EULEX spokeswoman: security situation in the north is disturbing

In the interview for ABC, she has said barricades imposed by Serbs in the north must be removed immediately.

“over the last few days, we have seen an escalation with a series of attacks, including against the Kosovo Police, a monitoring patrol of EULEX and journalists. During these days, we have also witnessed a disturbing armed presence in the northern part of Kosovo, often by masked individuals and groups. This is unacceptable. The break-up of public order and violence must now stop”, it has declared for Television.

Also, we witnessed the barricades being erected. As High Representative/President Borrell has said, they must leave immediately. Most important now is that the situation is immediately strained, calmed down, and contained in other provocative actions. This is primarily in the best interests of the local population, whose calm and safety are at stake because of the current situation. E ULEX will continue to contribute to the peace and security of all communities in Kosovo, as well as the mission will continue to monitor the security situation in the northern part of Kosovo in close co-operation with Kosovo Police and KFOR”, it has added.

The conflict in the north escalated when some Serbs in northern Kosovo, since December 10th, erected barricades and blocked roads leading to border points with Serbia, Jarinje and Brnjak.

These actions were taken after Kosovo police arrested former members of this institution, Dejan Pantic, in allegations that he was involved in attacks against Central Election Commission officials in northern Kosovo and police officials.

The attacks occurred as the CEC was making preparations for local elections in northern municipalities: Leposavic, Zvecan, Northern Mitrovica and Zubin Potok. The elections were announced after mayors and other Serb representatives left their jobs in early November, opposing a Kosovo government decision not to allow the circulation of cars with license plates issued by Serbia.

Serbian representatives, backed by official Belgrade, also rejected the elections, which were originally scheduled for December 18th. Due to the tense situation, Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani postponed them for April 23rd next year. Kosovo authorities accused Serbia's <x0 ... criminal gangs, led by Belgrade”, of several incidents of firearms and shocks that occurred last days in the north. Serbian officials said Kosovo leaders are trying “to expel” Serbs from the north.