Four days with barricades: What a call statement we heard from the internationals

The situation stemming after the arrest of former Kosovo Serb police member Dejan Pantic, who allegedly organised the terrorist attack on the Central Election Commission offices in northern Kosovo on 6 December, when CEC officials and police officials were attacked.

There were explosions with shock bombs and pyrotechnic vehicles, even direct threats from Belgrade leaders.

The US Embassy in Pristina and Belgrade with a joint statement: Remove the barricades immediately

The communiqué reportedly expresses their deep concern for the current situation in northern Kosovo”.

“We understand that Kosovo authorities have arrested an individual suspected of involvement in a violent attack on Kosovo law enforcement authorities and the election commission. This arrest is being used as justification for illegal roadblocks, as well as threats and intimidation against Kosovo authorities and the local population”, said the communique.

Also in the communique, the US is said to be in support of NATO, which guarantees security in Kosovo.

Britain's embassies in Pristina, Belgrade react together, call for removal of barricades in the north

In a response to the media, embassies call on all sides to exercise maximum restraint, avoid stimulating rhetoric and take immediate measures to achieve a de escalation of the situation.

“Call on the Kosovo authorities to act with restraint and for Serbia's authorities to use their influence to achieve a deespass of the situation. The EU-brokered dialogue is the means to resolve conflicts and reach an agreement on normalised relations”, said in response.

France concerned with the situation in the north: Lowering Tensions

French MPJ strongly condemns the attack on EULEX police officers and other acts of violence.

“Piles show maximum content and sense of responsibility for reducing tension” said in France's Foreign Ministry statement.

France encourages Kosovo and Serbia to continue with the dialogue mediated by the European Union.

“Finance fully supports the European mediation, which should make progress in a comprehensive, legally binding agreement between Serbia and Kosovo and make progress in the two countries' prospects for a future in Europe”.

French diplomacy in response stresses that it will talk to its European counterparts at the European Union's Council of Foreign Ministers, which is being held in Brussels.

German Ambassador: Violence against EULEX, police must stop immediately

German Ambassador Jorn Rohde has reacted to last night's shock-bomb attack on a EULEX patrol in Zvecan, saying violence against EULEX and other security providers should stop immediately.

“EULEX contributes to security delivery for all citizens. Violence Against EULEX and other security providers should stop immediately”, Rohde wrote.

Havenier condemns attacks on police and EULEX: Authors to place responsibility before Kosovo justice

The United States Ambassador to Kosovo, Jeffrey Havenier, has condemned the attacks on Kosovo Police and EULEX.

“U.S. joins EULEX in strongly condemning the attack on a EULEX patrol last night. Violent attacks on the Kosovo Police and international security personnel are unacceptable, and authors must take responsibility through the Kosovo justice system”, Havener wrote.

Chief EULEX calls on the parties behind the situation in the north: Pull back from this shame

Chief of the European Mission for the End of Law, Lars Gunnar-Wigemark, said violence in Kosovo's north should stop urgently.

This violence should stop immediately. We call for calm and avoid any kind of provocation. No one benefits this situation. It takes dialogue and it is necessary to withdraw from this shame”, he said.

Chief EULEX said the focus should be on dialogue, not what is happening on the streets of Mitrovica.

There is a new proposal that is submitted by the European Union, with the support of France and Germany and also of the United States, and the focus should now be on this. The focus should be on talks, on negotiations, not on what is happening on the streets of Mitrovica, or on the roads leading to Leposavic, or at their joint crossing points”, the chief said. EULEX.

Borrell wants the barricades removed: The situation in the north is unacceptable

European Union Foreign Policy chief Josep Borrell has declared that the current situation in northern Kosovo is not acceptable.

At a media conference, he said he has urged member states to reinforce EULEX with additional troops if necessary, and that has come in line with them.

“Since August, we are in a vicious cycle of confrontations, provocations and reactions, which have escalated in recent days, and have provoked serious security incidents, including an attack on our mission, EULEX and the Kosovo Police. Barricades blocking roads, armed men in the streets, is not something we are willing to accept, we do not accept that from our partners, who are aspiring to a European future. This situation must end and the barricades must be removed. Silence must be returned. The council has clearly called on both sides for calm and refrain from violent and provocative actions. I have asked member states to be willing to send more units to our EULEX mission. And many have agreed and expressed willingness to increase capacities if necessary”, Borrell said.

Borrell says EU ready to add EULEX troops to Kosovo

European Union Foreign Policy chief Josep Borrell said on Monday evening that the bloc has indicated willing to increase the presence of EU Mission forces for the rule of law in Kosovo, if necessary, while calling the situation in northern Kosovo unacceptable.

“I asked member states to be willing to send additional reinforcements to our EULEX mission”, Mr. Borrell said, stressing that many of them have agreed and have expressed themselves willing to do so if necessary.

Von Croamon: Declarations of the Serbian Army Are Unacceptable

The rapporteur for Kosovo in the European Parliament, Violet von Cromon, has said Serbia's demand for soldiers' return and attacks on EULEX are completely unacceptable.

“The restoration of peace and stability in northern Kosovo should be a priority. The attacks on EULEX and statements to Serbian soldiers are completely unacceptable. I expect the barricades of Kosovo Serbs to leave as a reduction in escalation. The full support for the EU-led dialogue” has written Von Cromon.

The United States envoy for the Western Balkans, Gabriel Escobar, has met yesterday in Pristina with Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani and Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti. In communities issued by these institutions, Kosovo leaders have been said to have talked with Escobar about the need for immediate removal of barricades. / P ERISCOPI/