The NATO-led international peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, KFOR, dismantled the last remaining roadblocks and barricades in the north of the country on Thursday, bringing a seeming end to weeks of closed roads and border crossing points with Serbia.
The situation in the north of Kosovo deteriorated over the last month after the planned ban on Serbia-issued license plates, the mass resignation of ethnic Serbs from Kosovo institutions, planned but then postponed elections to replace them, and the arrest of a Serb policeman over allegations he attacked central electoral commission premises. He was since put under house arrest, significantly reducing tensions.
On 29 December, following the intervention of key international stakeholders, Serbs started removing the blockades, and some of the border crossings closed by the action reopened.
Removal of Serb blockades in north Kosovo continues
KFOR, the international NATO-led peacekeeping force in Kosovo, carried out several operations to remove the remaining blockades in north Kosovo following weeks of tensions with neighbouring Serbia.
The situation in the north of Kosovo has deteriorated in the last month over …
The effort was carried out as per KFOR’s United Nations Mandate based on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 to ensure a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for the benefit of all communities living in Kosovo.
“The removal of barricades followed intensive efforts by NATO Allies and the European Union to defuse tensions, with key support from KFOR and the EU-led Rule of Law mission (EULEX). The dismantling of the final roadblocks was conducted in a quick, safe and secure way to avoid incidents and other risks for local security,” a press release from NATO stated.
A tweet from Oana Lungesco, a spokesperson of NATO, added that “KFOR remains vigilant and has the capability and personnel to continue implementing its UN mandate.”
The press release added that NATO continues to support dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina as “the main platform to find a solution that respects the rights of all communities and to build lasting peace and security across the region.”
Also, on Thursday, a NATO official told Radio Free Europe that there had been no official request from Kosovo to increase personnel and troops after Prime Minister Albin Kurti said it would be beneficial.
“A substantial increase in NATO soldiers and military equipment in our country would improve security and peace in Kosovo and the entire Western Balkan region,” Kurti told the German newspaper Die Welt on January 1.
As for the matter of tensions in the north, Kurti said he is not scared, but he is worried because, with Serbia, there is always a risk.
“The danger is because Serbia is on the other side, which has not repented of its crimes, does not change its attitude towards Kosovo, and in the year that we just left behind, made three significant agreements with Russia,” he told Voice of America.
Kurti explained that the three agreements include purchasing the cheapest gas in Europe and coordinating foreign policy.
“I don’t know what else needs to happen to understand what kind of Serbia we are dealing with. We must stand together against a more aggressive and hostile Serbia than ever since we declared independence instead of looking to find imperfections within long-suffering Kosovo,” he said.
(Alice Taylor | EURACTIV.com)
Source: euractiv.com
