US, EU call for 'maximum restraint' as Kosovo-Serbia tensions rise

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) – The US and EU on Wednesday urged "maximum restraint" in the north of Kosovo as the tensions between Pristina and Belgrade have risen recently.

"The European Union and the United States of America are concerned about the continued tense situation in the north of Kosovo," said a joint statement by the office of EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrel and the US State Department.

"We call on everyone to exercise maximum restraint, to take immediate action to unconditionally de-escalate the situation, and to refrain from provocations, threats, or intimidation," said the statement.

It also added that the US and EU are working with the leaders of the parties to defuse tensions.

"We are working with (Serbian) President Vucic and (Kosovar) Prime Minister Kurti to find a political solution in order to defuse the tensions and agree on the way forward in the interest of stability, safety, and well-being of all local communities," said the statement.

- Tensions between Kosovo, Serbia

Kosovo, predominantly inhabited by Albanians, broke from Serbia in 1999 and declared independence in 2008. But Serbia has not recognized the move and sees its former province as part of its territory.

Tensions between Kosovo and Serbia have escalated since the detention of former Serbian police officer Dejan Pantic on suspicion of attacking election officials.

Protesting Pantic's detention, Kosovo Serbs have been standing guard at barricades they set up at border crossings since Dec. 10.

On Tuesday, local Serbs in northern Kosovo set up new barricades after Kosovar authorities blocked Serbian Patriarch Porfirije from entering the country from neighboring Serbia ahead of Orthodox Christmas celebrations, according to police.

On Monday, Serbian Defense Minister Milos Vucevic said President Aleksandar Vucic ordered combat readiness for the armed forces and security services at the highest level.

Porfirije, like many Serbians, considers Kosovo to be Serbian territory, but in the tense atmosphere on the border, religion too can be a flashpoint.

The EU, NATO and the US have called for de-escalation and the removal of barricades in northern Kosovo, while Serbia has requested to deploy its army and police based on a UN resolution.