Eurasia Press & News
Concern is growing among locals and international representatives over escalating Serb protests in Kosovo’s northern town of Mitrovica, which have now gone on for several days, and have forced the EU’s Rule of Law Mission, EULEX, and NATO troops to respond with tear gas and stun grenades.
EULEX used tear gas against protesters on Friday, Saturday, and Wednesday and said that a number of protesters suffered minor injuries on Monday.
In response, two hand grenades were thrown at EULEX officers and KFOR, and shots were fired in the direction of EU police officers and construction workers.
Serbs are protesting against new building work funded by Kosovo’s government to restore Albanian homes in the north of the town which were destroyed during fighting in the late 1990s. They claim that they have not been granted the same rights to rebuild their houses in the predominantly Albanian south of Mitrovica.
Albanians involved in the building have said that protesters have been present for at least a couple of hours every day since Sunday. Kosovo’s police has increased its presence in a bid to prevent further incidents.
The EU countries have firmly supported EULEX’s action. “The EU fully supports the actions of EULEX and KFOR in establishing the rule of law in Kosovo and in defending a safe and secure environment. The EU will press for anyone who endangers the lives of EULEX and KFOR personnel, as well as any other law-abiding citizens, to be brought swiftly to justice,” said an EU statement.
EULEX, which has been safeguarding the work of the 40 or so construction workers, has defended its actions. Christophe Lamfalussy, a spokesman, said: “Police were forced to use tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the protesters who broke through Kosovo Police lines. EULEX was acting in support of the Kosovo Police and in coordination with KFOR in order to preserve public order and to prevent a further escalation of violence.’’
He urged all parties to resolve the dispute through negotiation.
But Russia, a key ally of Serbia who opposes Kosovo’s independence, strongly criticised EULEX’s actions, saying that they were unjustified.
“The use of international police and the activities towards Serbs are unacceptable,” said foreign ministry spokesman Andrei Nesterenko for Russian news agency Novosti.
Kosovo’s Prime Minister Hashim Thaci has said that his government will continue to support efforts of displaced people to return to their homes regardless of their ethnic background, and said the construction in Mitrovica will continue.
“To return is a legitimate right. There will be no giving up in front of extremists,” he said.
“Kosovo’s government continues to support, back, and take responsibility for the return of all citizens of Kosovo to their properties and houses, because this is an essential process in the interest of all communities,” he said.
The town of Mitrovica has been a flashpoint since 1999 when the UN took over administration of Kosovo. Serb protests have continued especially since Kosovo declared independence last year.
