EU official calls for new local elections in northern Kosovo with participation of ethnic Serbs

BELGRADE, Serbia

The EU foreign policy chief on Thursday called for holding new local elections in northern Kosovo with the participation of Serbs.

Josep Borrell's remarks came after a meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani together with French President Emanuel Macron.

“We have 3 clear requests, new local elections now, ensuring the participation of Kosovo Serbs and start the work to establish the Association of Serbian Majority Municipalities w/in EU-facilitated Dialogue,” Borrell said.

“Failure to do so, will have serious consequences for our relations,” he warned.

Tensions have gripped Kosovo as ethnic Serbs are protesting the election of ethnic Albanian mayors in four municipalities last month in the country's northern municipalities.

On Monday, at least 30 soldiers of the NATO-led international peacekeeping mission in Kosovo (KFOR) were injured in clashes with Serbs who were protesting and attempting to prevent the newly-elected mayor of Zvecan municipality in northern Kosovo from entering the town hall to take the oath of office and begin official responsibilities.

According to hospital sources, over 53 civilians were also injured by shock bombs and tear gas.

Police in Kosovo also said that at least five people were detained following the clashes.