<p>Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic dissolved parliament on Wednesday and called an early election on Dec. 17, aiming to cement his authority as he works out how to normalise ties with Kosovo, the main precondition for EU membership.</p>

<p>The parliamentary election will coincide with local votes in 65 municipalities, including the capital Belgrade.</p>

<p>Experts say the vote and an absence of a working parliament, will allow Vucic to buy time and delay decisions over ties with independent and predominantly Albanian Kosovo, which Serbia still sees as its southern province.</p>

<p>"We are living in a time in which it is necessary for all of us to be united in the struggle for vital ... interests of Serbia, in which we will be under numerous pressures, both because of our position on Kosovo, and because of other regional and global issues," Vucic said after signing the decree.</p>

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<p>Ursula von der Leyen, the EU executive's president, said during a visit to Belgrade on Tuesday that both Serbia and Kosovo must step up their efforts to normalise relations after the most recent flare-up of violence, if they want to join the bloc.</p>

<p>Serbia also needs to join Western sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, root out corruption and organised crime, reform the economy, improve the judiciary, the business climate and its human rights record.</p>

<p>Commentators say Vucic's move is also aimed at solidifying his own ranks and reforming his ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), whose popularity has been dented after months of opposition protests, following the two mass shootings in May.</p>

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<p>According to Belgrade-based Stata pollster, the SNS-led alliance would garner around 44% of votes, and it will have to seek allies to form a majority in the 250-seat parliament.</p>

<p>The centrist opposition bloc Agaist The Violence, comprised of left, green and centrist parties, is seen on 38%.</p>

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<p>Ultranationalist and pro-Russian parties are expected to jointly have around 11% of votes, Stata said last month.</p>

<p>Vucic, who last year secured his second five-year term in office, resigned as the head of SNS in May, but he still wields considerable influence over party policies.</p>

<p>Opposition parties and rights groups accuse Vucic, the SNS and its allies of autocracy, oppressing media freedoms, election fraud, violence against political opponents, corruption and ties with organised crime. Vucic and his allies deny the accusations.</p>

<p>After signing the decree, Vucic said it was important for Serbia to "preserve peace, stability, and internal cohesion and (to) show democracy".</p>

<p>"This campaign is an opportunity to present different ideas, programs, policies... , but which must never threaten vital interests of Serbia," he said.</p>


Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic dissolved parliament on Wednesday and called an early election on Dec. 17, aiming to cement his authority as he works out how to normalise ties with Kosovo, the main precondition for EU membership.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic dissolved parliament on Wednesday and called an early election on Dec. 17, aiming to cement his authority as he works out how to normalise ties with Kosovo, the main precondition for EU membership. The parliamentary election will coincide with local votes in 65 municipalities, including the capital Belgrade. Experts say the vote and an absence of a working parliament, will allow Vucic to buy time and delay decisions over ties with independent and predominantly Albanian Kosovo, which Serbia still sees as its southern province. "We are living in a time in which it is necessary for all of us to be united in the struggle for vital ... interests of Serbia, in which we will be under numerous pressures, both because of our position on Kosovo, and because of other regional and global issues," Vucic said after signing the decree. Also Read | 'Felt like end of world': Survivors share tragic story as Israeli strikes rock Gaza refugee camp Ursula von der Leyen, the EU executive's president, said during a visit to Belgrade on Tuesday that both Serbia and Kosovo must step up their efforts to normalise relations after the most recent flare-up of violence, if they want to join the bloc. Serbia also needs to join Western sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, root out corruption and organised crime, reform the economy, improve the judiciary, the business climate and its human rights record. Commentators say Vucic's move is also aimed at solidifying his own ranks and reforming his ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), whose popularity has been dented after months of opposition protests, following the two mass shootings in May. Also Read | US: Man arrested for a Halloween murder committed 41 years ago According to Belgrade-based Stata pollster, the SNS-led alliance would garner around 44% of votes, and it will have to seek allies to form a majority in the 250-seat parliament. The centrist opposition bloc Agaist The Violence, comprised of left, green and centrist parties, is seen on 38%. Watch | Rafah border crossing opens for evacuation, ambulance carrying wounded allowed to leave × Ultranationalist and pro-Russian parties are expected to jointly have around 11% of votes, Stata said last month. Vucic, who last year secured his second five-year term in office, resigned as the head of SNS in May, but he still wields considerable influence over party policies. Opposition parties and rights groups accuse Vucic, the SNS and its allies of autocracy, oppressing media freedoms, election fraud, violence against political opponents, corruption and ties with organised crime. Vucic and his allies deny the accusations. After signing the decree, Vucic said it was important for Serbia to "preserve peace, stability, and internal cohesion and (to) show democracy". "This campaign is an opportunity to present different ideas, programs, policies... , but which must never threaten vital interests of Serbia," he said.

Serbia's President Vucic dissolves parliament, sets snap election for Dec 17

<p>Turkey on Tuesday (Oct 10) took command of a NATO-led force in Kosovo for the first time in a backdrop of a volatile situation in the country's north and tense relations with former wartime rival Serbia.</p>

<p>In late September, about 30 gunmen ambushed a police patrol near the northern border with Serbia. This led to the death of a Kosovan police officer.</p>

<p>It was one of the most serious incidents in ethnic Albanian-majority Kosovo since it declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Belgrade still refuses to recognise the move.</p>

<p>After the ambush, the gunmen retreated and barricaded themselves in an Orthodox monastery. They were involved in a shootout that lasted for hours.</p>

<p>The US and the European Union (EU) expressed deep concern over the incident and urged restraint.</p>

<p>A handover ceremony took place in Pristina on Tuesday. Turkish Major General Ozkan Ulutas said that he was mindful of the responsibility at the helm of KFOR during a "sensitive period that Kosovo is going through", a KFOR statement said.</p>

<p>Major General Ulutas will be commanding the 4500-string KFOR. The troops in the force are provided by 27 NATO and partner countries.</p>

<p>Kosovo has accused Serbia of backing the full operation near&nbsp;its northern border and claimed that it was aimed at annexation of Kosovo's north.</p>

<p>The suspected commando leader who killed the officer, Milan Radoicic, admitted to masterminding the deadly attack.</p>

<p>Radoicic is also a former vice president of the main political grouping of Kosovo Serbs. He was briefly detained in Serbia earlier this month and ordered freed on a conditional release.&nbsp;</p>

<p>KFOR was deployed in Kosovo after the 1998-1999 war between independence-seeking ethnic Albanian guerrillas and Serbian armed forces.</p>

<p>The war claimed about 13,000 lives. It ended with the NATO bombing of Serbia. This forced Belgrade to withdraw its military and police from Kosovo.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Turkey on Tuesday (Oct 10) took command of a NATO-led force in Kosovo for the first time in a backdrop of a volatile situation in the country's north and tense relations with former wartime rival Serbia.

Turkey on Tuesday (Oct 10) took command of a NATO-led force in Kosovo for the first time in a backdrop of a volatile situation in the country's north and tense relations with former wartime rival Serbia. In late September, about 30 gunmen ambushed a police patrol near the northern border with Serbia. This led to the death of a Kosovan police officer. It was one of the most serious incidents in ethnic Albanian-majority Kosovo since it declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Belgrade still refuses to recognise the move. After the ambush, the gunmen retreated and barricaded themselves in an Orthodox monastery. They were involved in a shootout that lasted for hours. The US and the European Union (EU) expressed deep concern over the incident and urged restraint. A handover ceremony took place in Pristina on Tuesday. Turkish Major General Ozkan Ulutas said that he was mindful of the responsibility at the helm of KFOR during a "sensitive period that Kosovo is going through", a KFOR statement said. Major General Ulutas will be commanding the 4500-string KFOR. The troops in the force are provided by 27 NATO and partner countries. Kosovo has accused Serbia of backing the full operation near its northern border and claimed that it was aimed at annexation of Kosovo's north. The suspected commando leader who killed the officer, Milan Radoicic, admitted to masterminding the deadly attack. Radoicic is also a former vice president of the main political grouping of Kosovo Serbs. He was briefly detained in Serbia earlier this month and ordered freed on a conditional release. KFOR was deployed in Kosovo after the 1998-1999 war between independence-seeking ethnic Albanian guerrillas and Serbian armed forces. The war claimed about 13,000 lives. It ended with the NATO bombing of Serbia. This forced Belgrade to withdraw its military and police from Kosovo. (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 ×

Turkey takes charge of NATO peacekeepers in Kosovo

Just when you thought the tensions between Serbia and Kosovo couldn't get any worse, a deadly siege at a Serbian orthodox monastery in the restive northern part of Kosovo has laid open the faultlines. An estimated 4 people including a Kosovar policeman were killed in the incident that has been described as one of the worst escalation in years.

Why are tensions on the rise between Serbia & Kosovo? | World at War

Is NATO playing with fire in Putin's backyard? The U.S.-led bloc has bolstered its troops' presence on the ground amid tensions with Russian ally Serbia. Watch this video to find out more about the escalating situation in the landlocked Balkan nation.

Gravitas: Will Russian Ally Serbia Invade Kosovo? NATO Boosts Forces Amid Escalating Tensions

Kosovo declared on Saturday that it was prepared to defend its territorial integrity and asked that Serbia remove its troops from their shared border. Since last Sunday, when approximately thirty heavily armed Serbs seized the Kosovo town of Banjska and trapped themselves in a Serbian Orthodox monastery, tensions between the two nations have been high. One police officer and three attackers were slain.

Serbia-Kosovo Clash: Berlin urges Serbia to reduce troops at border

Following what it described as a "unprecedented" military build-up in Serbia, the US has pushed Belgrade to withdraw its forces from the Kosovo border. Following the tragic skirmishes that broke out at a monastery in northern Kosovo last weekend, Serbia has stationed advanced tanks and artillery close to the border with that country, the White House issued a warning on Friday.

Serbia-Kosovo Clash: One Kosovan police officer and three Serb men die in shootout

<p>The US has called on the Serbian leadership to withdraw forces and ‘a large military buildup’ from the border with Kosovo, a separatist region. The buildup is a result of ongoing tensions between Kosovo’s majority Albanians and minority ethnic Serbs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby Friday (Sep 29) described the "large military deployment" of sophisticated tanks and artillery as "a very destabilising development".</p>

<p>Kirby also referred to an intense standoff between police and three Serbian armed men on Sunday (Sep 24) in the northeastern region of Kosovo, which resulted in the killing of four. Kosovo accused Serbia of orchestrating the attack.</p>

<p>"It's worrisome. It doesn't look like just a bunch of guys who got together to do this, we are calling on Serbia to withdraw those forces from the border," Kirby said.</p>

<p>He claimed that the buildup took place over the last weekend and its purpose was not clear.</p>

<h2><strong>Blinken talks to Serbian president</strong></h2>

<p>John Kirby also mentioned that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had talked to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic over the phone and urged immediate de-escalation. On the other hand, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan spoke to Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti.</p>

<p>It must be noted that the Serbian president has categorically denied that Serbia’s forces are on high alert near Kosovo’s border.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH:&nbsp;Kosovo: Four killed after armed men storm Kosovo monastery; Serbia President condemns killing</strong></p>

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<p>"I have denied untruths where they talk about the highest level of combat readiness of our forces, because I simply did not sign that and it is not accurate," Vucic said, adding, "We don't even have half the troops we had two or three months ago."</p>

<h2><strong>UK sending more troops for NATO mission</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the UK has announced it will send more troops to NATO’s ‘peacekeeping mission’ in Kosovo in the wake of the “current situation.”</p>

<p>“Due to the current situation in Kosovo, we have transferred command of the 1st Battalion of the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment – a reserve force for NATO’s Kosovo Force (KFOR) – to NATO so it can provide support if required," Britain’s Ministry of Defence said in a statement.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-joins-kosovo-in-investigating-deadly-violence-639956"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;US joins Kosovo in investigating deadly violence</strong></a></p>

<p>As tensions continue to rise, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday (Sep 28) that he had "authorised additional forces to address the current situation".</p>

<p>It is the second time in three months that NATO has bolstered its forces in the country.</p>

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The US has called on the Serbian leadership to withdraw forces and ‘a large military buildup’ from the border with Kosovo, a separatist region. The buildup is a result of ongoing tensions between Kosovo’s majority Albanians and minority ethnic Serbs.

The US has called on the Serbian leadership to withdraw forces and ‘a large military buildup’ from the border with Kosovo, a separatist region. The buildup is a result of ongoing tensions between Kosovo’s majority Albanians and minority ethnic Serbs. White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby Friday (Sep 29) described the "large military deployment" of sophisticated tanks and artillery as "a very destabilising development". Kirby also referred to an intense standoff between police and three Serbian armed men on Sunday (Sep 24) in the northeastern region of Kosovo, which resulted in the killing of four. Kosovo accused Serbia of orchestrating the attack. "It's worrisome. It doesn't look like just a bunch of guys who got together to do this, we are calling on Serbia to withdraw those forces from the border," Kirby said. He claimed that the buildup took place over the last weekend and its purpose was not clear. Blinken talks to Serbian president John Kirby also mentioned that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had talked to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic over the phone and urged immediate de-escalation. On the other hand, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan spoke to Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti. It must be noted that the Serbian president has categorically denied that Serbia’s forces are on high alert near Kosovo’s border. WATCH: Kosovo: Four killed after armed men storm Kosovo monastery; Serbia President condemns killing × "I have denied untruths where they talk about the highest level of combat readiness of our forces, because I simply did not sign that and it is not accurate," Vucic said, adding, "We don't even have half the troops we had two or three months ago." UK sending more troops for NATO mission Meanwhile, the UK has announced it will send more troops to NATO’s ‘peacekeeping mission’ in Kosovo in the wake of the “current situation.” “Due to the current situation in Kosovo, we have transferred command of the 1st Battalion of the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment – a reserve force for NATO’s Kosovo Force (KFOR) – to NATO so it can provide support if required," Britain’s Ministry of Defence said in a statement. Also read: US joins Kosovo in investigating deadly violence As tensions continue to rise, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday (Sep 28) that he had "authorised additional forces to address the current situation". It is the second time in three months that NATO has bolstered its forces in the country. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US urges Serbia to withdraw forces from Kosovo border, NATO bolsters forces

<p>The US ambassador to Kosovo said on Tuesday (September 26) that the US is working with Kosovo in the investigation of a shootout which resulted in the death of four people last weekend. He was speaking after the deadliest violence to hit the contested region in years.</p>

<p>According to Kosovo authorities, around 30 heavily armed Serbs stormed the village of Banjska on Sunday. They battled police and barricaded themselves in Serbian Orthodox monastery. The monastery was captured by police later on Sunday. Three attackers and one police officer were killed.</p>

<p>"We are still doing our hard work to figure out exactly how and who is responsible and why," Ambassador Jeffrey M. Hovenier said after meeting Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani.</p>

<p>There is fresh international concern after recent violence about stability in Kosovo.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kosovo has an ethnic Albanian majority. It declared independence from Serbia in 2008.</p>

<p>Serbia has never recognised Kosovo's independence. The ethnic Serb minority in north Kosovo largely rejects Kosovan rule.</p>

<p>"This was not a group of individual citizens spontaneously coming together to express concern," Hovenier said, talking about equipment and weapons seized by the police.</p>

<p>"This was a trained, organised group. And that means that there are some structures behind them giving them the training and equipment."</p>

<p>Responsibility for the attack has not been claimed by any group so far.</p>

<p>Kosovo police said on Tuesday that two more suspects were arrested in a hotel in the north of the country. The police said that a cache of weapons had also been seized. This included assault rifles and heavy machine guns.</p>

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The US ambassador to Kosovo said on Tuesday (September 26) that the US is working with Kosovo in the investigation of a shootout which resulted in the death of four people last weekend.

The US ambassador to Kosovo said on Tuesday (September 26) that the US is working with Kosovo in the investigation of a shootout which resulted in the death of four people last weekend. He was speaking after the deadliest violence to hit the contested region in years. According to Kosovo authorities, around 30 heavily armed Serbs stormed the village of Banjska on Sunday. They battled police and barricaded themselves in Serbian Orthodox monastery. The monastery was captured by police later on Sunday. Three attackers and one police officer were killed. "We are still doing our hard work to figure out exactly how and who is responsible and why," Ambassador Jeffrey M. Hovenier said after meeting Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani. There is fresh international concern after recent violence about stability in Kosovo. Kosovo has an ethnic Albanian majority. It declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Serbia has never recognised Kosovo's independence. The ethnic Serb minority in north Kosovo largely rejects Kosovan rule. "This was not a group of individual citizens spontaneously coming together to express concern," Hovenier said, talking about equipment and weapons seized by the police. "This was a trained, organised group. And that means that there are some structures behind them giving them the training and equipment." Responsibility for the attack has not been claimed by any group so far. Kosovo police said on Tuesday that two more suspects were arrested in a hotel in the north of the country. The police said that a cache of weapons had also been seized. This included assault rifles and heavy machine guns. 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 ×

US joins Kosovo in investigating deadly violence

<p>The standoff between gunmen and Kosovo authorities at a monastery near the Serbian border ended on Sunday night (September 24), the interior minister in Pristina said, after police regained control of the area.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We put this territory under control. It was done after several consecutive battles," Xhelal Svecla, the Minister of Internal Affairs, told reporters.</p>

<p>Kosovo police had released a statement saying that an officer and three gunmen had lost their lives in a shooting around the village of Banjska in the country's north on Sunday (September 24) after Pristina said around 30 attackers stormed the village.</p>

<p>Earlier, Prime Minister Albin Kurti released a statement saying that at least 30 gunmen were surrounded by authorities in north Kosovo and called for their surrender.</p>

<p>"There are at least 30 professional, military or police armed people who are surrounded by our police forces and whom I invite to surrender to our security agencies," said Kurti during a press conference.</p>

<p>He further added that the group was located in and around a monastery near the village of Banjska, where the patrol had been ambushed early on Sunday (September 24).</p>

<p>Kurti took to social media and said, "At this moment, gunfire with various calibre firearms against our police is still ongoing."</p>

<p>"The attackers are professionals wearing masks and heavily armed," he further wrote describing the incident.</p>

<p>The Serbia Orthodox Church released a statement confirming that the gunmen had stormed a monastery in Banjska&nbsp;where pilgrims from the northern Serbian city of Novi Sad were staying.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kosovo police released a statement early on Sunday saying that two heavy vehicles without license plates were placed on a bridge in the village of Banjska, blockading the entrance and firing at the police units that arrived "with an arsenal of firearms, including hand grenades and arm launchers".</p>

<p>"We can see armed people in uniforms... they are firing on us and we are firing back," Kosovo police official Veton Elshan told news agency AFP telephonically from Banjska.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-accuses-china-of-installing-floating-barrier-in-south-china-sea-639147">Philippines accuses China of installing 'floating barrier' in South China Sea</a></p>

<p>PM Kurti's comments came hours after he called the ambush an act of terrorism and condemned the Serbian government for it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Organised crime with political, financial and logistical support from officials in Belgrade is attacking our country," he wrote on social media.</p>

<p>Later, Serbian state media outlet RTS reported that Jarinje and Brnjak border crossings between Serbia and Kosovo were shut down.</p>

<h2><strong>Talks with Serbia have reached dead end, says Kurti</strong></h2>

<p>Talks between Kosovo and Serbia, that were brokered by the European Union, have reached a dead end, said Kurti as per The Guardian.</p>

<p>Kurti, in a conversation with the outlet, defined the latest unsuccessful meeting between him and the Serbian president Aleksandar Vučić, which took place on September 14, as a fiasco and said that the EU special envoy, Miroslav Lajčák, had “lost neutrality”.</p>

<p>“There is no moving further with this method,” Kurti said. “The 14 September [meeting] showed the limits of old methods.”</p>

<p>“He offends and curses in Serbian quite often throughout these two years,” Kurti said. “I asked the mediators to stop him and to condemn it but that never happens.”</p>

<h2><strong>EU condemns 'hideous attack'</strong></h2>

<p>The EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell fiercely condemned the "hideous attack" on Kosovo police that claimed the life of one officer.</p>

<p>"I condemn in the strongest possible terms the hideous attack by an armed gang against Kosovo police officers in Banjska/Banjske in the north of Kosovo, which left one police officer dead and two injured," he said in a statement, calling for the violence to cease.</p>

<p>"All facts about the attack need to be established. The responsible perpetrators must face justice," he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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The standoff between gunmen and Kosovo authorities at a monastery near the Serbian border ended on Sunday night (September 24), the interior minister in Pristina said, after police regained control of the area.

The standoff between gunmen and Kosovo authorities at a monastery near the Serbian border ended on Sunday night (September 24), the interior minister in Pristina said, after police regained control of the area. "We put this territory under control. It was done after several consecutive battles," Xhelal Svecla, the Minister of Internal Affairs, told reporters. Kosovo police had released a statement saying that an officer and three gunmen had lost their lives in a shooting around the village of Banjska in the country's north on Sunday (September 24) after Pristina said around 30 attackers stormed the village. Earlier, Prime Minister Albin Kurti released a statement saying that at least 30 gunmen were surrounded by authorities in north Kosovo and called for their surrender. "There are at least 30 professional, military or police armed people who are surrounded by our police forces and whom I invite to surrender to our security agencies," said Kurti during a press conference. He further added that the group was located in and around a monastery near the village of Banjska, where the patrol had been ambushed early on Sunday (September 24). Kurti took to social media and said, "At this moment, gunfire with various calibre firearms against our police is still ongoing." "The attackers are professionals wearing masks and heavily armed," he further wrote describing the incident. The Serbia Orthodox Church released a statement confirming that the gunmen had stormed a monastery in Banjska where pilgrims from the northern Serbian city of Novi Sad were staying. Kosovo police released a statement early on Sunday saying that two heavy vehicles without license plates were placed on a bridge in the village of Banjska, blockading the entrance and firing at the police units that arrived "with an arsenal of firearms, including hand grenades and arm launchers". "We can see armed people in uniforms... they are firing on us and we are firing back," Kosovo police official Veton Elshan told news agency AFP telephonically from Banjska. Also read: Philippines accuses China of installing 'floating barrier' in South China Sea PM Kurti's comments came hours after he called the ambush an act of terrorism and condemned the Serbian government for it. "Organised crime with political, financial and logistical support from officials in Belgrade is attacking our country," he wrote on social media. Later, Serbian state media outlet RTS reported that Jarinje and Brnjak border crossings between Serbia and Kosovo were shut down. Talks with Serbia have reached dead end, says Kurti Talks between Kosovo and Serbia, that were brokered by the European Union, have reached a dead end, said Kurti as per The Guardian. Kurti, in a conversation with the outlet, defined the latest unsuccessful meeting between him and the Serbian president Aleksandar Vučić, which took place on September 14, as a fiasco and said that the EU special envoy, Miroslav Lajčák, had “lost neutrality”. “There is no moving further with this method,” Kurti said. “The 14 September [meeting] showed the limits of old methods.” “He offends and curses in Serbian quite often throughout these two years,” Kurti said. “I asked the mediators to stop him and to condemn it but that never happens.” EU condemns 'hideous attack' The EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell fiercely condemned the "hideous attack" on Kosovo police that claimed the life of one officer. "I condemn in the strongest possible terms the hideous attack by an armed gang against Kosovo police officers in Banjska/Banjske in the north of Kosovo, which left one police officer dead and two injured," he said in a statement, calling for the violence to cease. "All facts about the attack need to be established. The responsible perpetrators must face justice," he said. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Standoff between gunmen and Kosovo authorities at monastery ends

Serbia President has condemned the killing of a police officer in Kosovo, this comes after standoff between gunmen and cost of authorities at the monastery near the border with Serbia ended on Sunday night.

Kosovo: Four killed after armed men storm Kosovo monastery; Serbia President condemns killing | WION

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<p>Russia on Monday (September 25) said it was closely monitoring the "potentially dangerous" situation that developed in Kosovo over the weekend where ethnic Serb gunmen engaged in a violent gunfight with the local authorities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The situation is extremely difficult. On Kosovo, we see a traditionally biased attitude towards the Serbs...The situation is very, very tense and potentially dangerous, we are monitoring it very closely," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying by news agency&nbsp;Reuters.</p>

<p>Moscow does not recognise Kosovo (a former province of Serbia)&nbsp;as an independent country which has a majority ethnic Albanian population. Traditionally, Russia sides with and supports Serbia, with which it has close religious and cultural ties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over two decades after a Kosovo Albanian guerrilla uprising against repressive Serbian rule, some 50,000 Serbs in the northern region of Kosovo refuse to accept the 2008 declaration of independence and continue to regard Belgrade as their capital - often leading to such escalations.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-officer-killed-in-attack-in-north-kosovo-fighting-ongoing-says-pm-639188" target="_blank"><strong>Watch | Standoff between gunmen and Kosovo authorities at monastery ends</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>What happened in Kosovo?</strong></h2>

<p>On Sunday (September 24), Serbian gunmen in armoured vehicles stormed a village in north Kosovo, battling police before barricading themselves in a monastery.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Serbian Orthodox monastery is near the village of Banjska in the Serb-majority region, where monks and pilgrims hid inside a temple as a&nbsp;shootout followed.</p>

<p>It was late in the evening that the Kosovar police managed to pin the gunmen and retake the monastery.</p>

<p>The police said&nbsp;an officer and three gunmen had lost their lives.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We put this territory under control. It was done after several consecutive battles," Xhelal Svecla, the Minister of Internal Affairs, told reporters.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-officer-killed-in-attack-in-north-kosovo-fighting-ongoing-says-pm-639188"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Standoff between gunmen and Kosovo authorities at monastery ends</strong></a></p>

<p>Prime Minister Albin Kurti called the ambush an act of terrorism and condemned the Serbian government for it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Organised crime with political, financial and logistical support from officials in Belgrade is attacking our country," he wrote on social media.</p>

<p>Later, Serbian state media outlet RTS reported that Jarinje and Brnjak border crossings between Serbia and Kosovo were shut down.</p>

<p>The situation between the two countries remains frosty. According to <em>The Guardian</em>, talks between Kosovo and Serbia, which were brokered by the European Union, have reached a dead end.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kurti, in a conversation with the outlet, defined the latest unsuccessful meeting between him and the Serbian president Aleksandar Vučić, which took place on September 14, as a fiasco and said that the EU special envoy, Miroslav Lajčák, had “lost neutrality”.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russia on Monday (September 25) said it was closely monitoring the "potentially dangerous" situation that developed in Kosovo over the weekend where ethnic Serb gunmen engaged in a violent gunfight with the local authorities.

Russia on Monday (September 25) said it was closely monitoring the "potentially dangerous" situation that developed in Kosovo over the weekend where ethnic Serb gunmen engaged in a violent gunfight with the local authorities. "The situation is extremely difficult. On Kosovo, we see a traditionally biased attitude towards the Serbs...The situation is very, very tense and potentially dangerous, we are monitoring it very closely," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying by news agency Reuters. Moscow does not recognise Kosovo (a former province of Serbia) as an independent country which has a majority ethnic Albanian population. Traditionally, Russia sides with and supports Serbia, with which it has close religious and cultural ties. Over two decades after a Kosovo Albanian guerrilla uprising against repressive Serbian rule, some 50,000 Serbs in the northern region of Kosovo refuse to accept the 2008 declaration of independence and continue to regard Belgrade as their capital - often leading to such escalations. Watch | Standoff between gunmen and Kosovo authorities at monastery ends × What happened in Kosovo? On Sunday (September 24), Serbian gunmen in armoured vehicles stormed a village in north Kosovo, battling police before barricading themselves in a monastery. The Serbian Orthodox monastery is near the village of Banjska in the Serb-majority region, where monks and pilgrims hid inside a temple as a shootout followed. It was late in the evening that the Kosovar police managed to pin the gunmen and retake the monastery. The police said an officer and three gunmen had lost their lives. "We put this territory under control. It was done after several consecutive battles," Xhelal Svecla, the Minister of Internal Affairs, told reporters. Also read | Standoff between gunmen and Kosovo authorities at monastery ends Prime Minister Albin Kurti called the ambush an act of terrorism and condemned the Serbian government for it. "Organised crime with political, financial and logistical support from officials in Belgrade is attacking our country," he wrote on social media. Later, Serbian state media outlet RTS reported that Jarinje and Brnjak border crossings between Serbia and Kosovo were shut down. The situation between the two countries remains frosty. According to The Guardian, talks between Kosovo and Serbia, which were brokered by the European Union, have reached a dead end. Kurti, in a conversation with the outlet, defined the latest unsuccessful meeting between him and the Serbian president Aleksandar Vučić, which took place on September 14, as a fiasco and said that the EU special envoy, Miroslav Lajčák, had “lost neutrality”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Moscow 'closely monitoring' situation in Kosovo after gunmen-police standoff

Scientists have long known that some organisms can put their lives on hold in order to survive harsh environments, but this time they managed to revive a roundworm that had been dormant for 46,000 years in Siberian permafrost. It appears that this time-traveling worm has broken all previous records for dormancy; after being revived, the worms began to produce young.

Serbia: 46,000 year old worm broke dormancy records

A powerful storm, along with heavy rain and strong winds, hit Balkan nations on Wednesday. At least five were killed and dozens injured in Croatia, Bosnia, and Slovenia. It is the second storm to hit the region in two days, after a string of extremely hot and dry days.

Deadly storm kills at least 5 in Croatia, Serbia & Slovenia

On Thursday, an Opposition legislator splashed water on Prime Minister Albin Kurti when he was speaking about government initiatives to ease tensions with ethnic Serbs in the country's north.

Brawl in Kosovo's Parliament: Opposition MP sprays water on PM & Deputy PM | World News | WION

<p>The European Union (EU) is planning to hold crisis talks with Serbia and Kosovo on Thursday (June 22) as the bloc is taking step to ease the latest flare up in tensions.</p>

<p>"I have called the leaders of Serbia &amp; Kosovo to Brussels for urgent meetings to find the way out of the current crisis," the EU's foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We need immediate de-escalation &amp; new elections in the north with participation of Kosovo Serbs. This is paramount for the region &amp; EU," Borrell tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I have called the leaders of Serbia <a href="https://twitter.com/predsednikrs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@predsednikrs</a> &amp; Kosovo <a href="https://twitter.com/albinkurti?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@albinkurti</a> to Brussels for urgent meetings to find the way out of the current crisis<br />
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We need immediate de-escalation &amp; new elections in the north with participation of Kosovo Serbs. This is paramount for the region &amp; EU</p>
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) <a href="https://twitter.com/JosepBorrellF/status/1671753029257658368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The latest spike in tension between Serbia and Kosovo has been caused by detention of three Kosovo police officers by Serbia. The Kosovan officers were detained last week. Their detention followed weeks of tension over disputed elections in Serb-majority northern Kosovo. The riots in an ethnic Serb majority municipality in northern Kosovo had injured 30 NATO peacekeepers.</p>

<p>The EU had warned Kosovo of political consequences if it did not reverse course on the election. The political consequences the EU warned of were suspension of high-level visits and financial cooperation.</p>

<p>Kosovo and Serbia have had strained relations since a war in late 1990s. The war had led to NATO intervention against Serbia. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. But Belgrade has refused to recognise it. Kosovo mainly gets support from the Western countries including the US while China and Russia are main backers of Serbia. Due to China and Russia's refusal to recognise Kosovo, it has not been able to get a seat at the United Nations.</p>

<p>Ethnic Serbs remain largely loyal to Belgrade especially those in northern Kosovo. In this region Serbs make up a majority in several municipalities and resist Pristina's moves to consolidate its control over the region.</p>

<p>Serbia sees Kosovo as its spiritual and historical homeland. It has been the scene of pivotal battles over centuries. Kosovo has Serbian Orthodox Church's most revered monasteries.</p>

<h2><strong>Recent flare-up in tensions</strong></h2>

<p>Ethnic Serbs had boycotted municipal election in northern Kosovo in April. The voter turnout was less than 5 per cent. This enabled ethnic Albanian mayors to get 'elected'. Serbs did not see these mayors as their true representatives.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the month of May, Kosovan authorities tried to install these mayors against the wishes of majority Serbs. This led to clashes and NATO peacekeeping troops, who attempted to separate protesters from the police were caught in the violence and were injured.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The European Union (EU) is planning to hold crisis talks with Serbia and Kosovo on Thursday (June 22) as the bloc is taking step to ease the latest flare up in tensions.

The European Union (EU) is planning to hold crisis talks with Serbia and Kosovo on Thursday (June 22) as the bloc is taking step to ease the latest flare up in tensions. "I have called the leaders of Serbia & Kosovo to Brussels for urgent meetings to find the way out of the current crisis," the EU's foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said. "We need immediate de-escalation & new elections in the north with participation of Kosovo Serbs. This is paramount for the region & EU," Borrell tweeted. I have called the leaders of Serbia @predsednikrs & Kosovo @albinkurti to Brussels for urgent meetings to find the way out of the current crisis We need immediate de-escalation & new elections in the north with participation of Kosovo Serbs. This is paramount for the region & EU — Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) June 22, 2023 × The latest spike in tension between Serbia and Kosovo has been caused by detention of three Kosovo police officers by Serbia. The Kosovan officers were detained last week. Their detention followed weeks of tension over disputed elections in Serb-majority northern Kosovo. The riots in an ethnic Serb majority municipality in northern Kosovo had injured 30 NATO peacekeepers. The EU had warned Kosovo of political consequences if it did not reverse course on the election. The political consequences the EU warned of were suspension of high-level visits and financial cooperation. Kosovo and Serbia have had strained relations since a war in late 1990s. The war had led to NATO intervention against Serbia. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. But Belgrade has refused to recognise it. Kosovo mainly gets support from the Western countries including the US while China and Russia are main backers of Serbia. Due to China and Russia's refusal to recognise Kosovo, it has not been able to get a seat at the United Nations. Ethnic Serbs remain largely loyal to Belgrade especially those in northern Kosovo. In this region Serbs make up a majority in several municipalities and resist Pristina's moves to consolidate its control over the region. Serbia sees Kosovo as its spiritual and historical homeland. It has been the scene of pivotal battles over centuries. Kosovo has Serbian Orthodox Church's most revered monasteries. Recent flare-up in tensions Ethnic Serbs had boycotted municipal election in northern Kosovo in April. The voter turnout was less than 5 per cent. This enabled ethnic Albanian mayors to get 'elected'. Serbs did not see these mayors as their true representatives. In the month of May, Kosovan authorities tried to install these mayors against the wishes of majority Serbs. This led to clashes and NATO peacekeeping troops, who attempted to separate protesters from the police were caught in the violence and were injured. (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 ×

EU attempts to ease Kosovo-Serbia tension, to hold talks with both sides

<p>Serbia said on Wednesday (June 14) that it had arrested three Kosovan police officials on its territory. Kosovo has claimed that the group had been kidnapped from within its borders. The recent flare-up between the two countries came just weeks after riots in northern Kosovo which saw 30 NATO peacekeepers getting injured.</p>

<p>Serbia said the officers were armed with automatic weapons and in full military gear with GPS devices, maps and other equipment.</p>

<p>"The attempt of the so-called Kosovo police to invade the territory of central Serbia was successfully prevented, which by all parameters is a terrorist act," it said in a statement to Serbian state broadcaster RTS.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A video published by Serbian police showed masked men leading a group of men in handcuffs.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Serbians join anti-government protest following mass shootings</strong></p>

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<p>Police in Kosovo said the group belonged to a border patrol unit and had gone missing after they reported an incursion of masked and armed men in the area.</p>

<p>Kosovo's Interior Minister Xhelal Svecla pointed the finger firmly at Serbia for abducting the group.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Criminal Serbia entered the territory of Kosovo and kidnapped three police officers of the Republic of Kosovo, in violation... of international norms," Svecla said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Without any doubt, our police officers had been stationed deep within the territory of the Republic of Kosovo, at a static checkpoint, performing their regular duties."</p>

<p>Tensions have been high between Serbia and Kosovo after the latter's decision to install ethnic Albanian mayors in Serb-majority municipalities. The election to elect these mayors saw voter turnout of less than five per cent and ethnic Serbs do not consider these mayors as their representatives.</p>

<h2><strong>The rivalry</strong></h2>

<p>Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. The development took place a decade after NATO forces helped push Serbian forces out of Kosovo during a bloody war that claimed around 13,000 lives.</p>

<p>Kosovo enjoys the backing of the US while Serbia is supported by Russia and China. Both of these countries have refused to recognise Kosovo as a country because of which it currently does not have a seat in the United Nations.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/serbian-dancing-lady-real-or-fake-know-the-truth-behind-the-mysterious-creepy-viral-tiktok-video-604003">Serbian Dancing Lady: Real or Fake? Know the truth behind the mysterious &amp; creepy viral TikTok video</a></strong></p>

<p>Kosovo is overwhelmingly populated by ethnic Albanians.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, in northern Kosovo near the border with Serbia, several municipalities have an ethnic Serb majority.</p>

<p>Serbia has long seen Kosovo as its spiritual and historical homeland, the scene of pivotal battles over&nbsp;centuries. It continues to host some of the Serbian Orthodox Church's most revered monasteries.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Serbia said on Wednesday (June 14) that it had arrested three Kosovan police officials on its territory. Kosovo has claimed that the group had been kidnapped from within its borders.

Serbia said on Wednesday (June 14) that it had arrested three Kosovan police officials on its territory. Kosovo has claimed that the group had been kidnapped from within its borders. The recent flare-up between the two countries came just weeks after riots in northern Kosovo which saw 30 NATO peacekeepers getting injured. Serbia said the officers were armed with automatic weapons and in full military gear with GPS devices, maps and other equipment. "The attempt of the so-called Kosovo police to invade the territory of central Serbia was successfully prevented, which by all parameters is a terrorist act," it said in a statement to Serbian state broadcaster RTS. A video published by Serbian police showed masked men leading a group of men in handcuffs. Watch | Serbians join anti-government protest following mass shootings × Police in Kosovo said the group belonged to a border patrol unit and had gone missing after they reported an incursion of masked and armed men in the area. Kosovo's Interior Minister Xhelal Svecla pointed the finger firmly at Serbia for abducting the group. "Criminal Serbia entered the territory of Kosovo and kidnapped three police officers of the Republic of Kosovo, in violation... of international norms," Svecla said. "Without any doubt, our police officers had been stationed deep within the territory of the Republic of Kosovo, at a static checkpoint, performing their regular duties." Tensions have been high between Serbia and Kosovo after the latter's decision to install ethnic Albanian mayors in Serb-majority municipalities. The election to elect these mayors saw voter turnout of less than five per cent and ethnic Serbs do not consider these mayors as their representatives. The rivalry Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. The development took place a decade after NATO forces helped push Serbian forces out of Kosovo during a bloody war that claimed around 13,000 lives. Kosovo enjoys the backing of the US while Serbia is supported by Russia and China. Both of these countries have refused to recognise Kosovo as a country because of which it currently does not have a seat in the United Nations. Also Read | Serbian Dancing Lady: Real or Fake? Know the truth behind the mysterious & creepy viral TikTok video Kosovo is overwhelmingly populated by ethnic Albanians. However, in northern Kosovo near the border with Serbia, several municipalities have an ethnic Serb majority. Serbia has long seen Kosovo as its spiritual and historical homeland, the scene of pivotal battles over centuries. It continues to host some of the Serbian Orthodox Church's most revered monasteries. (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 ×

Serbia arrests Kosovo police, Pristina says they were kidnapped

<p>Samantha Ruth Prabhu was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition called Myositis, which leads to the weakening of muscles, a year ago. The actress shared an extensive post to narrate how her journey has been ever since the diagnosis. Samantha dropped a slew of pictures and videos from the Church of Saint Sava in Belgrade, Serbia. In the caption, she talked about her “forced new normal”, “battles with the body”, diet changes, medicines, as well as professional failures.</p>

<h2><strong>What Samantha Ruth Prabhu said</strong></h2>

<p>"It's been one year since the diagnosis. A year of forced new normal. Many battles with my body... no salt, sugar or grains with a cocktail of meds for the main course, forced shutdowns and forced restarts. A year of seeking meaning, reflection and introspection. Of professional failures too... to make things more interesting. A year of prayers and poojas... not praying for blessings and gifts... but praying to just find strength and peace,” she started her long note.</p>

<p>Samantha stated that this year has taught her that not everything goes your way all the time, and it’s okay if it doesn’t. She said that sometimes it's not about grand successes but "functioning forward" that itself is a win. The actress wrote: "A year that has taught me that not everything goes your way all the time. And more importantly, that it's ok when it doesn't. That I must control the controllables, let go off the rest, and keep moving forward one step at a time. That sometimes it's not about grand successes, but that functioning forward is in itself a win. That I mustn't sit around waiting for things to be perfect again or wallowing in the past. That I must hang on to love and those I love... and not give hate the power to affect me.”</p>

<p>Further, in her post, Samantha opined that “gods may delay, but they never deny.” "There will be so many of you fighting far harder battles. I pray for you too. The gods may delay, but they never deny. They never deny peace, love, joy and strength to those who seek it. The only things worth seeking,” she signed off.</p>

<h2><strong>Take a look at her post:</strong></h2>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CtgZ6RGrjeC/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Samantha (@samantharuthprabhuoffl)</a></p>
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<p>Samantha Ruth Prabhu revealed her medical condition to fans last year in October via an Instagram post.</p>

<h2><strong>Samantha Ruth Prabhu's upcoming projects</strong></h2>

<p>On the work front, Samantha is currently shooting for the Indian chapter of Citadel in Serbia. She will share the screen space with Varun Dhawan in the spy-thriller series. The actress will also be seen in Kushi with Vijay Deverakonda. She has Arrangements Of Love, helmed by Philip John in her kitty as well.</p>


Samantha Ruth Prabhu was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition called Myositis, which leads to the weakening of muscles, a year ago. The actress shared an extensive post to narrate how her journey has been ever since the diagnosis.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition called Myositis, which leads to the weakening of muscles, a year ago. The actress shared an extensive post to narrate how her journey has been ever since the diagnosis. Samantha dropped a slew of pictures and videos from the Church of Saint Sava in Belgrade, Serbia. In the caption, she talked about her “forced new normal”, “battles with the body”, diet changes, medicines, as well as professional failures. What Samantha Ruth Prabhu said "It's been one year since the diagnosis. A year of forced new normal. Many battles with my body... no salt, sugar or grains with a cocktail of meds for the main course, forced shutdowns and forced restarts. A year of seeking meaning, reflection and introspection. Of professional failures too... to make things more interesting. A year of prayers and poojas... not praying for blessings and gifts... but praying to just find strength and peace,” she started her long note. Samantha stated that this year has taught her that not everything goes your way all the time, and it’s okay if it doesn’t. She said that sometimes it's not about grand successes but "functioning forward" that itself is a win. The actress wrote: "A year that has taught me that not everything goes your way all the time. And more importantly, that it's ok when it doesn't. That I must control the controllables, let go off the rest, and keep moving forward one step at a time. That sometimes it's not about grand successes, but that functioning forward is in itself a win. That I mustn't sit around waiting for things to be perfect again or wallowing in the past. That I must hang on to love and those I love... and not give hate the power to affect me.” Further, in her post, Samantha opined that “gods may delay, but they never deny.” "There will be so many of you fighting far harder battles. I pray for you too. The gods may delay, but they never deny. They never deny peace, love, joy and strength to those who seek it. The only things worth seeking,” she signed off. Take a look at her post: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Samantha (@samantharuthprabhuoffl) × Samantha Ruth Prabhu revealed her medical condition to fans last year in October via an Instagram post. Samantha Ruth Prabhu's upcoming projects On the work front, Samantha is currently shooting for the Indian chapter of Citadel in Serbia. She will share the screen space with Varun Dhawan in the spy-thriller series. The actress will also be seen in Kushi with Vijay Deverakonda. She has Arrangements Of Love, helmed by Philip John in her kitty as well.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu reveals what one year of battling Myositis has taught her

<p>A child was arrested for allegedly shooting a teacher at an elementary school in the northeastern Bosnian city of Lukavac, on Wednesday (June 14), said&nbsp;officials, as well as the family of the victim, as per AFP. According to&nbsp;local media reports, the child was 13 years old while it was later confirmed that the minor was a former student at the school where the incident took place.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What do we know about the shooting incident?</strong></h2>

<p>Addressing the incident, Tuzla Canton Ministry of Internal Affairs, said, “The child, who is not yet 14, is under police supervision in the premises of the Lukavac Police Department, while firearms and other discarded items are secured until the investigation begins.” Tuzla Canton is one of ten in Bosnia’s Federation entity.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rights-activists-in-bosnia-injured-in-attack-following-lgbt-event-ban-reports-573707">Rights activists in Bosnia injured in attack following LGBT event ban: Reports</a></strong><br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Lukavac Mayor Edin Delic took to Facebook and wrote, “There are no children [wounded], so I ask parents to control their panic. The perpetrator is a minor child and he was immediately arrested.” The Tuzla Canton interior ministry, as per local media reports, said that the shooting was reported around 9:00 am (local time).&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The child was transferred to another school from the start of the second semester as a result of a disciplinary measure,” Ahmed Omerovic, the education minister for Tuzla, told reporters, confirming that the minor was a former student of the school. The student was recently transferred to another school, said local media reports.&nbsp;<br />
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After the shooting incident, a local politician in Lukavac, Dino Osmanovic, claimed the student previously threatened to take revenge after being expelled back&nbsp;in May.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-two-killed-several-injured-after-shooting-incident-in-serbian-village-reports-589022">Serbia: Second mass shooting in two days leaves 8 dead, suspect held</a></strong><br />
<br />
He took to Facebook and also claimed that&nbsp;he had notified the police of the danger, but was told that “they had taken necessary measures, that everything was under control and that they cannot share more information about the case because it involves a juvenile.”</p>

<p>According to the education minister, June 14 was the last day of classes in all elementary and high schools under its jurisdiction. Notably, gun ownership in Bosnia is high with almost 31 out of every 100 citizens owning a gun in the Balkan nation, according to a Small Arms Survey research group.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Condition of the victim</strong></h2>

<p>According to local media reports, the victim who is wounded is undergoing medical treatment. The father of the victim,&nbsp;Ismet Osmanovic, told local broadcaster N1 that he&nbsp;was an English teacher who also worked as an assistant principal of the school. “The operation is still ongoing. Doctors told me he was stable,” said Osmanovic, as quoted by AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-kk-the-serbian-teenager-who-went-on-shooting-spree-in-belgrade-588535">Who is KK? Teen who made 'kill list' for Serbia school attack that left 9, including children, dead</a></strong></p>

<p>The victim was taken to the nearby Tuzla University Clinical Centre released a statement and said that he had sustained “gunshot wounds to the neck”. It added, “The patient was intubated and he is being operated on,” reported the local media.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Shooting in neighbouring Serbia</strong></h2>

<p>The incident comes a little over a month after a school shooting&nbsp;at the Vladislav Ribnikar Elementary School in Vračar, an upscale area of the Serbian capital where a 13-year-old allegedly killed nine students in Belgrade.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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A child was arrested for allegedly shooting a teacher at an elementary school in the northeastern Bosnian city of Lukavac, on Wednesday (June 14), said officials, as well as the family of the victim, as per AFP.

A child was arrested for allegedly shooting a teacher at an elementary school in the northeastern Bosnian city of Lukavac, on Wednesday (June 14), said officials, as well as the family of the victim, as per AFP. According to local media reports, the child was 13 years old while it was later confirmed that the minor was a former student at the school where the incident took place. What do we know about the shooting incident? Addressing the incident, Tuzla Canton Ministry of Internal Affairs, said, “The child, who is not yet 14, is under police supervision in the premises of the Lukavac Police Department, while firearms and other discarded items are secured until the investigation begins.” Tuzla Canton is one of ten in Bosnia’s Federation entity. ALSO READ | Rights activists in Bosnia injured in attack following LGBT event ban: Reports Meanwhile, Lukavac Mayor Edin Delic took to Facebook and wrote, “There are no children [wounded], so I ask parents to control their panic. The perpetrator is a minor child and he was immediately arrested.” The Tuzla Canton interior ministry, as per local media reports, said that the shooting was reported around 9:00 am (local time). “The child was transferred to another school from the start of the second semester as a result of a disciplinary measure,” Ahmed Omerovic, the education minister for Tuzla, told reporters, confirming that the minor was a former student of the school. The student was recently transferred to another school, said local media reports. After the shooting incident, a local politician in Lukavac, Dino Osmanovic, claimed the student previously threatened to take revenge after being expelled back in May. ALSO READ | Serbia: Second mass shooting in two days leaves 8 dead, suspect held He took to Facebook and also claimed that he had notified the police of the danger, but was told that “they had taken necessary measures, that everything was under control and that they cannot share more information about the case because it involves a juvenile.” According to the education minister, June 14 was the last day of classes in all elementary and high schools under its jurisdiction. Notably, gun ownership in Bosnia is high with almost 31 out of every 100 citizens owning a gun in the Balkan nation, according to a Small Arms Survey research group. Condition of the victim According to local media reports, the victim who is wounded is undergoing medical treatment. The father of the victim, Ismet Osmanovic, told local broadcaster N1 that he was an English teacher who also worked as an assistant principal of the school. “The operation is still ongoing. Doctors told me he was stable,” said Osmanovic, as quoted by AFP. ALSO READ | Who is KK? Teen who made 'kill list' for Serbia school attack that left 9, including children, dead The victim was taken to the nearby Tuzla University Clinical Centre released a statement and said that he had sustained “gunshot wounds to the neck”. It added, “The patient was intubated and he is being operated on,” reported the local media. Shooting in neighbouring Serbia The incident comes a little over a month after a school shooting at the Vladislav Ribnikar Elementary School in Vračar, an upscale area of the Serbian capital where a 13-year-old allegedly killed nine students in Belgrade. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Teacher injured after school shooting in Bosnia, child arrested

Tens of thousands of Serbians have joined an anti-government protest in Belgrade for the sixth time since May 3, blaming a culture of violence for the deaths of 18 people in two mass shootings and calling on the interior minister to resign.

Serbians join anti-government protest following mass shootings

<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>

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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

Tensions escalated in Northern Kosovo when ethnic Serbs clashed with the Kosovo police on the 26th of May. They were protesting the installation of ethnic Albanian mayors who were elected in last month's local elections, boycotted by the majority of ethnic Serbs. The situation remains tense as 30 soldiers were injured in clashes between ethnic Serbian demonstrators and NATO-led peacekeepers on the 29th of May. Mohammed Saleh brings you this report.

Violent clashes between ethnic Serbs and Kosovo police

Following the unrest in the northern part of Kosovo NATO member Turkiye has planned to send Commandos to the country for peacekeeping. This is in response to a NATO request to join the alliance KFOR Peacekeeping Force. Turkiye's Defense Ministry on Saturday called for restraint followed by constructive dialogue in order to come to a resolution to the crisis.

NATO prompted Turkey to act after May 30 violence, Turkey sends troops to Kosovo after unrest

Nine students at a school in Belgrade were among the 18 persons killed in the two mass shootings that rocked Serbia precisely one month ago. Serbians are furious about these tragedies and demand that their government take quick action.

Serbia: Protesters demand action against 'culture of violence'

<p>Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in the capital city of Serbia, Belgrade, on Saturday (June 3) in protest of the government and the violence which they have blamed for the deaths of 18 people in two separate mass shootings in Serbia. The protesters who marked the one-month anniversary of the first mass shooting in a school have also called for the resignation of the country’s president, interior minister, and the head of the country's secret service.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What happened at the protest on Saturday?</strong></h2>

<p>The Serbian capital city witnessed its fifth anti-government protest in a month and the people marched through Belgrade while some even broke off to President Aleksandar Vucic’s official residence.</p>

<p>According to opposition groups and media reports, right-wing groups were trying to infiltrate the march to promote their nationalist agenda. This also prompted the rally organised by several pro-European opposition parties on Friday to be rescheduled to Saturday, after the far-right groups reportedly said they would join the march.</p>

<p>On Saturday, protesters raised slogans like “Vucic go away,” and held up banners with the slogan “Serbia against violence.” Meanwhile, some demonstrators also left hundreds of pieces of paper by Vucic’s official residence with messages calling for him to step down.</p>

<p>“Serbia against violence” protesters&nbsp;have blamed Vucic for not tackling the culture of violence and its promotion in the media which they say has now become a part of the society.</p>

<p>As per a report by Reuters, recent Serbian reality TV shows have allowed the participation of convicted criminals, including murderers as well as shown men beating up women. However, TV stations have vowed to stop airing the show after backlash.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What have the protesters demanded?</strong></h2>

<p>The protesters have called for the resignation of the Serbian president, Interior Minister Bratislav Gasic, and Secret Service Chief Aleksandar Vulin as well as an immediate suspension of TV programmes that promote violence and called for their broadcasting licences to be revoked.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I’m here for all of us, especially my children. So they don’t need to protest, but work and live in their country like they should,” a 33-year-old mathematician Bojana Popovic told AFP during the rally.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last month, Serbia witnessed the country’s first school shooting when a 13-year-old killed nine students at a Belgrade elementary school. In a separate incident, a day later, a 21-year-old man killed eight people in a town outside Belgrade.</p>

<h2>‘<strong>Political’ stunt: Serbian president about the protests</strong></h2>

<p>Previously, Vucic has dismissed the protests as a “political” stunt and denied accusations of fueling intolerance and violence. The Serbian president also went on to reportedly peddle theories about foreign nations and the opposition&nbsp;conspiring to topple his government which has been in power for more than a decade.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“They just need to know that dead or alive, including my children, I will fight against those who support violence,” said Vucic, in a recent interview.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, after the mass shootings the government declared a one-month amnesty period for citizens to surrender unregistered weapons where residents had turned over about 13,500 items including guns, cartons of hand grenades, and anti-tank rocket launchers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in the capital city of Serbia, Belgrade, on Saturday (June 3) in protest of the government and the violence which they have blamed for the deaths of 18 people in two separate mass shootings in Serbia.

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in the capital city of Serbia, Belgrade, on Saturday (June 3) in protest of the government and the violence which they have blamed for the deaths of 18 people in two separate mass shootings in Serbia. The protesters who marked the one-month anniversary of the first mass shooting in a school have also called for the resignation of the country’s president, interior minister, and the head of the country's secret service. What happened at the protest on Saturday? The Serbian capital city witnessed its fifth anti-government protest in a month and the people marched through Belgrade while some even broke off to President Aleksandar Vucic’s official residence. According to opposition groups and media reports, right-wing groups were trying to infiltrate the march to promote their nationalist agenda. This also prompted the rally organised by several pro-European opposition parties on Friday to be rescheduled to Saturday, after the far-right groups reportedly said they would join the march. On Saturday, protesters raised slogans like “Vucic go away,” and held up banners with the slogan “Serbia against violence.” Meanwhile, some demonstrators also left hundreds of pieces of paper by Vucic’s official residence with messages calling for him to step down. “Serbia against violence” protesters have blamed Vucic for not tackling the culture of violence and its promotion in the media which they say has now become a part of the society. As per a report by Reuters, recent Serbian reality TV shows have allowed the participation of convicted criminals, including murderers as well as shown men beating up women. However, TV stations have vowed to stop airing the show after backlash. What have the protesters demanded? The protesters have called for the resignation of the Serbian president, Interior Minister Bratislav Gasic, and Secret Service Chief Aleksandar Vulin as well as an immediate suspension of TV programmes that promote violence and called for their broadcasting licences to be revoked. “I’m here for all of us, especially my children. So they don’t need to protest, but work and live in their country like they should,” a 33-year-old mathematician Bojana Popovic told AFP during the rally. Last month, Serbia witnessed the country’s first school shooting when a 13-year-old killed nine students at a Belgrade elementary school. In a separate incident, a day later, a 21-year-old man killed eight people in a town outside Belgrade. ‘Political’ stunt: Serbian president about the protests Previously, Vucic has dismissed the protests as a “political” stunt and denied accusations of fueling intolerance and violence. The Serbian president also went on to reportedly peddle theories about foreign nations and the opposition conspiring to topple his government which has been in power for more than a decade. “They just need to know that dead or alive, including my children, I will fight against those who support violence,” said Vucic, in a recent interview. Notably, after the mass shootings the government declared a one-month amnesty period for citizens to surrender unregistered weapons where residents had turned over about 13,500 items including guns, cartons of hand grenades, and anti-tank rocket launchers. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Thousands of Serbians participate in 5th anti-government protest since mass shootings

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