The situation in the North of Kosovo, the QUINT countries react, condemn the action of...

QUINT States (USA, United Kingdom, Germany) condemn "Kosovo's decisions to forcefully enter municipal buildings in northern Kosovo, despite our calls for restraint".

"We call on the authorities to withdraw immediately and reduce tensions, as well as to coordinate with EULEX and KFOR. We condemn the attacks against EULEX in Zveçan", states the announcement of the QUINT states.

Also, they have expressed their concern regarding Serbia's decision "to increase the level of readiness of the armed forces on the border with Kosovo, and we call on the parties for maximum restraint and to avoid inflammatory rhetoric".

On Friday, May 26, the mayors of the municipalities of the north of Kosovo, Zveçan, Zubin Potok and Leposavi?, with the assistance of the Kosovo Police, were placed in their offices in the municipal facilities.

The day before, they swore in schools and other public buildings of these municipalities, for security reasons.

Groups of local residents in these Serb-majority municipalities objected to their going to the offices previously used by Serb officials.

The police fired tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the protesters, who threw stones at the police and set several cars on fire.

Due to Friday's developments in the north of Kosovo, Serbian President Aleksandar Vu?i? gave the order to raise the combat readiness of the Serbian Army to the highest level. /REL