The organization’s highest decision-making body met on Friday to discuss the situation in Kosovo. The Allies expressed their deep concern about the escalation of tensions in northern Kosovo. The presence of the NATO-led Kosovo peacekeeping force (KFOR) in the region has been strengthened since May, and the organization decided to authorize the deployment of additional forces to reduce tensions. It has not yet been determined how many squadrons will be sent and from which allied countries.
“We will take all necessary measures to maintain a safe environment for all people living in Kosovo. We will do all this impartially and in accordance with the UN mandate,” the press release said. The organization confirmed that it will provide the International Security Force in Kosovo with all the necessary resources to fulfill its mandate.
NATO called on both parties to reduce tensions immediately. “We continue to urge Belgrade and Pristina to participate in the EU-brokered dialogue, because this is the only way to find solutions that respect the rights of all communities. This is crucial for achieving lasting security in Kosovo and stability in the region,” the body’s headquarters stressed.
Tensions between Serbia and Kosovo have escalated in recent months. Riots broke out in Kosovo at the end of May. After local elections in April, which were boycotted by local Serbs, Albanian mayors, who were elected with only 3.5 percent of the Albanian vote, wanted to take office with an overwhelming majority of the Albanian vote. The region of northern Kosovo inhabited by Serbs. Local Serbs attacked Kosovo police and ISAF soldiers.
A shootout broke out in northern Kosovo on Sunday between masked gunmen of Serbian nationality and Kosovo police. The fighting continued throughout the day, one policeman was killed and another wounded, four attackers were shot, six were injured, and the police arrested five. Kosovo police later found and confiscated a large quantity of weapons in the village.
In 2008, Kosovo unilaterally declared its independence from Serbia, which Belgrade has refused to recognize ever since, and still considers the region, mostly inhabited by Albanians, its southern province.
Cover image source: Getty Images
