NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced the dispatch of an additional 700 people to Kosovo, as well as the preparation of another battalion in case of need.
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“We have decided to send an additional 700 people from the operational reserve for the Balkan region. Also, another battalion will be put on high alert … They will also be deployed if necessary,” he said at a joint press conference in Norway with the Prime Minister of this countries Jonas Gahr Støre.
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Stoltenberg noted that the NATO KFOR contingent “will take the necessary steps to normalize and ensure security” and called on the parties to the aggravation in Kosovo to immediately stop the violence.
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On Monday, thousands of Kosovo Serbs gathered in front of local government buildings in the province’s north demanding the withdrawal of the Kosovo police and the recall of the Kosovo Albanian mayors. Soldiers of the NATO KFOR contingent with means to disperse demonstrations were distributed near the buildings of the municipalities of Zvecan, Leposavich and Zubin Potok. Behind them were a large Kosovo police force that prevented the Kosovo Serbs from approaching the buildings. Around 17.00, clashes began between the protesters and the security forces. Tear gas was used, dozens of stun grenades were thrown, and there was shooting. Serbian authorities reported that 41 KFOR fighters were injured, most of them Hungarians and Italians.
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KFOR (Kosovo Force) – an international force led by NATO, created in accordance with the resolution of the UN Security Council. The contingent is designed to ensure stability and security in Kosovo.
