NATO and the UN call on Kosovo to step back
NATO and Western powers called on Friday for a de-escalation of rising tensions between Kosovo and Serbia. NATO urged the parties to resolve the tensions through dialogue. Western powers issued a joint statement on the issue and called for an immediate step back.
On Saturday, NATO called for a de-escalation of tensions between Kosovo and Serbia.
"We urge the Institutions in Kosovo to de-escalate immediately & call on all parties to resolve the situation through dialogue," said NATO's spokesperson Oana Lungescu on Twitter.
She added that KFOR, the NATO-led peacekeeping force in Kosovo, "remains vigilant & will ensure a safe & secure environment."
JOINT STATEMENT AGAINST TENSION IN THE BALKANS
On Friday evening, France, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States issued a joint statement against the escalation in Kosovo.
Condemning Kosovo's decision to force access to municipal buildings in northern Kosovo, the countries urged the government to immediately step back and de-escalate, and closely coordinate with the KFOR and EULEX, the union's rule of law mission in Kosovo.
SERBIA'S MOVES ALSO MONITORED
The countries also expressed concern about Serbia's decision to escalate tensions and prepare armed forces on the border with Kosovo for a possible contingency, Anadolu reported.
We call all parties for maximum restraint, avoiding inflammatory rhetoric, the statement concluded.
SERBIAN ARMY ORDERED TO ADVANCE ON THE BORDER
Serbia ordered its army Friday to advance to the administrative border with Kosovo and urged NATO to urgently stop violence against local Serbs in Kosovo.
President Aleksandar Vucic urged the army and security forces to be combat ready.
PROTEST AGAINST ALBANIAN MAYOR
Vucic's statement came after Serbs gathered outside the town hall to block the newly elected Albanian mayor from entering his office and Kosovo police clashed with the group.
Police in riot gear were deployed around the premises, along with the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo and NATO Kosovo Forces personnel.
Stun grenades and tear gas injured at least 10 people after a police vehicle was set on fire and automatic gunfire was heard, according to media reports.
Source: Anadolu Agency
