On June 1, Kosovo's leaders blamed Serbia for destabilizing actions in the north of the territory, while France said that officials in Pristina (the capital of Kosovo) were responsible for the current situation.
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| NATO peacekeepers stand guard in the Zvecan region, northern Kosovo, May 31. (Source: Reuters) |
Speaking at a meeting in Moldova, Kosovo leader Vjosa Osmani said: "The challenge comes from Serbia... The situation remains tense, but we need to ensure that we restore the rule of law in Kosovo and understand the threat that comes from Serbia's denial of Kosovo's existence as a sovereign state."
Meanwhile, on May 31, French President Emmanuel Macron declared that Kosovo authorities must be held responsible after clashes broke out this week over local election results that left more than 80 people injured.
On June 1, High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell reaffirmed the need to condemn the violence in Kosovo, and said he would continue dialogue with relevant parties.
Mr Borrell said he had urged Kosovo's leaders to play a role in de-escalating tensions, and expressed hope to convey the same message to Serbian President Vucic.
Meanwhile, the office of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the country is ready to contribute to establishing dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo when he had a phone call with the leaders of both sides.
The Turkish leader said that dialogue is the only way to establish lasting peace in the region.
In the latest development, on May 31, peacekeeping forces led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) increased security around the town hall in the town of Zvecan, northern Kosovo, where clashes broke out against the inauguration of the new Albanian mayor.
Hundreds of Serbs gathered outside the town hall in Zvecan for the third consecutive day and unfurled a giant Serbian flag 200 metres from the government building to the town centre.
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