The German Embassy in Kosovo has formally requested that Serbia provide full cooperation to Kosovo institutions concerning the identification of individuals missing during the 1999 conflict and granting access to relevant historical documentation. This diplomatic call follows a specific request made by Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti. Kurti has asked Serbia to open the files belonging to the 37th Motorized Brigade of the former Yugoslav Army, a unit suspected of involvement in mass atrocities in Drenica and other regions of Kosovo.
The ongoing efforts to address these historical grievances have seen recent diplomatic milestones. In 2023, Kosovo and Serbia advanced a significant step toward resolving cases involving missing persons. This agreement, facilitated by the European Union, culminated in the adoption of the Declaration on Missing Persons.
Under this framework, a Joint Commission for Missing Persons was established. The mandate of this joint body is designed to encompass the responsibilities of both Kosovo and Serbia in the investigation process. The German embassy’s involvement underscores the international focus on accountability and transitional justice within the region.
The persistent push for documentation and cooperation highlights the ongoing efforts by both governments to establish a comprehensive record of those who disappeared during the conflict. The cooperation sought from Serbia remains central to the functioning of the joint mechanisms aimed at achieving closure for the victims and their families in Kosovo.
Topics: #kosovo #embassy #serbia
