Tensions in the North/ KFOR reveals who was behind the violent protests in Zve?an and makes a strong appeal to Serbia

The spokesman of KFOR in Kosovo, Colonel Andrea Gallieni, said that some criminal groups were behind the violent protests that took place in Zveçan on May 29.

That day, Serbian protesters clashed with members of KFOR, and there were injuries from both sides. In a media conference, Gallieni commented this Friday on the events that have taken place in the north of Kosovo since May 29.

"It is very important that all parties refrain from retaliatory actions. Because, as these events have proven, everything can escalate to a great level of violence, therefore it is very important that all parties take into account the consequences and risks of their actions".

He said that both sides should be held responsible, one side, for making decisions, without taking into account the level of security, and the other side to react to the violent actions that were seen among the protesters.

The local Serbs are continuing the protests in the three municipalities in the north of Kosovo, Zveçan, Zubin Potok and Leposaviq, also on June 9.

They are protesting regularly to oppose the entry of Albanian mayors into municipal buildings. The KFOR official said that since June 5, over 500 NATO members have gone to Kosovo to reinforce the mission. Gallieni said that the forces are being trained and will be engaged in a few days.

He said that reinforcements will be in Kosovo "as much as needed".