Moscow calls on NATO, EU to get Pristina to withdraw forces from north and prevent escalation

Photo: Tanjug/AP

Moscow is urging NATO and the European Union to call on Pristina to withdraw its forces from northern Kosovo and Metohija and thus prevent escalation, reports the Sputnik agency.

Recommended

Russia is concerned about the situation in Kosovo, the events are developing according to the scenario going from bad to worse, said the spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova.

"We stress once again: NATO forces in Kosovo and EU's rule of law mission have the necessary mandates to prevent lawlessness and therefore bear full responsibility for the protection of civilians and ensuring peace and security," Zakharova said in a comment published on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia.

This reaction coming from Moscow followed the news that patrols of the NATO force in Kosovo (KFOR) arrived at the checkpoint Jarine on the administrative line between central Serbia and northern Kosovo and Metohija in order to maintain security and freedom of movement.

Photo: Kosovo Online

The situation in Kosovo and Metohija is still tense, Kosovo special forces are not withdrawing from their positions and local Serbs are not giving up on their peaceful protest, while KFOR helicopters flew over Jarinje and Brnjak on two occasions yesterday, as well over the north of Kosovo and Metohija.

KFOR says that they are "closely monitoring the situation in throughout of Kosovo and have increased the number and duration of routine patrols throughout Kosovo, including the north."

"KFOR is closely monitoring the situation throughout Kosovo and remains focused on the day-to-day implementation of its mandate - stemming from United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999 - to ensure a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all communities living in Kosovo. KFOR has increased the number and duration of routine patrols throughout Kosovo, including northern Kosovo," KFOR told Kosovo Online.

In the meantime, a group of about 15 Serbs from municipalities in the north of Kosovo and Metohija got attacked yesterday in the southern part of Kosovska Mitrovica. No one was seriously injured, although some of the Serbs were assaulted with bottles and knives.

(Telegraf.rs)