Montenegro has lodged a formal protest with Kosovo following incidents of gunfire originating from the Kosovo side of the border, which have damaged facilities at the Montenegrin ski center Hajla Štedim. The Montenegrin Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a verbal note to the Kosovo Embassy in Podgorica, urging authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible. While Montenegro views these as isolated events, they have raised concerns about border security and regional cooperation.
Key Takeaways
- Montenegro has sent a protest note to Kosovo regarding shooting incidents near the border.
- The incidents allegedly originated from Kosovo and caused damage to the Hajla Štedim ski center.
- Kosovo has launched preliminary investigations into the matter.
- Both countries emphasize their commitment to regional cooperation despite the incidents.
The Incidents and Montenegro’s Response
Montenegro’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed sending a verbal note to the Kosovo Embassy in Podgorica on September 17. The note specifically addresses the use of firearms from the Kosovo side, which has impacted the Hajla Štedim ski center, located approximately 1.5 kilometers from the border. The Montenegrin authorities suspect the shots were fired from Kosovo territory.
Damage to the ski center’s infrastructure has been recorded in at least two separate instances. The first occurred in July of the previous year, affecting the ski center’s cabin, prompting the Rožaje Prosecutor’s Office to open a case. A second incident took place on August 24 of this year, with shots fired at a ski center facility. A police investigation is underway, after which the Prosecutor’s Office is expected to form a case.
Montenegro has requested that Kosovo’s competent authorities identify and prosecute the perpetrators and provide Montenegro with information on all actions taken. The Montenegrin Ministry stated that these incidents, while concerning, are considered isolated and do not reflect the broader commitment of both nations to strengthening regional cooperation and bilateral relations.
Kosovo’s Investigation and Cooperation Efforts
Kosovo’s acting government spokesman, Përparim Kryeziu, confirmed that authorities have initiated preliminary investigations to identify potential perpetrators. Kosovo was notified of the incidents through diplomatic channels, and the Kosovo Border Police conducted patrols in the Shtedim area but found no material evidence confirming the exact location or circumstances of the shootings. However, based on instructions from the Basic Prosecution Office in Peja and information from local sources, investigations are proceeding.
The Kosovo Police have expressed willingness to organize meetings with their Montenegrin counterparts to enhance cooperation, exchange operational information, and prevent negative occurrences along the border. The two countries have reportedly conducted 30 joint patrols in border areas this year alone.
Despite these efforts, a representative from the Kosovo Police in the Peja region initially stated they had no information regarding security incidents on the border with Montenegro, emphasizing their primary role in maintaining public order. Montenegro and Kosovo signed a border demarcation agreement in 2015, which was ratified by Montenegro the same year and by Kosovo three years later.
Sources
- MONTENEGRO SENT A PROTEST NOTE TO KOSOVO: Unknown attackers opened fire on a ski center across the border! |
Serbiantimes.info EN, Serbiantimes.info. - Kosovo launches preliminary investigation into shooting incidents on the border with Montenegro, cna.al.
- Montenegro Issues Verbal Note to Kosovo Over Border Shooting Incidents, Euronews Albania.
