EU Kosovo warning: Stop separatist rhetoric

The EU High Representative for Foreign Relations and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, makes a statement on behalf of the EU on the situation in Kosovo.

Condemning the violence in northern Kosovo, Borrell said: “The violence could have been prevented and should be prevented in the future.” “We call on Kosovo and Serbia to immediately and unconditionally de-escalate, curb separatist rhetoric and refrain from any further uncoordinated actions. Calm must be guaranteed immediately. The EU is ready to apply decisive measures. If the tension is not reduced, there will be negative consequences.” he used the phrases.

Borrell has stressed that they expect Kosovo to act in a way that does not escalate the tension and stop police operations in northern municipalities. Stating that mayors should continue their duties in places other than municipal buildings, early elections should be announced in 4 municipalities as soon as possible, Borrell stressed that they hope that the elections will be inclusive and that Kosovar Serbs will also participate in the elections. . .

Borrell also noted that they are concerned about the high alert level of the Serbian army.
Inviting Kosovo and Serbia to continue the dialogue process under EU facilitation, Borrell urged the two parties to immediately start working on the establishment of the Union of Serbian Municipalities, in accordance with the agreement they signed for the standardization.

AP INCREASE

On May 26, Kosovo Serbs protested the election of Albanian mayors who won local elections on April 23 in the municipalities of Zveçan, Zubin Potok and Leposavic, where Serbs are concentrated in northern Kosovo.

As protests continued in the region, Kosovo police and NATO’s Kosovo Peacekeeping Force (KFOR) surrounded municipal buildings with barbed wire and increased the number of personnel in the region. There was a clash between the Kosovo police, who were sent to the region to protect the Albanian mayors, and the Kosovo Serbs.

Viewing Kosovo, which unilaterally declared its independence in 2008, as its own territory, Serbia also decided to position its army on the border with Kosovo. Kosovo Serbs have declared that they will continue their protests in front of the city hall until their demands are met.

The Serbian administration argues that the elections, which were boycotted by Kosovar Serbs and turnout remained at 3 percent, were invalid. (AA)