The oath of the mayors in the north. E ULEX: We've increased alert level, we're 24 hours alert.

The European Union for Rule of Law mission in Kosovo (EULEX) is closely following developments in northern Kosovo through the presence of its formed police unit and the police unit formed reserve.

They in a response given to Front Online have said that this monitoring is being done in co-ordination with their senior police advisers and other staff present in the area, in co-ordination with Kosovo Police and KFOR.

The level of readiness has increased on the occasion of the oath of young mayors elected in the four northern Kosovo municipalities.

EULEX says they are on alert for 24 hours to react if necessary.

In addition, a Fast Response Force is on alert 24 hours a day in Mitrovica, with very short times of reaction. Considering the oath ceremony, E ULEX has increased its readiness level”, EULEX have said.

From this mission they have said they are willing to support the Kosovo Police, whether this is needed or required.

“The Formed Police Unit of the Mission and the Formed Reserve Police Unit are ready to support the Kosovo Police as the second security responder, if required and if needed, in preserving Kosovo's stability and the security of all its communities”, the EULEX response is further said.

The new chairman of northern Mitrovica, Erden Attic, was sworn in before the Municipal Assembly on May 19th, this solemn procedure to take office as chairman.

Following the oath of North Mitrovica chairman, those of the Leposaviq municipalities, Zvecan and Zubin Potok remain taking the oath.

Of the three municipalities, only Zubin Potoku has functional assemblies.

The international community has recognised the legality of the April 23rd local elections, but has expressed regret over not participating in party elections by the Serb community.

However, the European Union has estimated there has been a small voter turnout in the election and that elections in the north “do not provide long-term political solutions”.

The European bloc has called on Kosovo and Serbia to find a political solution, under which Serbs would return to Kosovo institutions.