<p>The United States and European Union on Wednesday (June 7) told Kosovo to back down amid its standoff with ethnic Serbs or face "consequences". The tension with ethnic Serbs has flared up in northern parts of Kosovo.</p>

<p>The warning came as envoys of US and the EU concluded visits to Kosovo and Serbia. The envoys had visited to calm tensions that flared into violence last week. The clashes also wounded dozens of NATO peace-keeping soldiers.</p>

<p>The violence started when Kosovo authorities installed ethnic Albanian mayors who were elected to their offices in elections that saw less than five per cent of voters come out to vote. The election was boycotted by ethnic Serbs who are in majority in northern Kosovan cities. Ethnic Serbs did not consider the mayors to be their representatives.</p>

<p>Gabriel Escobar, the US envoy to the Western Balkans, said that Kosovo must give more autonomy to Serb-majority municipalities if it wants to go in the direction of joining the EU and NATO.</p>

<p>"The actions taken or not taken could have some consequences that will affect parts of the relationship (between Kosovo and the United States), I don't want to get there," Escobar told Kosovo media on Tuesday before going to Belgrade.</p>

<p>Escobar, along with EU's Miroslav Lajcak did not reveal details of what will these consequences be or what's in store for Kosovo PM Albin Kurti's ethnic Albanian-dominated government.</p>

<p>"I don't think that these things are resolved with pressure and by mentioning consequences and even sanctions," Kurti told reporters on Wednesday.</p>

<p>"We have challenges with EU and U.S. envoys but our bilateral relations with the EU and U.S. are excellent."</p>

<p>Lajcak said on Monday that the envoys presented proposals to Kurti to de-escalate the situation in northern Kosovo, adding they had a "long, honest, difficult discussion".</p>

<h2><strong>Fresh elections?</strong></h2>

<p>The EU and the US have called on Kosovan PM to recall mayors from their offices and also to pull out special police unit that helped to install them. They have also stressed on calling fresh elections with Serb participation. The US and the EU have also appealed Kosovo to implement an agreement struck in 2013 that paved way for formation of association of Serb municipalities so that the community can get more autonomy.</p>

<p>Kosovo broke away from Serbia in 2008. Western countries like the US have been staunch&nbsp;backers of Kosovo's independence. Kosovo does not have recognition from all countries in the world. It does not till now, have a seat at the United Nations.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The United States and European Union on Wednesday (June 7) told Kosovo to back down amid its standoff with ethnic Serbs or face "consequences". The tension with ethnic Serbs has flared up in northern parts of Kosovo.

The United States and European Union on Wednesday (June 7) told Kosovo to back down amid its standoff with ethnic Serbs or face "consequences". The tension with ethnic Serbs has flared up in northern parts of Kosovo. The warning came as envoys of US and the EU concluded visits to Kosovo and Serbia. The envoys had visited to calm tensions that flared into violence last week. The clashes also wounded dozens of NATO peace-keeping soldiers. The violence started when Kosovo authorities installed ethnic Albanian mayors who were elected to their offices in elections that saw less than five per cent of voters come out to vote. The election was boycotted by ethnic Serbs who are in majority in northern Kosovan cities. Ethnic Serbs did not consider the mayors to be their representatives. Gabriel Escobar, the US envoy to the Western Balkans, said that Kosovo must give more autonomy to Serb-majority municipalities if it wants to go in the direction of joining the EU and NATO. "The actions taken or not taken could have some consequences that will affect parts of the relationship (between Kosovo and the United States), I don't want to get there," Escobar told Kosovo media on Tuesday before going to Belgrade. Escobar, along with EU's Miroslav Lajcak did not reveal details of what will these consequences be or what's in store for Kosovo PM Albin Kurti's ethnic Albanian-dominated government. "I don't think that these things are resolved with pressure and by mentioning consequences and even sanctions," Kurti told reporters on Wednesday. "We have challenges with EU and U.S. envoys but our bilateral relations with the EU and U.S. are excellent." Lajcak said on Monday that the envoys presented proposals to Kurti to de-escalate the situation in northern Kosovo, adding they had a "long, honest, difficult discussion". Fresh elections? The EU and the US have called on Kosovan PM to recall mayors from their offices and also to pull out special police unit that helped to install them. They have also stressed on calling fresh elections with Serb participation. The US and the EU have also appealed Kosovo to implement an agreement struck in 2013 that paved way for formation of association of Serb municipalities so that the community can get more autonomy. Kosovo broke away from Serbia in 2008. Western countries like the US have been staunch backers of Kosovo's independence. Kosovo does not have recognition from all countries in the world. It does not till now, have a seat at the United Nations. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Back down or face 'consequences', US and EU tell Kosovo authorities

<p>The United States on Tuesday (May 30) slammed Kosovo for forcibly trying to install ethnic Albanian mayors in the towns of Kosovo. The move, vehemently opposed by local ethnic Serbs, who make majority in these towns and had boycotted the elections, led to clashes with NATO soldiers. About 30 soldiers were injured. The election to choose the mayors, boycotted by Serbs had seen a paltry voter turnout of 3.5 per cent. Serbs here do not see ethnic Albanian mayors to be their real representatives.</p>

<p>The US expelled Kosovo from an ongoing US-led military exercise in Europe. US Ambassador in Kosovan capital Pristina, Jeffrey Hovenier made the announcement.</p>

<p>"For Kosovo, this exercise is over," Hovenier said in comments to local media in Pristina.</p>

<p>US is the among the biggest international backers of Kosovo and had supported its independence from Serbia in 2008. The expulsion from military exercise is being seen as the first US step to indicate Kosovo that all is&nbsp;not well in the current scenario.</p>

<p>The US ambassador also threatened Kosovo with an unprecedented move to end diplomatic support and stop international lobbying for recognition of the Balkan nation.</p>

<p>Serbia's allies, Russia and China have refused to recognise Kosovo so far. This had kept the nation from having a seat at the United Nations.</p>

<p>"You don’t find a lot of enthusiasm on the part of the United States to respond to Kosovo’s other interests, such as engaging in non-recognisers or working actively to advance Kosovo’s European or Euro-Atlantic trajectory," Hovenier said.</p>

<p>The US ambassador added that "the actions taken by the government of Kosovo...have created this crisis atmosphere in the north".</p>

<p>"We have asked prime minister Kurti very directly to take immediate steps to achieve de-escalation in the north. He has not been responsive to those requests," Hovenier said.</p>

<h2><strong>The clashes</strong></h2>

<p>Kosovan government, on Monday sought to install the ethnic Albanian mayors using police force. The clashes&nbsp;erupted soon. NATO troops had to intervene and control the crowd using shields and baton. Molotov cocktails were hurled at the NATO troops.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A total of 30 peacekeepers — 11 Italians and 19 Hungarians — were wounded in the clashes, according to a KFOR press release.</p>

<p>Among the protesters, 52 were injured, three of them "seriously", while five Serbs were arrested for taking part in the clashes. &nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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The United States on Tuesday (May 30) slammed Kosovo for forcibly trying to install ethnic Albanian mayors in the towns of Kosovo. The move, vehemently opposed by local ethnic Serbs, who make majority in these towns and had boycotted the elections, led to clashes with NATO soldiers.

The United States on Tuesday (May 30) slammed Kosovo for forcibly trying to install ethnic Albanian mayors in the towns of Kosovo. The move, vehemently opposed by local ethnic Serbs, who make majority in these towns and had boycotted the elections, led to clashes with NATO soldiers. About 30 soldiers were injured. The election to choose the mayors, boycotted by Serbs had seen a paltry voter turnout of 3.5 per cent. Serbs here do not see ethnic Albanian mayors to be their real representatives. The US expelled Kosovo from an ongoing US-led military exercise in Europe. US Ambassador in Kosovan capital Pristina, Jeffrey Hovenier made the announcement. "For Kosovo, this exercise is over," Hovenier said in comments to local media in Pristina. US is the among the biggest international backers of Kosovo and had supported its independence from Serbia in 2008. The expulsion from military exercise is being seen as the first US step to indicate Kosovo that all is not well in the current scenario. The US ambassador also threatened Kosovo with an unprecedented move to end diplomatic support and stop international lobbying for recognition of the Balkan nation. Serbia's allies, Russia and China have refused to recognise Kosovo so far. This had kept the nation from having a seat at the United Nations. "You don’t find a lot of enthusiasm on the part of the United States to respond to Kosovo’s other interests, such as engaging in non-recognisers or working actively to advance Kosovo’s European or Euro-Atlantic trajectory," Hovenier said. The US ambassador added that "the actions taken by the government of Kosovo...have created this crisis atmosphere in the north". "We have asked prime minister Kurti very directly to take immediate steps to achieve de-escalation in the north. He has not been responsive to those requests," Hovenier said. The clashes Kosovan government, on Monday sought to install the ethnic Albanian mayors using police force. The clashes erupted soon. NATO troops had to intervene and control the crowd using shields and baton. Molotov cocktails were hurled at the NATO troops. A total of 30 peacekeepers — 11 Italians and 19 Hungarians — were wounded in the clashes, according to a KFOR press release. Among the protesters, 52 were injured, three of them "seriously", while five Serbs were arrested for taking part in the clashes. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US expels Kosovo from military exercises after ethnic Serb clashes leave NATO troops injured

<p>Police had to use tear gas to disperse Serbs who had gathered on Friday (May 26) in front of municipal buildings in northern Kosovo. The police had to take action after&nbsp;helping&nbsp;ethnic Albanian mayors assume their posts following controversial elections. The ethnic Serb minority in Kosovo had boycotted the local elections in April. This allowed ethnic Albanians to take control of the local councils in spite of a very low voter turnout of 3.5 per cent.</p>

<p>Serb residents clashed with the police in the Serb-majority town of Zvecan. The crowd had rallied at the sound of an alarm which is commonly used in response to the presence of Kosovo police. The residents were eventually pushed back.</p>

<p>Many videos of the incident had been posted online. Gunshots and shock bombs could be heard in those.</p>

<p>Around 10 people suffered minor injuries. Ambulances arrived at the scene. Those injured were affected by "shock bombs and tear gas" and they also had "visible facial injuries" according to Danica Radomirovic, deputy head of the local hospital.&nbsp;She was quoted by the local media.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Thousands protest against violence in Serbia for third time in a month</strong></p>

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<p>Five police officers sustained slight injuries from "heavy objects and shock bombs" that were thrown in their direction, Kosovo police said.</p>

<p>"Material damage was also caused to four official vehicles. One of them was set on fire... Gunshots were also heard nearby," Kosovo police added.</p>

<p>AFP said that Kosovo police confirmed&nbsp;they were escorting newly elected mayors into their workplaces.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Tensions persist</strong></h2>

<p>RTS, a Serbian state-run broadcaster, reported that the police used tear gas in Zubin Potok and Leposavic municipalities.</p>

<p>Local ethnic Serbs have begun to erect roadblocks in Leposavic as a sign of protest at the events, RTS reported.</p>

<p>Neighbouring Serbia placed its army on high alert and was ordered to move towards the Kosovo border, Serbian defence minister told local media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There are frequent bouts of unrest in Kosovo's northern districts, home to many ethnic Serbs, who have remained loyal to Belgrade and never accepted Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence from its neighbour in 2008.</p>

<p>It is estimated that about 120,000 Serbs live in Kosovo. The population is mainly present in four northern districts.</p>

<p>Belgrade backed the local election boycott in April. It is pushing for an "association of Serb municipalities" -- a form of autonomy for the Serb minority in Kosovo, where the majority of the 1.8 million inhabitants are ethnic Albanian.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Police had to use tear gas to disperse Serbs who had gathered on Friday (May 26) in front of municipal buildings in northern Kosovo. The police had to take action after helping ethnic Albanian mayors assume their posts following controversial elections.

Police had to use tear gas to disperse Serbs who had gathered on Friday (May 26) in front of municipal buildings in northern Kosovo. The police had to take action after helping ethnic Albanian mayors assume their posts following controversial elections. The ethnic Serb minority in Kosovo had boycotted the local elections in April. This allowed ethnic Albanians to take control of the local councils in spite of a very low voter turnout of 3.5 per cent. Serb residents clashed with the police in the Serb-majority town of Zvecan. The crowd had rallied at the sound of an alarm which is commonly used in response to the presence of Kosovo police. The residents were eventually pushed back. Many videos of the incident had been posted online. Gunshots and shock bombs could be heard in those. Around 10 people suffered minor injuries. Ambulances arrived at the scene. Those injured were affected by "shock bombs and tear gas" and they also had "visible facial injuries" according to Danica Radomirovic, deputy head of the local hospital. She was quoted by the local media. Watch | Thousands protest against violence in Serbia for third time in a month × Five police officers sustained slight injuries from "heavy objects and shock bombs" that were thrown in their direction, Kosovo police said. "Material damage was also caused to four official vehicles. One of them was set on fire... Gunshots were also heard nearby," Kosovo police added. AFP said that Kosovo police confirmed they were escorting newly elected mayors into their workplaces. Tensions persist RTS, a Serbian state-run broadcaster, reported that the police used tear gas in Zubin Potok and Leposavic municipalities. Local ethnic Serbs have begun to erect roadblocks in Leposavic as a sign of protest at the events, RTS reported. Neighbouring Serbia placed its army on high alert and was ordered to move towards the Kosovo border, Serbian defence minister told local media. There are frequent bouts of unrest in Kosovo's northern districts, home to many ethnic Serbs, who have remained loyal to Belgrade and never accepted Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence from its neighbour in 2008. It is estimated that about 120,000 Serbs live in Kosovo. The population is mainly present in four northern districts. Belgrade backed the local election boycott in April. It is pushing for an "association of Serb municipalities" -- a form of autonomy for the Serb minority in Kosovo, where the majority of the 1.8 million inhabitants are ethnic Albanian. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Northern Kosovo sees ethnic Serbs clash with police, puts troops on high alert

<p>A Kosovan Serb leader, Oliver Ivanovic, who was awaiting trial over the killings of ethnic Albanians during the 1998-99 war, was shot dead outside his party office in the northern town of Mitrovica on Tuesday, a state prosecutor said.</p>

<p>In a protest against the killing, Serbia said it would quit the ongoing round of a European Union-sponsored dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina on the normalisation of relations that was due to take place in Brussels.</p>

<p>&quot;I can confirm that Oliver Ivanovic has died from gun shots. Investigators are on the scene,&quot; Shyqyri Syla, a state prosecutor in Mitrovica, told Reuters.</p>

<p>Known as a moderate among Kosovo Serb politicians, Oliver Ivanovic had been one of the chief interlocutors for NATO, United Nations and European Union officials based in Kosovo after the war.</p>

<p>In 2016 he was found guilty of war crimes linked to the killings of four ethnic Albanians during the war and was jailed for nine years. But after a retrial was ordered he was released last year and awaiting a new trial.</p>

<p>Some 40,000-50,000 ethnic Serbs live in northern Kosovo, rejecting integration with the mainly Albanian state since it declared independence from Serbia in 2008.</p>

<p>Relations between Serbia and Kosovo have been tense since 2008, but in 2013 both parties agreed to participate in the EU-sponsored negotiations on normalising relations, a condition for both to progress on their way towards membership in the bloc.</p>

<p>Ivanovic lived in the ethnically divided town of Mitrovica.</p>

<p>The Serbian news agency Tanjug quoted his lawyer as saying he was shot five times.</p>

<p>&quot;He was taken to the hospital immediately, the doctors tried to revive him, but he could not be saved,&quot; lawyer Nebojsa Vlajic said.</p>


Oliver Ivanovic was awaiting trial over the killings of ethnic Albanians during the 1998-99 war

A Kosovan Serb leader, Oliver Ivanovic, who was awaiting trial over the killings of ethnic Albanians during the 1998-99 war, was shot dead outside his party office in the northern town of Mitrovica on Tuesday, a state prosecutor said. In a protest against the killing, Serbia said it would quit the ongoing round of a European Union-sponsored dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina on the normalisation of relations that was due to take place in Brussels. "I can confirm that Oliver Ivanovic has died from gun shots. Investigators are on the scene," Shyqyri Syla, a state prosecutor in Mitrovica, told Reuters. Known as a moderate among Kosovo Serb politicians, Oliver Ivanovic had been one of the chief interlocutors for NATO, United Nations and European Union officials based in Kosovo after the war. In 2016 he was found guilty of war crimes linked to the killings of four ethnic Albanians during the war and was jailed for nine years. But after a retrial was ordered he was released last year and awaiting a new trial. Some 40,000-50,000 ethnic Serbs live in northern Kosovo, rejecting integration with the mainly Albanian state since it declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Relations between Serbia and Kosovo have been tense since 2008, but in 2013 both parties agreed to participate in the EU-sponsored negotiations on normalising relations, a condition for both to progress on their way towards membership in the bloc. Ivanovic lived in the ethnically divided town of Mitrovica. The Serbian news agency Tanjug quoted his lawyer as saying he was shot five times. "He was taken to the hospital immediately, the doctors tried to revive him, but he could not be saved," lawyer Nebojsa Vlajic said.

Kosovo Serb leader shot dead in northern town