<p>Former U.S. President Bill Clinton, largely credited for ending the Kosovo war more than two decades ago, on Monday told Kosovo's government to stop its actions in the Serb majority north, where tension has flared over the past few months.</p>

<p>Kosovo's northern region, home to 50,000 ethnic Serbs, has recently seen its worst tensions since Pristina declared independence from Serbia in 2008.</p>

<p>Violence erupted in late May after ethnic Albanian mayors took office following a local election in which turnout was just 3.5% after Serbs boycotted the vote.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-offer-hk1-million-bounties-for-hunt-of-exiled-democracy-activists-uk-hits-back-611558">Hong Kong police offer HK$1 million bounties for hunt of exiled democracy activists, UK hits back</a></p>

<p>Some 30 NATO peacekeeping soldiers defending three town halls in northern Kosovo were injured in clashes with Serb protesters, and 52 protesters were wounded.</p>

<p>"It's easy for the Albanians now in the majority to try to use the moment to make a point. But the real thing we need to do is to stop this foolishness," Clinton said during a ceremony in Tirana where he received a medal from Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-witnesses-its-hottest-june-since-records-began-nearly-140-years-ago-met-office-611507">UK witnesses hottest June since records began nearly 140 years ago: Met Office</a></p>

<p>Clinton was the most outspoken proponent of NATO intervention to halt killings of Kosovar civilians by Serbian forces as part of Belgrade’s 1998-99 crackdown on a Kosovo Albanian guerrilla uprising.</p>

<p>The war ended in June 1999 after 78 days of NATO bombardments against Serbia's forces.</p>

<p>The United States and the European Union, Kosovo's main allies, have mainly blamed Prime Minister Albin Kurti for igniting tension in the north by installing four mayors in their offices with police despite objections from local Serbs.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Japan set to release contaminated Fukushima water into Pacific, angering China</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-set-to-release-contaminated-fukushima-water-into-pacific-angering-china-611537/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"What major political issue can possibly be advanced by how those four little towns are run?" Clinton said.</p>

<p>In Belgrade, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said growing tensions between Belgrade and Pristina "cause great concern, as well as the increase in violence".</p>

<p>After meeting Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic, he stressed the importance of Belgrade and Pristina taking steps towards de-escalating and normalising relations.</p>

<p>"It is crucial for the wider region and Europe as a whole. While the war in Ukraine is raging, it is more important than ever that we act together," Rutte said.</p>

<p>The EU has already placed sanctions on Kosovo, including halting a large part of its economic aid, and has threatened more measures if Kurti does not back down.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Former U.S. President Bill Clinton, largely credited for ending the Kosovo war more than two decades ago, on Monday told Kosovo's government to stop its actions in the Serb majority north, where tension has flared over the past few months.

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton, largely credited for ending the Kosovo war more than two decades ago, on Monday told Kosovo's government to stop its actions in the Serb majority north, where tension has flared over the past few months. Kosovo's northern region, home to 50,000 ethnic Serbs, has recently seen its worst tensions since Pristina declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Violence erupted in late May after ethnic Albanian mayors took office following a local election in which turnout was just 3.5% after Serbs boycotted the vote. Also Read | Hong Kong police offer HK$1 million bounties for hunt of exiled democracy activists, UK hits back Some 30 NATO peacekeeping soldiers defending three town halls in northern Kosovo were injured in clashes with Serb protesters, and 52 protesters were wounded. "It's easy for the Albanians now in the majority to try to use the moment to make a point. But the real thing we need to do is to stop this foolishness," Clinton said during a ceremony in Tirana where he received a medal from Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama. Also Read | UK witnesses hottest June since records began nearly 140 years ago: Met Office Clinton was the most outspoken proponent of NATO intervention to halt killings of Kosovar civilians by Serbian forces as part of Belgrade’s 1998-99 crackdown on a Kosovo Albanian guerrilla uprising. The war ended in June 1999 after 78 days of NATO bombardments against Serbia's forces. The United States and the European Union, Kosovo's main allies, have mainly blamed Prime Minister Albin Kurti for igniting tension in the north by installing four mayors in their offices with police despite objections from local Serbs. Watch | Japan set to release contaminated Fukushima water into Pacific, angering China × "What major political issue can possibly be advanced by how those four little towns are run?" Clinton said. In Belgrade, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said growing tensions between Belgrade and Pristina "cause great concern, as well as the increase in violence". After meeting Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic, he stressed the importance of Belgrade and Pristina taking steps towards de-escalating and normalising relations. "It is crucial for the wider region and Europe as a whole. While the war in Ukraine is raging, it is more important than ever that we act together," Rutte said. The EU has already placed sanctions on Kosovo, including halting a large part of its economic aid, and has threatened more measures if Kurti does not back down. 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. ×

Bill Clinton tells Kosovo: Stop 'foolishness' in Serb-majority north

<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>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

<p><strong><em>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</em></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</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.

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>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>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/thousands-protest-against-violence-in-serbia-for-third-time-in-a-month-594425/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<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>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</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 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

After 19 days of blockade; Kosovo and Serbs finally agreed to remove the barricades from the roads of northern Kosovo. The protest was triggered by the arrest of former Kosovo Serb policeman.

Tensions diffuse between Kosovo and Serbia with the removal of roadblocks

<p>Supporters of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic held a large rally in support for the visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday in Belgrade.</p>

<p>Crowds of people marched through central Belgrade to greet Putin and Vucic during their stop in the St. Sava temple, the largest Christian Orthodox church in Serbia.</p>

<p>The rally was seen as Vucic's response to protests staged by the opposition for six consecutive weekends.</p>

<p>Just a day before Putin's visit, a silent march took place in protest at the unresolved killing of a Kosovo Serb politician a year ago.</p>

<p>The opposition protests typically gather around 20,000 people. Serbian state TV RTS claimed that 120,000-130,000 people took part in the rally for Vucic and Putin.</p>

<p>Many of the people took organised rides to the capital. Hundreds of parked buses lined several major streets during the rally, waiting for their passengers to return for the drive home.</p>

<p>Groups in the crowd carried banners declaring where in Serbia they came from, as well slogans in Serbian and Russian saying "Serbs and Russian, brothers forever" and "Thank you&nbsp;president&nbsp;for your support."</p>


Supporters of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic held a large rally in support for the visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday in Belgrade. Crowds of people marched through central Belgrade to greet Putin and Vucic during their stop in the St.

Supporters of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic held a large rally in support for the visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday in Belgrade. Crowds of people marched through central Belgrade to greet Putin and Vucic during their stop in the St. Sava temple, the largest Christian Orthodox church in Serbia. The rally was seen as Vucic's response to protests staged by the opposition for six consecutive weekends. Just a day before Putin's visit, a silent march took place in protest at the unresolved killing of a Kosovo Serb politician a year ago. The opposition protests typically gather around 20,000 people. Serbian state TV RTS claimed that 120,000-130,000 people took part in the rally for Vucic and Putin. Many of the people took organised rides to the capital. Hundreds of parked buses lined several major streets during the rally, waiting for their passengers to return for the drive home. Groups in the crowd carried banners declaring where in Serbia they came from, as well slogans in Serbian and Russian saying "Serbs and Russian, brothers forever" and "Thank you president for your support."

Serb leader stages lavish reception and huge rally for Putin visit

serb

Serb, News on Serb, stories on Serb, articles on Serb, Serb stories at Wion, Serb news, Serb latest news