Kosovo authorities more vigilant in face of security threats

Kosovo authorities more vigilant in face of security threats

Experts suggest Kosovo and Serbia co-operate more closely as the talks between the two countries are renewed.

Kosovo suspended four border police after Slobodan Gavric drove into Kosovo with more than 12 kilograms of explosives. [Laura Hasani/SETimes]

Kosovo authorities are appealing for greater vigilance in the face of terrorist threats prior to resuming Pristina-Belgrade negotiations under EU auspices this month.

Last month, Kosovo police arrested Slobodan Gavric, a citizen of Serbia, who carried more than 12 kilograms of explosives while driving in Pristina.

Police said Gavric was taken into custody on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act and engaging in unauthorised sale of weapons.

The Kosovo special prosecutor's office that is investigating the case said Gavric told the Pristina court he intended to sell the explosives.

Gavric entered Kosovo at the Jarinje border crossing while driving a vehicle with Belgrade license plates.

The interior ministry suspended four border police officers working at the Jarinje crossing soon after Gavric was arrested.

Kosovo President Atifete Jahjaga and Prime Minister Isa Mustafa met with the heads of security agencies to assess security situation.

"[T]he Kosovo institutions remain committed to prevent Kosovo from becoming a source or target of terrorist activities. They will continue to do their utmost to protect and guarantee Kosovo's national security and that of its allies," the office of the president said in a statement.

The government appealed for co-operation, including with countries in the region, given what it said is a complex and serious situation.

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