NATO urges Serbia to de-escalate tensions with Kosovo

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA): The NATO-led international peacekeeping mission in Kosovo (KFOR) has urged Serbian and Kosovar authorities to de-escalate tensions in northern municipalities populated by ethnic Serbs.

A KFOR statement came as tensions between Belgrade and Pristina rose once again on Friday after police in Kosovo clashed with local Serbs who had gathered in front of a municipal building to prevent the newly elected ethnic Albanian Muslim mayor from entering his office.

Kosovo Serbs protested again on Monday in front of the municipality buildings of Zvecan, Zubin Potok, and Leposavic in the northern Mitrovica District, trying to stop newly elected Muslim Albanian mayors from entering the town halls on the day of their swearing-in ceremonies.

”We call on all sides to refrain from actions that could inflame tensions or cause escalation. In line with its mandate, KFOR is ready to take all necessary actions to ensure a safe environment in a neutral and impartial manner.

”KFOR urges Belgrade and Pristina to engage in the EU-led dialogue to reduce tensions . . .  the only way to peace and normalization,” said the statement.

Police and KFOR fenced town halls and increased staff numbers in the area to avert any untoward incidents.

”The NATO-led KFOR mission has increased its presence in four Municipalities of northern Kosovo, following the latest developments in the area. The aim of KFOR’s presence is to ensure a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement,” said the statement.

Last month, Kosovo Serbs boycotted extraordinary local government elections for four municipalities in the country’s north. Only 3.47% of eligible voters cast ballots, according to the Kosovo Central Election Commission (KQZ).