Tensions are rising again in the North of partially recognized Kosovo, with Serbs blocking roads. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has decided to call a meeting of the National Security Council.
Source: Insight News Media
The Serbian President held a Security Council
After the Security Council meeting, Vucic called on Serbs and Albanians in Kosovo and Metohija to keep the peace. At the same time, he said that this evening (December 11 – ed.) was probably the most difficult during his tenure as President of Serbia.
Kosovo’s Prime Minister appealed to NATO
On the other side, Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti appealed to the NATO mission. He asked to remove the barricades on the roads, which Serbs set up in the North of the partially recognized state on December 10.
Albin Kurti stressed that such an act by Serbs is unacceptable and should not be repeated.
NATO intervention is asked in Kosovo
“Once again, we call on KFOR (NATO Force in Kosovo – ed.) to guarantee freedom of movement. KFOR in Kosovo is for a peaceful and secure environment, which also means freedom of movement without discrimination”, – said Kurti.
The head of the Kosovo government stressed that “blocking of traffic, blocking of public roads with heavy vehicles to prevent freedom of movement, criminal shooting by gangs at the police and EULEX police (EU mission in Kosovo – ed.) is not only unacceptable but should not be repeated in the future.”
Serbian police and military are ready for any order
“We are up against the wall. This is the most difficult day for me since I have been the President of Serbia or the head of the government”, – Vucic said.
According to Vucic, Belgrade has guarantees from NATO and the European Union that no force will be used against Serbian demonstrators. The President added that the Serbian “police and military are ready for any order.”
Vucic said that Serbs do not build barricades on a whim or because they like to freeze. He said it is a protest against arrests, abuse of people, and the failure to implement the Brussels agreements.
Escalation in Kosovo is approaching the point of no return
The United States called on the Serbian and Kosovo authorities to take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation in the North of the province. But Serbian Prime Minister Vucic said that the US and Pristina do not adhere to any agreement reached on Kosovo.
Serbian Foreign Minister Nemanja Starovic said that the situation in Kosovo is approaching the point of no return.
“We are approaching the point of no return tonight in Kosovo, as acting Prime Minister Kurti prepares his paramilitary police to destroy the North and exterminate local Serbs”, – he tweeted.