The peacekeeping mission of KFOR has asked Kosovo and Serbia to take responsibility for the situation created in the north, calling to prevent the further escalation of the situation. KFOR announced that threats to citizens' lives were prevented on Monday.
"To avoid clashes between the parties and to minimize the risk of escalation, KFOR peacekeepers prevented threats to the lives of Kosovo Serbs and Albanians. "Both parties must take full responsibility for what happened and prevent any further escalation, instead of hiding behind false stories," the statement said.
In a communique addressed to the media, KFOR announced that 30 soldiers were injured on Monday in the municipality of Zveçan during the violence of Serbian protesters. From the protest, 11 Italian soldiers and 19 from the Hungarian contingent suffered multiple injuries, including fractures and burns from incendiary and explosive devices.
According to KFOR, their injuries are not life-threatening.
"The NATO-led KFOR mission has increased its presence in the four municipalities of northern Kosovo to reduce the risk of escalation as the newly elected mayors tried to take office. KFOR troops were then attacked by the increasingly aggressive crowd. KFOR always acts with determination and restraint, within strict Rules of Engagement (ROE). In this case, she responded to the unprovoked attacks of a violent and dangerous crowd, carrying out her mandate at the UN in an impartial manner," the statement sent to the media said.
KFOR announced that the commander of the mission, Major General Angelo Michele Ristuccia, is personally monitoring the developments.
"KFOR will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all communities in Kosovo, in accordance with its mandate based on Security Council Resolution 1244 of the UN of 1999", it is further stated.
