For two weeks, the barricades placed by the Serbs in the north of Mitrovica have hindered the freedom of movement, bringing tension to the situation. But it seems that this will no longer be tolerated by the Kosova government.
In a statement to the media, the Kosova Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, said that KFOR has requested time for their removal, but added that this situation cannot be tolerated anymore.
Kurti has warned that after Christmas he will meet with the KFOR commander, to clarify how will be dealt with the barricades in the north of Mitrovica.
“KFOR has asked for some time, we have given it some time. But today it has been two weeks since 11 barricades were installed and they are preventing freedom of movement. KFOR is always committed to a calm and safe environment for freedom of movement. Freedom of movement has been the main value that KFOR has affirmed all these years after the war. That’s why we gave time to KFOR. But now we don’t have freedom of movement because we have barricades. And these barricades are of armed men. They are positioned in such a way as to protect the gunman from charging at oncoming cars rather than blocking the roads. KFOR has asked for time, and since today is Christmas, after Christmas we should have a meeting with KFOR commander. This situation cannot be tolerated. In the meeting we expect to have after Christmas with the KFOR Commander, I believe everything will be clarified and we will respond,” said Kurti.
Groups of Serbian citizens in the north erected barricades as early as December 10, to oppose the arrest of a former Serbian police officer by the Kosovo Police. Regarding the removal of the barricades, earlier the Kosova Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, said that he cannot rule out that there may be victims, while the Serbian president, Vucic, said that the barricades will be removed only if an Association od Serbian Communes is created, which is not yet been accepted by Kosova.
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