PRISTINA – “We reiterate our May 26 statement condemning Kosovo’s decision to force access to municipal buildings in northern Kosovo despite our repeated calls for restraint,” says QUINT statement on latest developments in northern Kosovo .
“In this context, Quint and the EU hope that the authorities of the Government of Kosovo will not take any further measures to force access to the municipal buildings in Leposavic, Zubin Potok and Zvecan. Elected mayors must also exercise restraint and take immediate action to demonstrate their commitment and responsibility to represent and serve all members of their communities,” the statement said.
They strongly warn all parties against further threats or actions that could impact a safe and secure environment, including freedom of movement, and that could inflame tensions or foster conflict. “We are particularly concerned about the safety and well-being of civilians, police officers, EULEX and KFOR members. Further unilateral actions will have a negative impact on relations with the Quint countries and the EU.”
Quint and the EU emphasize in the declaration that EU-facilitated dialogue is the path to normalization of relations and EU membership. We remind the parties to work together on the next steps in the implementation of the agreement reached between Kosovo and Serbia in February and March this year, including on the ASMM, and to participate constructively and sincerely at the next dialogue meetings.
Stoltenberg: Prisitna must defuse the situation and not take unilateral measures
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg today spoke with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell about the situation in Kosovo. He urged Pristina not to take unilateral measures, KoSSev reported.
“Pristina and Belgrade must engage in EU-led dialogue now, because this is the only path to peace and normalization. Pristina must defuse the situation and not take unilateral and destabilizing measures,” Stoltenberg tweeted.
The tweet particularly attracted the attention of Albanian users of this social network, who expressed numerous objections – due to the fact that Stoltenberg wrote “Pristina” instead of “Pristina”, while some users accused Serbia of genocide, d Others criticized the international community. for supporting Serbia and for supporting what Vjosa Osmani describes as a “policy of leveling”, and some users highlighted how Serbs are now moving peacefully and safely alongside the Kosovo Police in Zvecan.
Reactions from international officials to incidents in northern Kosovo continue. While some criticize Pristina for forcibly entering municipal buildings, others call on both sides for calm.
U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, were among the first to respond. They strongly condemned the actions of the Kosovo government, including the forced entry into the buildings of the interim authorities, which they described as a provocation. They also called on the Prime Minister of Kosovo to end violent measures and focus on dialogue.
KFOR called this action “forced entry of newly elected mayors into municipal buildings” and called it “extremely dangerous” for the normalization process.
The German envoy, who urgently visited the Balkans after the incident, also condemned Pristina’s decision, stressing that the EU will not allow stupid decisions to eliminate the chances of implementation of the Ohrid Agreement. Today he is due to meet again with the Prime Minister of Kosovo.
On Friday evening, powerful forces of the special units of the Kosovo Police helped the new Albanian mayors to enter the municipal buildings of Zvecan, Leposavic and Zubin Potok, despite the objections of the local population and the international community.
On this occasion, incidents broke out during which dozens of citizens were slightly injured, mainly by tear gas, as well as five police officers. Four police vehicles were damaged, including one set on fire. Tear gas and stun grenades were used and gunshots were heard in Zvecan, while citizens briefly set up barricades in Leposavic.
Kosovo authorities, however, presented a different version of Friday’s events.
Kosovo’s interior minister praised the police for their “professionalism” in protecting institutions, the rule of law and democracy against “organized criminal groups” and “gangs.”
The President of Kosovo described the actions of the Kosovo Police towards “illegal structures and criminal groups in Vucic” as “legitimate”.
The Prime Minister of Kosovo thanked the special forces. Professional, fearless, despite the actions of parapolitical structures, Kurti said, emphasizing that the facilities in question are “the property of the Republic of Kosovo.”
The Prime Minister further affirms that he “benefits from the support of the international community” and that “the work is going well”. Kalxo writing.
