Former Kosovo Security Force Colonel Hysen Gecaj stressed that the security issue in the north of the country is not new, but has been an ongoing concern that has often been ignored by political leaders in Pristina, as he commented. statements by Major General of the Italian Army, Enrico Barduani and those of President Vjosa Osmani.
According to him, Serbia has been exerting pressure and generating tensions for a long time, causing the situation to remain fragile.
Gecaj says that the reaction of Kosovo institutions has often been delayed and not at the right level. For example, he says that President Osmani's statements about threats from Serbia are correct, but delayed, as this issue has not been treated as a priority by political leaders up to this stage.
"The lack of seriousness in management has brought consequences not only in the security field, but also in the economic one. Kosovo faces sanctions from the European Union, stagnation in development and a massive exodus of young people. These problems are directly related to the lack of a clear political vision and insufficient coordination with international allies," he warned on KTV's "60 Minutes."
Speaking about the risk of escalation in the north, Gecaj recalled that three or four years ago there were clear indications of possible tensions, but they were not treated with the necessary seriousness by politics. According to him, leaders should have been the first to understand this risk and act earlier, instead of waiting to face serious consequences.
He underlined that Kosovo has not yet closed all open issues with Serbia and that in order to achieve state goals, it is necessary that actions be taken in close cooperation with American and European allies.