Published September 29,2023
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NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Friday mentioned the alliance has permitted extra forces for the peacekeeping mission in Kosovo (KFOR).
“Since May, we have enhanced KFOR‘s presence and posture. Only yesterday the North Atlantic Council authorized additional forces to address the current situation,” mentioned Stoltenberg in a written assertion following a battle between police and gunmen on Sunday that left an officer lifeless and one other wounded in Banjska village in Kosovo.
Stoltenberg mentioned that the NATO-led peacekeeping mission in Kosovo-Kosovo Force (KFOR)-will at all times take all vital actions to take care of a protected and safe surroundings.
He referred to as on Serbia and Kosovo to urgently de-escalate the strain.
“We call on all parties to urgently de-escalate. We continue to urge Belgrade and Pristina to engage in the EU-facilitated dialogue as the only way to resolve outstanding issues and reach solutions that respect the rights of all communities. This is key for lasting security in Kosovo and stability in the region,” mentioned Stoltenberg.
On Sunday, a conflict broke out within the village of Banjska in northern Kosovo close to the Serbian border when a bunch of armed Serbs blocked a bridge with two vehicles. A shootout erupted after the group opened hearth on police, leaving one police officer lifeless and one other injured.
The space has been the scene of unrest since April, when native ethnic Serbs boycotted elections in northern Kosovo, adopted by protests towards the election of ethnic Albanian mayors.
Albanians are by far the most important ethnic group in Kosovo, adopted by Serbs, with about half dwelling within the nation’s north.
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 and gained recognition from many nations, together with Türkiye. But Belgrade has by no means acknowledged Kosovo and claims that its territory remains to be a part of Serbia.
Source: www.anews.com.tr