Road blocked near border point between Serbia, Kosovo in Merdare

By “REL”, two cars, one of which has the Serbian flag in the window, and several others, are placed in the middle of the road leading to Merdare.

Meanwhile, during the day it has been warned that two other border points -- Jarinje, Brnjak -- will be blocked today, as well as the crossing between Kosovo and Montenegro in Kula.

Members of KFOR and EULEX are standing near the Jarinje border point, until the blocking of the same and others with Serbia has been warned by the so-called “Organising Council for Blockade”.

By “KP”, they are monitoring the situation on the ground, and the flow of vehicles is going smoothly.

On the other hand, the chairman of the so-called Mitrovica County Citizens Rasa Guardvic had said the blockade would begin by 6600.

“Blokada will begin at 6600 and will last until Kosovo police forces withdraw from northern Kosovo. We also demand that KFOR take control of northern Kosovo.” he has said.

Earlier on Friday, Deputy Director for the Northern Region Veton Elshani has said the situation at the border point in the north is calm, despite Serb warnings that they will block the border checkpoint in Serbia's part.

Elshani said it is unknown to the number of protesters and that it is not important until they try to enter Kosovo territory.

We don't have any information on the number of protesters, for us it's not important how many people they are, they could be thousands but they're in their share, if they try to get on our side, we're here. There's no way of predicting that there will be problems in the north, based on the blockade, and we'll act. He said Elshani.

On the other hand, he said:

“There is no need for additional KFOR forces because nothing is going to happen in the north, if they try to come to the north we have this job, to make sure that there are no border checkpoints, and we take appropriate measures. It's all right. It's never better.

Meanwhile, Kosovo institutions have warned citizens to be careful during transit through Serbia and to avoid all entry and exits between Kosovo and Serbia.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora calls on all citizens of the Republic of Kosovo, including members of the exile, who have planned or are planning transit across Serbia's territory, to avoid all entry and exits to border crossings between Kosovo and Serbia. ”

This call comes after warnings from the so-called “Organising Council for Blockada” in Serbia, which has indicated that September 6th 2024 road blockades are planned that lead to border crossings with the Republic of Kosovo.” said at the Kosovo Foreign Ministry's announcement.

On the other hand, the MPJD has asked citizens and exiles to follow these developments carefully.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora will continue to keep you informed of any new developments.” said in the statement.