role. So, we maintained only a monitoring role.”

When asked whether there were orders from EU High Representative Josep Borrell and EUSR Miroslav Lajcak to leave the assailants flee without consequences, Barbano categorially denied such speculation: “I would consider this scenario as conspiracy theory,” Barbano assertively stated, adding: “I can assure you that EULEX did not play any role in mediating or facilitating the fleeing of the assailants.”

Full documentary in Albanian language available at: Mat - "Banjska - fushëbeteja e një lufte” - Dokumentar, Klan Kosova 25.09.2024 - YouTube