Unrest In Kosovo Is An Understatement
 Monday, March 17th, 2008
United Nations peacekeepers have had to pull
out of northern Mitrovica, Kosovo, after
riots injured at least 70 civilians and 36 members of the UN police and
NATO's K-For, according to media reports. The UN had tried to regain
control of their courthouse that was seized by Serbs, and after
arresting 53 Serbs, police vehicles were met by protestors throwing
rocks and even petrol bombs, leading to almost half of the arrestees being
released.
"The rioters who have used Molotov cocktails, grenades
and possible automatic weapons fire have gravely violated the law," NATO
spokesperson James Appathurai said. "NATO condemns in the strongest
form the violence we have seen in northern Kosovo today. KFOR will
respond firmly to any acts of violence, as is its mandate from the United
Nations."
Serbian President Boris Tadic publicly
asked that UN and NATO forces avoid any "excessive reaction" that could
cause an "escalation" of the situation; Prime Minister Vojislav
Kostunica--who, according to world news agencies, announced last
week he plans to resign--condemned the "use of force" against Kosovo
Serbs.
Russia, who has sided with Belgrade, Serbia, released a
statement from their foreign ministry: "It's clear that the
situation can only be normalized by returning the Kosovo process to the
framework of international law."
On February 17th, Kosovo
unilaterally declared its independence from Serbia. Much
conflict has followed, including protestors setting fire to the U.S.
Embassy in Belgrade last month.
|
RSS Feed
