NATO calls for de-escalation in Kosovo

NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu made a statement on the escalation of tensions following the deployment of police in the municipalities of Leposavic, Zveçan and Zubin Potok, where the majority of Serbs live in northern Kosovo.

“We call on the Kosovo institutions to de-escalate immediately and on the parties to resolve the situation through dialogue,” Lungescu said. Lungescu stressed that NATO’s Kosovo Peacekeeping Force (KFOR) is on standby to ensure security.

In a KFOR statement, it was stated that the situation in northern Kosovo is being closely monitored and all unilateral steps that could lead to an increase in tension are condemned. The statement read: “Our first priority is to provide a secure environment with the authority granted by the United Nations Security Council.”

In the northern part of Kosovo, in the municipalities of Leposavic, Zveçan and Zubin Potok, where most of the Serbs live, there was a clash between the Kosovar Serbs and the security forces, who opposed the appointment of the police.

In the Kosovo police statement, it was stated that the security forces were assigned to assist the mayors, who began their duties by winning the local elections held on April 23 in the relevant municipalities, to enter the official buildings.

Events that began as a result of Kosovo Serbs gathering in front of municipal buildings to oppose the appointment of police were said to have continued, with Serbs blocking roads into northern Kosovo with barricades.

It was claimed that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic ordered the army to “be ready” and that members of the army moved to the Kosovo border. (AA)