Serbian flags removed from Zvecan municipality target, Kosovo Republic flag deployed

The target of the Zvecan municipality and other northern municipalities is being guarded by Kosovo Police, following yesterday's tensions.

Zvecan Mayor Ilir Peci has managed to enter the municipality facility yesterday, only after Kosovo Police assistance.

Otherwise, tensions in the north of the country rose following the oath of the new mayors, who had to start work at the respective municipal facilities yesterday.

Police used tear gas and shock bombs to disperse several Serbian citizens who gathered in front of municipal buildings in northern Kosovo in an effort to prevent the entry of new Albanian mayors into their offices. They managed to get into their offices with police assistance.

Internationals have reacted sharply to these developments. Prime Minister Albin Kurti has said he is aware and that he understands the concerns raised by international partners for yesterday's developments in the north, but that any other option would be not to meet obligations.

He has invited Kosovo Serb citizens to co-operate with the new mayors and their cabinets.

“We are aware and understand the concerns raised by our international partners. But any other option, it would be not to fulfill our government's constitutional obligations to the new mayors; it would be non-fulfillment of the new mayors' obligations to the citizens of the Republic; and it would be unable to provide municipal basic services for citizens.

So, as the prime minister of all citizens, I invite all -- especially Kosovo Serb citizens -- to co-operate with their new leaders and cabinets, which will be multiethnic, multi-cultural, multi-language and multi-party. They are chosen, and they are not against anyone, but in the service of all”, Kurti wrote. /Gazza Express