The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro sent a verbal note to the Kosovo Embassy in Podgorica on Monday, regarding gunfire that allegedly came from the Kosovo side in the area near the Montenegrin ski resort, Hajlla-Shtedim, near the border between the two countries.
"The competent bodies of the Republic of Kosovo have been requested to identify and prosecute the perpetrators of these incidents, as well as to notify Montenegro of all measures and actions taken," the Ministry of Montenegro said in a statement to Radio Free Europe.
The ministry led by Ervin Ibrahimović assesses that these are isolated incidents.
At least two cases of damage to the infrastructure of the Hajlla-Shtedim ski center in Montenegro, which is located about one and a half kilometers from the border with Kosovo, have been recorded.
In both cases, the competent Montenegrin authorities suspect that the shots were fired from Kosovo territory.
The first incident occurred in July last year, when damage was noticed in the cabin of the ski center. The Rozhaja Prosecutor's Office has opened a case in this case.
Meanwhile, the second incident occurred on August 24 of this year, when shots were fired at a ski center facility. The prosecution is expected to open a case after the completion of the police investigation.
The verbal note was sent after repeated incidents recorded by the Police in Rožaje, announced the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro, which adds that the Kosovo ambassador was also notified of the incidents on September 22.
"We believe that isolated cases do not reflect the clear commitment of our two countries to strengthening regional cooperation and further improving bilateral relations," the Ministry's response to REL states.
It is also emphasized that the Kosovo side was particularly drawn to the importance of implementing three agreements between states - on the state border between Montenegro and Kosovo, the opening of the joint border crossing Kotlovi-Kuqishte, and the regulation of the border traffic regime.
Fadil Gashi from the Kosovo Police for the Peja region told Radio Free Europe that there is no information about security incidents on the border with Montenegro, emphasizing that the regional police are more engaged "in maintaining public order and peace," and not in international incidents.
Radio Free Europe has also contacted the central directorate of the Kosovo Police with the question of whether they have any information regarding the case and is awaiting a response. A response is also expected from the Kosovo Government on the same issue.
Montenegro and Kosovo signed the Demarcation Agreement in 2015. Montenegro ratified it the same year, while the Kosovo Assembly ratified it three years later. (REL)
