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{{Short description|2011–2013 crisis in Northern Kosovo}} | |||
{{infobox military conflict | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2020}} | |||
| conflict = North Kosovo crisis | |||
{{Infobox civil conflict | |||
| partof = | |||
| title = 2011–2013 North Kosovo crisis | |||
| image = ] | |||
| partof = the ] | |||
| caption = Serbian blockade of a road in ] | |||
| image = Serbian block roads.jpg | |||
| date = 25 July 2011 – ''ongoing''<br>({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|month1=07|day1=25|year1=2011}}) | |||
| |
| caption = Serb blockade of a road in ] | ||
| date = 25 July 2011 – 19 April 2013 <!-- {{start date|df=yes|YYYY|MM|DD}} or {{start and end dates|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} --> | |||
| coordinates = | |||
| place = ] | |||
| map_type = | |||
| coordinates = <!-- {{coord|LAT|LON|region:XXXX_type:event|display=inline,title}} --> | |||
| latitude = | |||
| causes = *]'s imposition of ] on the whole territory of Kosovo according to ]; acquiring administrative stations located in North Kosovo. | |||
| longitude = | |||
*]' prevention of the imposition of Republic of Kosovo-enacted decrees within North Kosovo. | |||
| map_size = | |||
| methods = ], ], ], ] | |||
| map_caption = | |||
| result = *] | |||
| map_label = | |||
*] | |||
| status = | |||
| side1 = {{flagicon image|Civil flag of Serbia.svg}} ] | |||
Goals: | |||
'''Supported by:'''<br>{{flag|Serbia}} | |||
*{{flagicon|Kosovo}} Imposition of ] on the whole territory of Kosovo according to ]; acquiring administrative stations located in North Kosovo. | |||
| side2 = {{flag|Kosovo}} | |||
*{{flagdeco|Serbia|civil}} Prevention of the imposition of Republic of Kosovo-enacted decrees within North Kosovo. | |||
*{{flagicon image| |
*{{flagicon image|Flamuri i Policisë së Kosovës.svg}}] | ||
*] ] | |||
| territory = | |||
---- | |||
| result = | |||
{{flagdeco|NATO}} ] | |||
| units1 = {{flagicon|Kosovo}} ]<ref name="Kosovo special police"/> | |||
*] ] | |||
| leadfigures1 = No official leadership | |||
|units2 = | |||
| |
| leadfigures2 = {{flagicon|Kosovo}} ]<br />{{Flagicon|Kosovo}} ]<br />{{Flagicon|Kosovo}} ] | ||
---- | |||
| combatant2 = {{flagdeco|Serbia|civil}} ] municipalities' governments<br />{{flagdeco|Serbia|civil}} ]<ref name="reuters1"/> | |||
{{flagdeco|NATO}} ]<br />{{flagdeco|NATO}} {{ill|Erhard Drews|de}}<br />{{flagdeco|NATO}} {{ill|Volker Halbauer|de}} | |||
| commander1 = {{Flagicon|Kosovo}} ]<br>{{Flagicon|Kosovo}} ] <br>{{flagicon image|Insignia NATO Army KFOR.svg}} ] (until 29 Sep)<br> {{flagicon image|Insignia NATO Army KFOR.svg}} ] (since 29 Sep) | |||
| howmany1 = {{flagicon image|Civil flag of Serbia.svg}} Thousands of Serb protesters | |||
| commander2 = | |||
| |
| howmany2 = {{flagicon|Kosovo}} More than 200 police<br />{{flagdeco|NATO}} Around 200 KFOR soldiers | ||
| casualties1 = {{flagicon image|Civil flag of Serbia.svg}} 3 Serbs killed and 162 others non-fatally injured<ref name=Commentator>{{cite web| publisher= The Commentator| url= http://www.thecommentator.com/article/1287/kosovo_time_for_partition| author= Daniel Hamilton| title= Kosovo: Time for partition| date= 6 June 2011| access-date= 22 April 2013| archive-date= 11 May 2013| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130511130515/http://www.thecommentator.com/article/1287/kosovo_time_for_partition| url-status= live}}</ref> | |||
| strength2 = {{flagdeco|Serbia|civil}} Hundreds of protesters | |||
| |
| casualties2 = {{Flagicon|Kosovo}} 1 Kosovan policeman killed and 7 others non-fatally injured<ref name="Kosovo special police"/><ref name="google1">{{cite web |url=https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=sq&u=http://www.rtklive.com/&ei=4PQvTpupG9GxhQfHwLBC&sa=X&oi=translate&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CDYQ7gEwAA&prev=/search%3Fq%3DRTK%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26hs%3D7nN%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-GB:official%26prmd%3Divns |title=Google Translate |access-date=28 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011020223533/http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en |archive-date=20 October 2001 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="UN condems latest bout of violence in Kosovo">{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=42826&Cr=kosovo&Cr1=#.UEr0fo1lRok |title=Senior UN official condemns latest violence in northern Kosovo |date=7 September 2012 |access-date=8 September 2012 |archive-date=8 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008202903/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=42826&Cr=Kosovo&Cr1=#.UEr0fo1lRok |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
---- | |||
|casualties2 ='''First phase'''<br>Unknown<br>'''Second phase'''<br>] 3 killed,<ref>{{cite web|author=Budimir Ničić |url=http://www.voanews.com/serbian/news/Kosovo-yearender-12-26-136325658.html |title=Kosovo 2011: Dijalog i barikade |publisher=Voanews.com |date=2011-12-28 |accessdate=2012-06-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://blogs.voanews.com/breaking-news/2011/11/09/1-killed-2-wounded-in-clashes-in-northern-kosovo/ |title=1 Killed, 2 Wounded in Clashes in Northern Kosovo | |||
{{flagdeco|NATO}} 65 KFOR soldiers non-fatally injured<ref>4 wounded (27 September), {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618023719/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15082675 |date=18 June 2019 }} 8 wounded (20 October),{{cn|date=April 2023}} 21 wounded (24 November), {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603131450/http://tempsreel.nouvelobs.com/monde/20111124.FAP8318/kosovo-21-soldats-de-l-otan-blesses-dans-des-affrontements-avec-des-manifestants-serbes.html |date=3 June 2012 }} 30 wounded (28 November),{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> | |||
|date=9 November 2011 |publisher=Voice of America |accessdate=8 September 2012}}</ref><br>162 wounded<ref>16 wounded (27 September), 40 wounded (20 October), 2 wounded (9 November), 100 wounded (28 November),</ref> | |||
}} | }} | ||
Clashes between ] in ] and the ] ]{{ref label|status|a|}} began on 25 July 2011 when the ] crossed into the ] of ''']''', in an attempt to control several administrative crossings without the consultation of either Serbia or ]/].<ref name="Kosovo special police">{{cite news|author=Mark Lowen |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14303165 |title=Kosovo tense after deadly clash on Serbian border |publisher=BBC |accessdate=2011-07-28 |date=27 July 2011| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110728181514/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14303165| archivedate= 28 July 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated1">{{Cite web |url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Kosovo-Serbia-Border-Row-Nato-Intervenes-After-Police-Try-To-Take-Over-Border-Control-Posts/Article/201107416038032?lpos=World_News_Second_World_News_Article_Teaser_Region_1&lid=ARTICLE_16038032_Kosovo-Serbia_Border_Row%3A_Nato_Intervenes_After_Police_Try_To_Take_Over_Border_Control_Posts |title= Nato Steps In Amid Kosovo-Serbia Border Row |accessdate=8 September 2012}}</ref> Though tensions between the two sides eased somewhat after the intervention of ]'s KFOR forces, they continued to remain high amid concern from the EU, who also blamed Kosovo for the unilateral provocation.<ref name=AlJazeera1/> | |||
Clashes between the ] and ] in ] began on 25 July 2011 when the ] crossed into the ] of ], to control several administrative border crossings. This was done without the Kosovo Police consulting either Serbia or ] (KFOR)/] (European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo).<ref name="Kosovo special police">{{cite news|author=Mark Lowen |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14303165 |title=Kosovo tense after deadly clash on Serbian border |publisher=] |access-date=28 July 2011 |date=27 July 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110728181514/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14303165| archive-date= 28 July 2011 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web |url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Kosovo-Serbia-Border-Row-Nato-Intervenes-After-Police-Try-To-Take-Over-Border-Control-Posts/Article/201107416038032?lpos=World_News_Second_World_News_Article_Teaser_Region_1&lid=ARTICLE_16038032_Kosovo-Serbia_Border_Row%3A_Nato_Intervenes_After_Police_Try_To_Take_Over_Border_Control_Posts |title=Nato Steps in Amid Kosovo-Serbia Border Row|website=] |access-date=8 September 2012 |archive-date=3 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803232218/https://news.sky.com/?lpos=World_News_Second_World_News_Article_Teaser_Region_1&lid=ARTICLE_16038032_Kosovo-Serbia_Border_Row%3A_Nato_Intervenes_After_Police_Try_To_Take_Over_Border_Control_Posts |url-status=live }}</ref> Though tensions between the two sides eased somewhat after the intervention of ]'s KFOR forces, they remained high amid concern from the ], which also blamed Kosovo for the unilateral provocation.<ref name=AlJazeera1/> On 19 April 2013, ] between representatives of Kosovo and Serbia. The 15-point document granted devolved powers to North Kosovo regarding economic development, education, healthcare and urban planning, and several mechanisms that allowed a certain autonomy in justice, policing and electoral matters.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/apr/30/serbia-kosovo-historic-agreement-brussels|title = Serbia and Kosovo sign historic agreement|date = 30 April 2014|work = ]|last = Smolar|first = Piotr|access-date = 15 December 2016|archive-date = 18 January 2017|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170118071044/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/apr/30/serbia-kosovo-historic-agreement-brussels|url-status = live}}</ref> | |||
==Background== | ==Background== | ||
===Past unrests=== | |||
The clashes occurred a long stand-off over cross-border trade. Since the declaration of independence, Kosovo has been unable to export anything to or via the rest of Serbia.<ref name="Kosovo special police"/> There was disruption to cross-border trade<ref name="autogenerated1"/> following Serbia's ban on Kosovar imports,<ref name="bbcremoval">{{cite news| url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15355955 | work=BBC News | title=Kosovo Serbs defy Nato demands over blockades | date=18 October 2011}}</ref> although many jobs on both sides of the border depend on international trade.<ref name="economist.com">{{cite news|url=http://www.economist.com/node/21525470?fsrc=scn%2Ffb%2Fwl%2Far%2Falittlelocaldifficulty|accessdate=19 November 2012|title=Kosovo and Serbia: A little local difficulty|work=]}}</ref> Serbia has also stationed troops in the northern region to enforce a boycott of goods from Kosovo proper.<ref name="aljaz"/> | |||
{{main|2004 unrest in Kosovo|2008 unrest in Kosovo}} | |||
===Kosovo–Serbia administrative border crossings=== | |||
There have been several skirmishes reported around the region with the ] clashing with Serbs.{{Citation needed|date=December 2011}} | |||
The clashes occurred because of a long stand-off over cross-border trade. Since the declaration of independence, Kosovo has been unable to export anything to or through territories controlled directly by Serbia's government.<ref name="Kosovo special police"/> There was disruption to cross-border trade<ref name="autogenerated1"/> following Serbia's ban on Kosovar imports,<ref name="bbcremoval">{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15355955 | work=] | title=Kosovo Serbs defy Nato demands over blockades | date=18 October 2011 | access-date=20 June 2018 | archive-date=3 December 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203082339/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15355955 | url-status=live }}</ref> even though many jobs on both sides depended on cross-border trade<ref name="economist.com">{{cite news|url=http://www.economist.com/node/21525470?fsrc=scn%2Ffb%2Fwl%2Far%2Falittlelocaldifficulty|access-date=19 November 2012|title=Kosovo and Serbia: A little local difficulty|newspaper=]|date=6 August 2011|archive-date=2 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202114705/http://www.economist.com/node/21525470?fsrc=scn%2Ffb%2Fwl%2Far%2Falittlelocaldifficulty|url-status=live}}</ref> Serbia stationed troops in the northern region to enforce a boycott of goods from Kosovo proper.<ref name="aljaz"/> | |||
Although ] had implemented the "vague ultimatums" to remove the barricades, ] had used mountainous tracts to cross between northern Kosovo and Serbia proper in the past. At the same as the bridge dividing ] was closed from transport to the south, the daily train to southern Serbia was packed. The ] (EU) demanded Serbia dismantle "the parallel structures" of government in Northern Kosovo. Serbia's secretary of state for Kosovo, ], said: "We don't see these as 'parallel structures', we see these as the only structures, because we do not recognise the independence of Kosovo." He also said a ] is out of the question, even though Serbian president ] said he was open to the possibility. The Serbs of North Kosovo do not acknowledge or cooperate with the government of Kosovo.<ref name="economist.com"/> | |||
Before the ]'s attempt to take over the administrative border crossings on 26 July, ] and Serb members of the Kosovo Police controlled them.<ref name=AlJazeera1>{{cite web |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2011/07/20117275833470595.html |title=EU criticises Kosovo police operation — Europe |publisher=] |access-date=17 February 2012 |archive-date=6 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110806101108/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2011/07/20117275833470595.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
==Goals== | ==Goals== | ||
], as part of the ], observed ] and defied the ] (the ] had been under local control, disputed by the Kosovar Albanian Assembly) until the 2013 Brussels Agreement. The government of the ] sought to install customs officials at the administrative border crossings with Central Serbia.<ref name=formation>{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7455737.stm |title=Serbs form rival Kosovo assembly |publisher=] |date=14 June 2008 |access-date=14 June 2008 |archive-date=10 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140410105824/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7455737.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Because Kosovar Serbs opposed the presence of Kosovar Albanians at the crossings, they erected roadblocks to make movement difficult for KFOR personnel.<ref>{{cite web |author=Barnaby Phillips |url=http://blogs.aljazeera.net/europe/2011/10/16/kosovos-continuing-limbo |title=Kosovo's continuing limbo - Al Jazeera Blogs |publisher=Blogs.aljazeera.net |access-date=17 February 2012 |archive-date=17 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111017001310/http://blogs.aljazeera.net/europe/2011/10/16/kosovos-continuing-limbo |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
] | |||
], as part of the ], respects ] and defies the ] (the ] are under the control of the institutions of the ], disputed by the Kosovar ` Assembly). The unilaterally proclaimed ] seeks to impose its customs officials in the administrative border crossings with Serbia.<ref name=formation>{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7455737.stm |title=Serbs form rival Kosovo assembly |publisher=BBC News |date=2008-06-14 |accessdate=2008-06-14}}</ref> Kosovar Serbs are seeking the removal of Kosovar Albanians customs officials from crossings with Serbia. In doing so they sough to erect road blocks that would make travel difficult for KFOR troops in the area seeking to maintain "law and order."<ref>{{cite web|author=Barnaby Phillips |url=http://blogs.aljazeera.net/europe/2011/10/16/kosovos-continuing-limbo |title=Kosovo's continuing limbo | Al Jazeera Blogs |publisher=Blogs.aljazeera.net |date= |accessdate=2012-02-17}}</ref> | |||
==Timeline |
==Timeline== | ||
===July–August 2011=== | ===July–August 2011=== | ||
On 26 |
On 26 July 2011, during the operation to take control of the administrative border posts, a Serb sniper killed ], a member of the Kosovo Police Special Intervention Unit. Twenty-five more policemen were wounded, with at least one being treated in hospital for severe wounds.<ref name="Kosovo special police"/> The KFOR ] helicopter that had moved the 16 Kosovo special police personnel belonged to the ].<ref name=Jutarnji913512>{{cite web |url=http://www.jutarnji.hr/kosovo--srbi-zapucali-na-hrvatski-helikopter-u-sastavu-kfor-a--/961895/ |title=Kosovo: Srbi zapucali na hrvatski helikopter u sastavu KFOR-a?! |work=] |language=Serbo-Croatian |access-date=28 July 2011 |archive-date=22 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022014332/http://www.jutarnji.hr/kosovo--srbi-zapucali-na-hrvatski-helikopter-u-sastavu-kfor-a--/961895/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Later that day, the same helicopter had been fired at.<ref name=Jutarnji913512/> An hour later, 14 new Kosovo police officers and three customs officers were located in Brnjak.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rts.rs/page/stories/ci/story/1/%D0%9F%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B0/931034/%28%D0%9D%D0%B5%29%D0%BC%D0%B8%D1%80%D0%BD%D0%BE+%D0%BD%D0%B0+%D0%9A%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%83.html |title=РТС :: (Не)мирно на Косову |publisher=Rts.rs |access-date=28 July 2011 |archive-date=12 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012002743/http://www.rts.rs/page/stories/ci/story/1/%D0%9F%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B0/931034/(%D0%9D%D0%B5)%D0%BC%D0%B8%D1%80%D0%BD%D0%BE+%D0%BD%D0%B0+%D0%9A%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%83.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Though the Kosovo police later withdrew and there was a lull in tensions, some Serbian protesters returned in the evening and attacked the post.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14316858 | work=] | title=Serbs attack Kosovo border post as violence flares | date=27 July 2011 | access-date=20 June 2018 | archive-date=28 July 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728104534/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14316858 | url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
] | ] | ||
Clashes continued on 27 |
Clashes continued on 27 July after armed Kosovar police took over two administrative border posts to enforce the writ of the central government in ]; ethnic Serbs burned down the administrative border post at ]. The mob, which reportedly included "dozens of masked men, armed with crowbars, clubs, axes, ] and handheld flares,"<ref name="reuters1">{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/kosovo-nato-idUSBYT76945420110727 |title=Ethnic Serbs fire at NATO troops in Kosovo |work=] |date=20 July 2011 |access-date=28 July 2011 |first=Fatos |last=Bytyci |archive-date=12 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312084512/http://www.reuters.com/article/kosovo-nato-idUSBYT76945420110727 |url-status=live }}</ref> as well as rocks and other debris,<ref name="cnn"/> were said to have attacked the NATO troops who were a part of KFOR operations. Reports also suggested the troops may have been fired upon.<ref name="reuters1"/> This was the same administrative border post that had been burned down in 2008 after Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence.<ref name="aljaz">{{cite web |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2011/07/201172842419128741.html |title=EU warns against growing tensions in Kosovo—Europe |publisher=] |access-date=17 February 2012 |archive-date=28 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728140057/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2011/07/201172842419128741.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Following the intervention of KFOR's NATO troops, a NATO operations officer, Lieutenant Colonel Ralf Adametz, said "the situation is now under control, but tense".<ref name="cnn">{{cite news | url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/europe/07/28/kosovo.violent.demonstrations/index.html?hpt=hp_t2 | work=] | title=NATO: Serbs set fire to building along Kosovo border | date=28 July 2011 | access-date=28 July 2011 | archive-date=25 October 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025071955/http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/europe/07/28/kosovo.violent.demonstrations/index.html?hpt=hp_t2 | url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
There was a thaw in tensions on 28 |
There was a thaw in tensions on 28 July, after all Kosovar units withdrew from North Kosovo, leaving KFOR's NATO troops in charge of maintaining peace in the region. In return, the Serbs removed most of the roadblocks they had created.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14332936 | work=BBC News | title=Nato takes over Kosovo border posts after clashes | date=28 July 2011 | access-date=20 June 2018 | archive-date=11 September 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190911151826/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14332936 | url-status=live }}</ref> KFOR took full control of the two crossings and General ] declared the area around the two crossings to be military areas, therefore giving ] orders to his soldiers for anyone crossing the area.<ref>{{cite web |author=Amra Zejneli |url=http://www.slobodnaevropa.org/content/skupstina_rezolucijom_podrzala_mere_na_severu/24279916.html |title=KFOR: Prelazi Jarinje i Brnjak zabranjene vojne zone |publisher=Slobodnaevropa.org |access-date=4 June 2012 |archive-date=18 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130318232521/http://www.slobodnaevropa.org/content/skupstina_rezolucijom_podrzala_mere_na_severu/24279916.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
A Serbian man was later beaten up in ] (an ethnically mixed area), allegedly |
<!--A Serbian man was later beaten up in ] (an ethnically mixed area), allegedly for being Serb; however, this has not been confirmed.<ref>{{dead link|date=February 2012}}</ref> (No archived link at Wayback---> | ||
As of 29 |
As of 29 July, NATO units remained in control of the two administrative border posts. However, some roadblocks, set up by hundreds of Serb protesters, prevented them from returning to their bases. The column of American and Slovenian<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203002016/http://www.tagesanzeiger.ch/ausland/europa/Kfor-raeumt-Strassenblockaden-im-Kosovo/story/14546444 |date=3 December 2013 }}, 30 July 2011</ref> 30 armoured vehicles then withdrew from the barricade, even though they were given permission to move against the protesters using force, if necessary. The decision was made to avoid further bloodshed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blogs.voanews.com/breaking-news/2011/07/29/eu-urges-serbia-and-kosovo-to-reduce-tensions/ |title=EU Urges Serbia and Kosovo to Reduce Tensions « VOA Breaking News |publisher=Blogs.voanews.com |access-date=2012-02-17 |archive-date=9 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609015047/http://blogs.voanews.com/breaking-news/2011/07/29/eu-urges-serbia-and-kosovo-to-reduce-tensions/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
] near the ] on the |
] and ] ] from ]-] near the ] on the Kosovo Albanian side.]] | ||
On 31 July, the Serbs continued to man their roadblocks and KFOR soldiers remained isolated at the border crossings they were manning. The Kosovars then organised burnings of Serbian products and General Buhler sent an ultimatum to the Serbs blocking the road.{{Clarify|date=August 2011}}<!--saying what?--> | On 31 July, the Serbs continued to man their roadblocks and KFOR soldiers remained isolated at the administrative border crossings they were manning. The Kosovars then organised burnings of Serbian products and General Buhler sent an ultimatum to the Serbs blocking the road.{{Clarify|date=August 2011}}<!--saying what?-->{{citation needed|date=September 2021}} | ||
On 1 |
On 1 August, NATO said that ] sappers, supported by other KFOR troops<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203002016/http://www.tagesanzeiger.ch/ausland/europa/Kfor-raeumt-Strassenblockaden-im-Kosovo/story/14546444 |date=3 December 2013 }}, Tages Anzeiger, 2 August 2011 {{in lang|de}}</ref> had cleared three of the roadblocks but claimed that there were still at least five remaining on the two roads leading to Serbia.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/nato-starts-clearing-roadblocks-in-kosovo/ | work=] | title=NATO Starts Clearing Roadblocks in Kosovo | date=1 August 2011 | access-date=1 August 2011 | archive-date=7 August 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807160229/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/08/01/nato-starts-clearing-roadblocks-in-kosovo/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Kosovar interior minister ] ordered Serbia's Minister for ], ], and the head of the Serbian negotiation team, ], to be deported after allegedly having entered Kosovo illegally.<ref>{{cite web |author=Petrit Collaku |url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/kosovo-s-interior-minister-ordered-arrest-of-serb-officials |title=Kosovo Politician Orders Arrest of Serb Officials |publisher=] |access-date=17 February 2012 |archive-date=14 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614040034/http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/kosovo-s-interior-minister-ordered-arrest-of-serb-officials |url-status=live }}</ref> The next day, however, some roadblocks remained in place with all major roads being completely sealed off. '']'' reported a severe food crisis and a shortage of medicines in the North.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5he_UoMRl-86MlhrcP-DYge1h79Dg?docId=CNG.f2ed397e94f16f28e9cb1e95e42fe650.811 |title=AFP: Kosovo Serbs facing food, medicine shortages: report |date=31 July 2011 |access-date=17 February 2012 |archive-date=26 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226115030/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5he_UoMRl-86MlhrcP-DYge1h79Dg?docId=CNG.f2ed397e94f16f28e9cb1e95e42fe650.811 |url-status=dead }}</ref> KFOR then asked a battalion of 550 German soldiers, assisted by 150 Austrian troops, to reinforce its presence in the north to deal with future unrest.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203000655/http://diepresse.com/home/politik/aussenpolitik/682925/Bundesheer-entsendet-150-Soldaten-in-den-Kosovo |date=3 December 2013 }}, Die Presse.com, 2 August 2011 {{in lang|de}}</ref> | ||
On 3 |
On 3 August, Kosovar prime minister ] reiterated a refusal to back down on his trade ban as some roadblocks remained in place across the North.{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}} A deal was later struck to allow KFOR to control the administrative border crossings in return for the dismantling of the blockades.<ref name="bbcremoval"/> KFOR helicopters were then used to bypass the roadblocks and establish a skeletal EULEX and Kosovo Police and Customs presence at the administrative border crossings.<ref name="reuters"/> | ||
===September–December=== | ===September–December=== | ||
] | ] | ||
Tensions reignited after the Kosovo Police, EULEX and NATO units airlifted troops from Kosovo-proper to the two administrative border posts to re-establish control over the North on 16 September. Local Serbs blocked all major routes leading to the two administrative border crossings, including two major bridges connecting the divided town of Mitrovica and vowed to remain "until the bitter end". This left the troops at the administrative border crossings virtually isolated from the rest of Kosovo.{{citation needed|date=September 2021}} European media reported that youths from both the Albanian and Serbian communities pelted each other with rocks near one of the blocked bridges{{which|date=October 2011}} KFOR intervened to stop the violence.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.euronews.net/2011/09/17/tension-continues-on-the-serbia-kosovo-border/ |title=Tension continues on the Serbia-Kosovo border | euronews, world news |publisher=Euronews.net |access-date=17 February 2012 |archive-date=26 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926111326/http://www.euronews.net/2011/09/17/tension-continues-on-the-serbia-kosovo-border |url-status=dead }}</ref> | |||
The previous night passed without incident in most of northern Kosovo, except for a minor incident near ] and ] with shots |
The previous night had passed without incident in most of northern Kosovo, except for a minor incident near ] and ] with shots fired in the area because of an increased police presence in Mitrovica. After the shooting, Kosovar Serbs set-up another barricade next to an existing encampment in Zupče on the road from Mitrovica to ]; gravel was dumped across both lanes of the road leading to the southern part of Mitrovica. The next day there were clashes at the roadblocks after they were reinforced with more Serb protesters and Kosovo Police officers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.emg.rs/en/news/serbia/164203.html |title=Peaceful night in northern Kosovo, minor incident in Zupce |publisher=Emg.rs |access-date=2012-02-17 |archive-date=3 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403160837/http://www.emg.rs/en/news/serbia/164203.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.economist.com/blogs/easternapproaches/2011/09/latest-kosovo | newspaper=] | title=Quiet, for now | date=18 September 2011 | access-date=13 July 2017 | archive-date=22 October 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171022193721/https://www.economist.com/blogs/easternapproaches/2011/09/latest-kosovo | url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
KFOR helicopters dropped hundreds of leaflets urging the Serbs to end their roadblocks on 29 September. The five sentence leaflet, written in ], warned citizens that blocking roads was against the law and such a move "is not in line with peaceful demonstrations. Blocking roads represent danger for all in extraordinary situations, because there is no possibility to deliver help to those in need." Confirming the air drop, KFOR spokesman Ralph Adametz said that the leaflets were dropped at the barricades close to administrative border crossings 1 and 31. He described the overall situation as unchangeable but underlined the need to open blocked roads. KFOR said the mission "recognises the right for peaceful protests and demonstrations" but "blocking roads doesn't represent any accepted way for expressing your concerns". The air drop began hours after the head of EULEX, Xavier de Marnhac, visited the two disputed crossings. According to him, both crossings were technically ready to be fully operational, but the barricades erected on nearby roads prevented the gates from being utilised.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://english.cri.cn/6966/2011/09/20/2941s658994.htm |title=NATO Urges Serbs to Unblock Roads in Kosovo |publisher=English.cri.cn |access-date=17 February 2012 |archive-date=20 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020164645/http://english.cri.cn/6966/2011/09/20/2941s658994.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> | |||
Pipe bomb explosions injured four soldiers on 27 September. NATO spokesman Kai Gudenoge then said that German<ref>. M-Magazine, 27 September 2011 | |||
On 27 September, four soldiers were injured by pipe bomb explosions. NATO spokesman Kai Gudenoge then said that KFOR troops were forced to fire rubber bullets and tear gas in self-defence against Kosovan Serb protesters after being attacked at border crossing Gate 1 following an attempt by Kosovar Serbs to erect a new roadblock after KFOR blocked an alternative road to Serbia proper. Five of the protesters had been arrested. Hospital officials in northern Kosovo said seven Serb protesters were also wounded from gunfire which erupted in the afternoon in Jarinje. Head of Mitrovica hospital Milan Jakovljevic said the wounded had been brought to his hospital for medical treatment. "We can't say if anyone has life threatening injures at this moment, since we are assessing their current extent of the injuries." The Kosovar government in Pristina said that it was working with both KFOR and EULEX in the quest to open the barricaded roads in the north. The local media in Mitrovica reported that two EULEX vehicles are set on fire.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-09/28/c_131163597.htm |title=NATO troops, Serbs wounded in Kosovo border clashes |publisher=News.xinhuanet.com |date=2011-09-28 |accessdate=2012-02-17}}</ref> | |||
</ref> KFOR troops were forced to fire rubber bullets and tear gas in self-defence against Kosovan Serb protesters after being attacked at administrative border crossing Gate 1 following an attempt by Kosovar Serbs to erect a new roadblock after KFOR blocked an alternative road to Serbia proper. Five protesters were arrested. Hospital officials in northern Kosovo said seven Serb protesters were wounded from gunfire, which erupted in the afternoon in Jarinje. The head of Mitrovica hospital, Milan Jakovljevic, said the wounded had been brought to his hospital for medical treatment, adding: "We can't say if anyone has life threatening injures at this moment, since we are assessing their current extent of the injuries." The Kosovar government in Pristina said it was working with both KFOR and EULEX to open the barricaded roads in the north. The local media in Mitrovica reported that two EULEX vehicles were set on fire.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-09/28/c_131163597.htm |title=NATO troops, Serbs wounded in Kosovo border clashes |publisher=News.xinhuanet.com |date=28 September 2011 |access-date=17 February 2012 |archive-date=14 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111014050355/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-09/28/c_131163597.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508043101/http://wap.b92.co.rs/eng/news/comments.php?mm=9&dd=27&yyyy=2011&start=50 |date=8 May 2014 }}. B92.net, 28 September 2011</ref> | |||
] | ] | ||
KFOR's commander said |
KFOR's commander said his troops would remove roadblocks forcibly on 17 October if Kosovar Serbs did not voluntarily do so.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2011/10/201110167539819979.html |title=Tensions linger along Kosovo border— Europe |publisher=] |access-date=17 February 2012 |archive-date=17 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111017001351/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2011/10/201110167539819979.html |url-status=live }}</ref> KFOR's General Erhard Drews said "KFOR is ready and resolved to take action on behalf of freedom of movement."<ref name="reuters"/> However, Kosovar Serbs said they would take "defensive action" to counter KFOR's attempts at forcibly removing the roadblocks.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZtlCNktf6c |title=Army of Stones: Kosovo barricades Serbs' only weapon |publisher=YouTube |date=2011-09-16 |access-date=17 February 2012 |archive-date=9 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609032354/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZtlCNktf6c |url-status=live }}</ref> Though the deadline passed to remove them, KFOR troops who were sent to remove the roadblocks left without incident to give the local Serbs more time to do it themselves. A KFOR commander said that "we've been given orders to go back, as we cannot go through barricades". Drews said that with the defiance of the ultimatum as "the north did not comply with the request to remove the roadblocks". In response, Kosovar Serb politicians said that any KFOR operations would be halted till 19 October for community leaders to discuss a compromise solution. Slavisa Ristic, mayor of ], said "there will be no KFOR actions today or tomorrow until representatives of (Serb) municipalities agree on how to end the impasse".<ref name="bbcremoval"/><ref name="reuters">{{cite news | url=http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-59969220111018 | work=Reuters | title=Kosovo Serbs resist NATO call to remove roadblocks | date=18 October 2011 | access-date=5 July 2021 | archive-date=2 February 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202114706/http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-59969220111018 | url-status=dead }}</ref> | ||
On the morning of 20 |
On the morning of 20 October, KFOR and EULEX clashed with Kosovar Serbs near ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2011&mm=10&dd=20&nav_category=640&nav_id=550990 |title=Vesti Uklanjanje barikada — FOTO |publisher=] |date=20 October 2011 |access-date=17 February 2012 |archive-date=21 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111021045427/http://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2011&mm=10&dd=20&nav_category=640&nav_id=550990 |url-status=live }}</ref> resulting in injuries, three serious, to 22 Serbs, including women, and eight KFOR injuries. KFOR then entered North Kosovo after failing to agree on free movement inside four of the Serb municipalities of Kosovo.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2011&mm=10&dd=20&nav_category=640&nav_id=551043 |title=Vesti — Zubin Potok: Povređene 22 osobe |publisher=] |date=20 October 2011 |access-date=17 February 2012 |archive-date=21 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111021045452/http://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2011&mm=10&dd=20&nav_category=640&nav_id=551043 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2011&mm=10&dd=20&nav_category=640&nav_id=550932 |title=Vesti — Kfor uklanja barikade |publisher=] |date=20 October 2011 |access-date=17 February 2012 |archive-date=21 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111021042534/http://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2011&mm=10&dd=20&nav_category=640&nav_id=550932 |url-status=live }}</ref> On the same day in ], near ], an Albanian perpetrator who later gave himself up to the Kosovo police, killed a Serb and injured two others.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2011&mm=10&dd=21&nav_category=640&nav_id=551285 |language=Serbian |title=Vesti — Predao se osumnjičeni Albanac |publisher=] |date=21 October 2011 |access-date=17 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125012448/http://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2011&mm=10&dd=21&nav_category=640&nav_id=551285 |archive-date=25 January 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> A few thousand Serbs held another peaceful protest in ].<ref name=B92-551017>{{cite web |url=http://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2011&mm=10&dd=20&nav_category=640&nav_id=551017 |title=Vesti — Protestna šetnja u Gračanici |publisher=] |date=20 October 2011 |access-date=17 February 2012 |archive-date=21 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111021042604/http://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2011&mm=10&dd=20&nav_category=640&nav_id=551017 |url-status=live }}</ref> At this time, the majority of Serbs south of Ibar, beyond North Kosovo, still depended on Serbia,{{Vague|date=June 2012}}<!--in what way?--> while only five percent are talking with Kosovan Albanian institutions.<ref name=B92-551017/> | ||
Kosovo police stopped an Albanian from southern Mitrovica from using a bulldozer to destroy a barricade at a bridge on 24 October.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rtrs.tv/vijesti/vijest.php?id=48426 |title=Radio-Televizija Republike Srpske |publisher=Rtrs.tv |access-date=9 September 2012 |archive-date=29 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029195151/http://www.rtrs.tv/vijesti/vijest.php?id=48426 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
KFOR tried to remove a barricade in the village of Dudin Krš on the night of 23 November.<ref name=B982301>{{cite web |url=http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2011&mm=11&dd=24&nav_id=77469 |title=Info — KFOR troops withdraw, Serbs at barricades |publisher=] |access-date=9 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111127153908/http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2011&mm=11&dd=24&nav_id=77469 |archive-date=27 November 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> They withdrew about an hour and a half after midnight.<ref name=B982301/> Afterwards, an explosion went off at 01:00 CET in northern Mitrovica near the Faculty of Economy, which damaged two cars.<ref name=B982301/> 21 KFOR/NATO soldiers were injured slightly, and one of them seriously, the night of 23/24 November.<ref>{{cite web |author= |url=http://tempsreel.nouvelobs.com/monde/20111124.FAP8318/kosovo-21-soldats-de-l-otan-blesses-dans-des-affrontements-avec-des-manifestants-serbes.html |title=Kosovo: 21 soldats de l'OTAN blessés dans des affrontements avec des manifestants serbes |language=French |publisher=Tempsreel.nouvelobs.com |date=24 November 2011 |access-date=4 June 2012 |archive-date=3 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603131450/http://tempsreel.nouvelobs.com/monde/20111124.FAP8318/kosovo-21-soldats-de-l-otan-blesses-dans-des-affrontements-avec-des-manifestants-serbes.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
On 20 |
On 20 December, Serbian police arrested Zvonko and Zarko Veselinović, who had allegedly organised the 27 and 28 September barricades at Jarinje and Jagnjenica, respectively, causing controversy in the Serbian public.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/features/setimes/features/2011/12/22/feature-01 |title=Veselinovic arrests stir controversy in Serbia |publisher=SETimes.com |date=22 December 2011 |access-date=17 February 2012 |archive-date=28 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120528015406/http://setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/features/setimes/features/2011/12/22/feature-01 |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
===North Kosovo referendum=== | |||
{{main|2012 North Kosovo referendum}} | |||
In February 2012, four northern Serb-dominated regions held a ] to ask if the institutions of Kosovo should be recognised. The result saw 99.74% of voters reject the Republic of Kosovo.<ref>{{cite news|title=Serbs reject Kosovo Albanian rule in referendum|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17058122|access-date=10 August 2014|agency=]|date=16 February 2012|archive-date=19 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219001250/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17058122|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
===June 2012=== | ===June 2012=== | ||
Shortly after Serbia's new |
Shortly after Serbia's new president, ], took office<ref>{{cite web |url=http://setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/features/setimes/features/2012/06/01/feature-01 |title=As Nikolic takes office, a clash on the border |publisher=SETimes.com |access-date=9 September 2012 |archive-date=4 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120604034422/http://www.setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/features/setimes/features/2012/06/01/feature-01 |url-status=live }}</ref> on 1 June in ], KFOR German troops<ref>Bajec, Jury (2012). ''Serbian-German Relations: the Real and the Possible''. Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, p. 22. {{ISBN|978-86-83767-36-6}}</ref> blocked a bridge with armoured vehicles and barbed wire in an attempt to remove a roadblock, causing a confrontation with several hundred protesters who threw rocks at them.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kosovo Serbs, NATO troops hurt in gun fight|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-kosovo-serbs-idUKBRE8500ZG20120601|access-date=1 June 2012|newspaper=]|date=1 June 2012|archive-date=2 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202114706/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-kosovo-serbs-idUKBRE8500ZG20120601|url-status=dead}}</ref> The soldiers were then reported to have returned fire with rubber bullets and tear gas, which led to a further confrontation with Kosovan Serbs using small arms. Four ] and two German soldiers were wounded.<ref>{{cite news|title=Shots fired as K-For tackles Kosovo Serb roadblocks|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-18294949|access-date=1 June 2012|date=1 June 2012|work=]|archive-date=1 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601142706/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-18294949|url-status=live}}</ref> Spokesman Colonel Uwe Nowitzky reported there was sniper fire aimed at German forces, and that the soldiers retaliated by firing live ammunition on at least one "sniper pit" which was consequently "deactivated".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/nato-troops-exchange-fire-with-serbs-in-kosovo|title=NATO troops exchange fire with Serbs in Kosovo|date=26 March 2015|website=]|language=en-US|access-date=22 May 2019|archive-date=13 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813123030/https://www.foxnews.com/world/nato-troops-exchange-fire-with-serbs-in-kosovo|url-status=live}}</ref> Nowitzky added: "KFOR condemns this act of violence. KFOR will not allow the situation to escalate and will use a proportional level of force necessary to maintain a safe and secure environment." KFOR said it would continue to seek the removal of roadblocks, while Kosovan Serbs vowed those affiliated with the government in Pristina would be unable to impose their writ on the north. Zvečan's mayor, Dragiša Milović, said that KFOR refused to allow Serb medical personnel to assist the wounded Serbs. "A commander told me they have the authority to use deadly force on anyone who throws a stone or uses a weapon."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2012/06/20126113121393807.html |title=Northern Kosovo tense after clashes — Europe |publisher=] |date=4 October 2011 |access-date=4 June 2012 |archive-date=2 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120602191807/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2012/06/20126113121393807.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
===Brussels Agreement (2013)=== | |||
{{main|Brussels Agreement (2013)}} | |||
==Response== | ==Response== | ||
;Kosovo | ;Kosovo | ||
Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi said |
Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi said the initial police operation was a "concrete step in establishing the rule of law ". He added that through co-operation with the "]...the constitution and the sovereignty of my country are sacred for myself and for my countrymen and go beyond any partnership or loyalty".<ref name="aljaz"/> | ||
On 3 |
On 3 August, the government of Kosovo stated it would not accept a KFOR-Serbia deal, which included moving road blocks in northern Kosovo.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2011-08-04|title=Kosovo says will not accept NATO-Serbia deal|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-kosovo-nato-agreement-idUKTRE7726RH20110804|access-date=2021-10-28}}</ref> The next day Foreign Minister ] accused Serbia of seeking to exploit the increased tensions to pursue what he called Serbia's "long-held dream of partitioning the region".<ref>{{cite web |author=Source: reuters // Reuters |url=http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/interview-kosovo-warns-serbia-seeking-partition-of-north |title=INTERVIEW-Kosovo warns Serbia seeking partition of north — AlertNet |publisher=Trust.org |date=4 August 2011 |access-date=4 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609141304/http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/interview-kosovo-warns-serbia-seeking-partition-of-north |archive-date=9 June 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
;Serbia | ;Serbia | ||
During the first phase of clashes, Serbia asked Lebanon and Germany to hold an emergency meeting at the UN. Russia and China |
During the first phase of clashes, Serbia asked Lebanon and Germany to hold an emergency meeting at the UN. Russia and China supported the Serbian request; however, the United States and the United Kingdom were opposed to the move, as they wanted the Kosovo issue to be discussed at the UN the following month. The UN approved the Serbian request and the UN emergency meeting was to be held on 28 July, behind closed doors.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rts.rs/page/stories/ci/story/1/%D0%9F%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B0/931186/%D0%A1%D1%80%D0%B1%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B0+%D1%82%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B6%D0%B8+%D1%85%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%BD%D1%83+%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%86%D1%83+%D0%A3%D0%9D.html |script-title=ru:РТС :: Савет безбедности сутра о Косову |language=Russian |publisher=Rts.rs |access-date=2011-07-28 |archive-date=12 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012002828/http://www.rts.rs/page/stories/ci/story/1/%D0%9F%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B0/931186/%D0%A1%D1%80%D0%B1%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B0+%D1%82%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B6%D0%B8+%D1%85%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%BD%D1%83+%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%86%D1%83+%D0%A3%D0%9D.html |url-status=live }}</ref> President Boris Tadić's office also condemned the violence:<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14316858 |title=Serbs attack Kosovo border post as violence flares |publisher=] |access-date=28 July 2011 |date=27 July 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110728104534/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14316858| archive-date= 28 July 2011 | url-status= live}}</ref> "The hooligans who are sparking violence are not defending either the people or the Serb state. The people must refrain from violence."<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/kosovo-violence-serbia-idUSLDE76Q1OB20110727 | work=Reuters | first=Aleksandar | last=Vasovic | title=Serb president calls for Kosovo violence to stop | date=27 July 2011 | access-date=5 July 2021 | archive-date=7 March 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307200210/http://www.reuters.com/article/kosovo-violence-serbia-idUSLDE76Q1OB20110727 | url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
After the first phase of |
After the first phase of clashes, the State Secretary for Kosovo, Oliver Ivanović, said that "one act of violence produces more violence. I am afraid we are entering a spiral of violence". '']'' quoted Borko Stefanović, the chief negotiator of a Serbian team trying to find a solution to the violence, as saying that: "This violent act, an act of criminals and extremists, represents a clear attempt to undermine the process we are pursuing and the attempts to resolve all the issues in a peaceful manner. This greatly aggravates the position of Serbs in the north of Kosovo and Metohija and is not contributing to the resolution of the problems which had brought us here in the past couple of days."<ref name="aljaz"/> | ||
:Goran Bogdanović, the Serbian Minister of Kosovo and Metohija, said that Kosovan Serb officials and KFOR needed to reach an agreement and asked for KFOR and the Kosovan Serbs to stop the violence as the initiation of |
:Goran Bogdanović, the Serbian Minister of Kosovo and Metohija, said that Kosovan Serb officials and KFOR needed to reach an agreement and asked for KFOR and the Kosovan Serbs to stop the violence as the initiation of talks on 19 October showed Serb willingness for a peaceful solution.<ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite web |url=http://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2011&mm=10&dd=20&nav_category=640&nav_id=551003 |title=Vesti - "Srbi i Kfor, sedite za sto" |publisher=] |date=20 October 2011 |access-date=4 June 2012 |archive-date=21 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111021042601/http://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2011&mm=10&dd=20&nav_category=640&nav_id=551003 |url-status=live }}</ref> ] also said that KFOR needed to stop instigating violence and stressed that the UNSC Resolution 1244 should be respected as it sought a peaceful solution.<ref name="autogenerated3">{{cite web |url=http://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2011&mm=10&dd=20&nav_category=640&nav_id=551016 |title=Vesti — Jeremić poziva na mir i uzdržanost |publisher=] |date=20 October 2011 |access-date=4 June 2012 |archive-date=21 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111021045432/http://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2011&mm=10&dd=20&nav_category=640&nav_id=551016 |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
;KFOR-EULEX | ;KFOR-EULEX | ||
On 29 |
On 29 September, ] took over command of KFOR.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/infoCountryPage/setimes/resource_centre/bios/erhard_drews?country=EU |title=ErhardDrews — Commander of KFOR |publisher=Setimes.com |access-date=4 June 2012 |archive-date=21 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111021201654/http://setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/infoCountryPage/setimes/resource_centre/bios/erhard_drews?country=EU |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
On 19 |
On 19 October, talks between KFOR and Kosovar Serb officials began. KFOR presented an ultimatum for free movement inside North Kosovo by KFOR and EULEX vehicles. KFOR's presence was accepted, however, an EULEX presence was rejected. KFOR officials insisted that EULEX also had to be given entry. As a result, the talks remained deadlocked.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2011&mm=10&dd=19&nav_category=640&nav_id=550647 |title=Vesti — Nema dogovora Srba i Kfora |publisher=] |date=19 October 2011 |access-date=4 June 2012 |archive-date=20 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020012918/http://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2011&mm=10&dd=19&nav_category=640&nav_id=550647 |url-status=live }}</ref> KFOR Lieutenant Colonel Ralf Adamec said that KFOR had no plans to use force to remove the barricades, but that it had the right to use force.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2011&mm=10&dd=20&nav_category=640&nav_id=550915 |title=Vesti — Kfor: Imamo pravo na silu |publisher=] |date=20 October 2011 |access-date=4 June 2012 |archive-date=21 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111021042532/http://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2011&mm=10&dd=20&nav_category=640&nav_id=550915 |url-status=live }}</ref> Goran Bogdanović said the Kosovar Serb officials and KFOR needed to reach an agreement and asked for KFOR and the Kosovan Serbs to stop the violence.<ref name="autogenerated2"/> The Serbian Minister of Foreign Affairs ] added that KFOR needed to stop its cycle of violence and stressed that UN Resolution 1244 needed to be respected as it sought a peaceful solution.<ref name="autogenerated3"/> | ||
;Supranational bodies | ;Supranational bodies | ||
*The EU's ] ] issued a statement after the initial clashes that read: "I strongly condemn the violence that has taken place in northern Kosovo. These latest developments are unacceptable." She also added |
*The EU's ] ] issued a statement after the initial clashes that read: "I strongly condemn the violence that has taken place in northern Kosovo. These latest developments are unacceptable." She also added it was the "responsibility" of the Serbian and Kosovar government to restore peace between the two "nations". Her deputy spokesperson, Maja Kocijančič, said that Kosovo's unilateral decision to take over the administrative border posts was "not helpful. It was not done in consultation neither with the European Union nor the international community and we do not approve it." ('']'')<ref name=AlJazeera1/> | ||
*At the same time, a NATO statement read: "The situation deteriorated at the customs post Jarinje and it was confirmed that an act of arson was committed against that position. There have also been confirmed reports of shots fired at KFOR personnel in the vicinity."<ref name="aljaz"/> | *At the same time, a NATO statement read: "The situation deteriorated at the customs post Jarinje and it was confirmed that an act of arson was committed against that position. There have also been confirmed reports of shots fired at KFOR personnel in the vicinity."<ref name="aljaz"/> | ||
;Other countries | ;Other countries | ||
*{{flag|Macedonia}} - ], the leader of ] (the largest Albanian party in Macedonia), said after the initial clashes that if the North of Kosovo was given to Serbia, then he would no longer be Macedonia's self-declared "guardian of peace". He added ] would have to ].<ref>{{cite web |author=Sinisa Jakov Marusic |url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/kosovo-s-possible-partition-threatens-macedonian-stability |title=Kosovo Border Attacks Could Destabilize Macedonia |publisher=] |access-date=4 June 2012 |archive-date=4 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110804215434/http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/kosovo-s-possible-partition-threatens-macedonian-stability |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
*{{flag|France}} - Following the 2012 incidents a Foreign Ministry spokesman said that it was "unacceptable" that the KFOR troops were fired upon and this showed a need for Kosovo and Serbia to work together to implement their agreements.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2245121&language=en |title=France condemns violence against international peace-force in Kosovo - Politics - 04/06/2012 |publisher=KUNA |date= |accessdate=2012-09-09}}</ref> | |||
*{{flag|France|1974}} - Following the 2012 incidents, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said it was "unacceptable" that the KFOR troops were fired upon and this showed a need for Kosovo and Serbia to work together to implement their agreements.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2245121&language=en |title=France condemns violence against international peace-force in Kosovo — Politics - 04/06/2012 |publisher=KUNA |access-date=9 September 2012 |archive-date=11 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011070614/http://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2245121&language=en |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
*{{flag|United States}} - President ] agreed with Kocijančič, but did not condemn Kosovo.<ref name="aljaz"/> | *{{flag|United States}} - President ] agreed with Kocijančič, but did not condemn Kosovo.<ref name="aljaz"/> | ||
*{{flag|Macedonia}} - ], the leader of ] (the largest Albanian party in Macedonia), said after the initial clashes that if the North of Kosovo was given to Serbia then he would no longer be the self-declared "Macedonia's guardian of peace." He also added that ] would have to ].<ref>{{cite web|author=Sinisa Jakov Marusic |url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/kosovo-s-possible-partition-threatens-macedonian-stability |title=Kosovo Border Attacks Could Destabilize Macedonia |publisher=Balkan Insight |date= |accessdate=2012-06-04}}</ref> | |||
;Other sub-national divisions | |||
===Referendum=== | |||
* {{flag|Republika Srpska}} - President ] of the ] supported partition of Kosovo between Serbia and ], and also supported partition of ] into three mini-states: Serbian, Bosnian and Croatian.<ref>{{cite web |last=Woehrel |first=Steven |url=http://fas.org/sgp/crs/row/R40479.pdf |title=Bosnia and Herzegovina: Current Issues and U.S. Policy |publisher=] |date=24 January 2013 |access-date=31 January 2015 |archive-date=27 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227114518/https://fas.org/sgp/crs/row/R40479.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
In February 2012, four northern Serb-dominated regions held a ] to ask if the insitutions of Kosovo should be recognised. | |||
== |
==See also== | ||
* ] | |||
*] | |||
*] | * ] | ||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
==Notes== | |||
* ] | |||
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==References== | ==References== | ||
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{{DEFAULTSORT:North Kosovo crisis (2011-2013)}} |
Latest revision as of 03:12, 10 November 2024
2011–2013 crisis in Northern Kosovo
2011–2013 North Kosovo crisis | |||
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Part of the Kosovo dispute | |||
Serb blockade of a road in North Kosovo | |||
Date | 25 July 2011 – 19 April 2013 | ||
Location | North Kosovo | ||
Caused by |
| ||
Methods | Protests, road block protests, barricade, civil disobedience | ||
Resulted in | |||
Parties | |||
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Lead figures | |||
No official leadership Hashim Thaçi | |||
Number | |||
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Casualties and losses | |||
|
Clashes between the Republic of Kosovo and ethnic Serbs in northern Kosovo began on 25 July 2011 when the Kosovo Police crossed into the Serb-controlled municipalities of North Kosovo, to control several administrative border crossings. This was done without the Kosovo Police consulting either Serbia or Kosovo Force (KFOR)/EULEX (European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo). Though tensions between the two sides eased somewhat after the intervention of NATO's KFOR forces, they remained high amid concern from the European Union, which also blamed Kosovo for the unilateral provocation. On 19 April 2013, an agreement was signed in Brussels between representatives of Kosovo and Serbia. The 15-point document granted devolved powers to North Kosovo regarding economic development, education, healthcare and urban planning, and several mechanisms that allowed a certain autonomy in justice, policing and electoral matters.
Background
Past unrests
Main articles: 2004 unrest in Kosovo and 2008 unrest in KosovoKosovo–Serbia administrative border crossings
The clashes occurred because of a long stand-off over cross-border trade. Since the declaration of independence, Kosovo has been unable to export anything to or through territories controlled directly by Serbia's government. There was disruption to cross-border trade following Serbia's ban on Kosovar imports, even though many jobs on both sides depended on cross-border trade Serbia stationed troops in the northern region to enforce a boycott of goods from Kosovo proper.
Although KFOR had implemented the "vague ultimatums" to remove the barricades, Kosovar Serbs had used mountainous tracts to cross between northern Kosovo and Serbia proper in the past. At the same as the bridge dividing Mitrovica was closed from transport to the south, the daily train to southern Serbia was packed. The European Union (EU) demanded Serbia dismantle "the parallel structures" of government in Northern Kosovo. Serbia's secretary of state for Kosovo, Oliver Ivanović, said: "We don't see these as 'parallel structures', we see these as the only structures, because we do not recognise the independence of Kosovo." He also said a partition of Kosovo is out of the question, even though Serbian president Boris Tadić said he was open to the possibility. The Serbs of North Kosovo do not acknowledge or cooperate with the government of Kosovo.
Before the Kosovo Police's attempt to take over the administrative border crossings on 26 July, EULEX and Serb members of the Kosovo Police controlled them.
Goals
North Kosovo, as part of the Assembly of the Community of Municipalities of Kosovo, observed United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and defied the 2008 Kosovo declaration of independence (the Kosovo Serb enclaves had been under local control, disputed by the Kosovar Albanian Assembly) until the 2013 Brussels Agreement. The government of the Republic of Kosovo sought to install customs officials at the administrative border crossings with Central Serbia. Because Kosovar Serbs opposed the presence of Kosovar Albanians at the crossings, they erected roadblocks to make movement difficult for KFOR personnel.
Timeline
July–August 2011
On 26 July 2011, during the operation to take control of the administrative border posts, a Serb sniper killed Enver Zymberi, a member of the Kosovo Police Special Intervention Unit. Twenty-five more policemen were wounded, with at least one being treated in hospital for severe wounds. The KFOR Mi-17 helicopter that had moved the 16 Kosovo special police personnel belonged to the Croatian Army. Later that day, the same helicopter had been fired at. An hour later, 14 new Kosovo police officers and three customs officers were located in Brnjak. Though the Kosovo police later withdrew and there was a lull in tensions, some Serbian protesters returned in the evening and attacked the post.
Clashes continued on 27 July after armed Kosovar police took over two administrative border posts to enforce the writ of the central government in Pristina; ethnic Serbs burned down the administrative border post at Jarinje. The mob, which reportedly included "dozens of masked men, armed with crowbars, clubs, axes, Molotov cocktails and handheld flares," as well as rocks and other debris, were said to have attacked the NATO troops who were a part of KFOR operations. Reports also suggested the troops may have been fired upon. This was the same administrative border post that had been burned down in 2008 after Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence. Following the intervention of KFOR's NATO troops, a NATO operations officer, Lieutenant Colonel Ralf Adametz, said "the situation is now under control, but tense".
There was a thaw in tensions on 28 July, after all Kosovar units withdrew from North Kosovo, leaving KFOR's NATO troops in charge of maintaining peace in the region. In return, the Serbs removed most of the roadblocks they had created. KFOR took full control of the two crossings and General Erhard Bühler declared the area around the two crossings to be military areas, therefore giving shoot-at-sight orders to his soldiers for anyone crossing the area.
As of 29 July, NATO units remained in control of the two administrative border posts. However, some roadblocks, set up by hundreds of Serb protesters, prevented them from returning to their bases. The column of American and Slovenian 30 armoured vehicles then withdrew from the barricade, even though they were given permission to move against the protesters using force, if necessary. The decision was made to avoid further bloodshed.
On 31 July, the Serbs continued to man their roadblocks and KFOR soldiers remained isolated at the administrative border crossings they were manning. The Kosovars then organised burnings of Serbian products and General Buhler sent an ultimatum to the Serbs blocking the road.
On 1 August, NATO said that Swiss Army sappers, supported by other KFOR troops had cleared three of the roadblocks but claimed that there were still at least five remaining on the two roads leading to Serbia. Kosovar interior minister Bajram Rexhepi ordered Serbia's Minister for Kosovo and Metohija, Goran Bogdanović, and the head of the Serbian negotiation team, Borislav Stefanović, to be deported after allegedly having entered Kosovo illegally. The next day, however, some roadblocks remained in place with all major roads being completely sealed off. Agence France Press reported a severe food crisis and a shortage of medicines in the North. KFOR then asked a battalion of 550 German soldiers, assisted by 150 Austrian troops, to reinforce its presence in the north to deal with future unrest.
On 3 August, Kosovar prime minister Hashim Thaçi reiterated a refusal to back down on his trade ban as some roadblocks remained in place across the North. A deal was later struck to allow KFOR to control the administrative border crossings in return for the dismantling of the blockades. KFOR helicopters were then used to bypass the roadblocks and establish a skeletal EULEX and Kosovo Police and Customs presence at the administrative border crossings.
September–December
Tensions reignited after the Kosovo Police, EULEX and NATO units airlifted troops from Kosovo-proper to the two administrative border posts to re-establish control over the North on 16 September. Local Serbs blocked all major routes leading to the two administrative border crossings, including two major bridges connecting the divided town of Mitrovica and vowed to remain "until the bitter end". This left the troops at the administrative border crossings virtually isolated from the rest of Kosovo. European media reported that youths from both the Albanian and Serbian communities pelted each other with rocks near one of the blocked bridges KFOR intervened to stop the violence.
The previous night had passed without incident in most of northern Kosovo, except for a minor incident near Zupče and Çabër with shots fired in the area because of an increased police presence in Mitrovica. After the shooting, Kosovar Serbs set-up another barricade next to an existing encampment in Zupče on the road from Mitrovica to Ribarici; gravel was dumped across both lanes of the road leading to the southern part of Mitrovica. The next day there were clashes at the roadblocks after they were reinforced with more Serb protesters and Kosovo Police officers.
KFOR helicopters dropped hundreds of leaflets urging the Serbs to end their roadblocks on 29 September. The five sentence leaflet, written in Serbian Cyrillic, warned citizens that blocking roads was against the law and such a move "is not in line with peaceful demonstrations. Blocking roads represent danger for all in extraordinary situations, because there is no possibility to deliver help to those in need." Confirming the air drop, KFOR spokesman Ralph Adametz said that the leaflets were dropped at the barricades close to administrative border crossings 1 and 31. He described the overall situation as unchangeable but underlined the need to open blocked roads. KFOR said the mission "recognises the right for peaceful protests and demonstrations" but "blocking roads doesn't represent any accepted way for expressing your concerns". The air drop began hours after the head of EULEX, Xavier de Marnhac, visited the two disputed crossings. According to him, both crossings were technically ready to be fully operational, but the barricades erected on nearby roads prevented the gates from being utilised.
Pipe bomb explosions injured four soldiers on 27 September. NATO spokesman Kai Gudenoge then said that German KFOR troops were forced to fire rubber bullets and tear gas in self-defence against Kosovan Serb protesters after being attacked at administrative border crossing Gate 1 following an attempt by Kosovar Serbs to erect a new roadblock after KFOR blocked an alternative road to Serbia proper. Five protesters were arrested. Hospital officials in northern Kosovo said seven Serb protesters were wounded from gunfire, which erupted in the afternoon in Jarinje. The head of Mitrovica hospital, Milan Jakovljevic, said the wounded had been brought to his hospital for medical treatment, adding: "We can't say if anyone has life threatening injures at this moment, since we are assessing their current extent of the injuries." The Kosovar government in Pristina said it was working with both KFOR and EULEX to open the barricaded roads in the north. The local media in Mitrovica reported that two EULEX vehicles were set on fire.
KFOR's commander said his troops would remove roadblocks forcibly on 17 October if Kosovar Serbs did not voluntarily do so. KFOR's General Erhard Drews said "KFOR is ready and resolved to take action on behalf of freedom of movement." However, Kosovar Serbs said they would take "defensive action" to counter KFOR's attempts at forcibly removing the roadblocks. Though the deadline passed to remove them, KFOR troops who were sent to remove the roadblocks left without incident to give the local Serbs more time to do it themselves. A KFOR commander said that "we've been given orders to go back, as we cannot go through barricades". Drews said that with the defiance of the ultimatum as "the north did not comply with the request to remove the roadblocks". In response, Kosovar Serb politicians said that any KFOR operations would be halted till 19 October for community leaders to discuss a compromise solution. Slavisa Ristic, mayor of Zubin Potok, said "there will be no KFOR actions today or tomorrow until representatives of (Serb) municipalities agree on how to end the impasse".
On the morning of 20 October, KFOR and EULEX clashed with Kosovar Serbs near Brnjak, resulting in injuries, three serious, to 22 Serbs, including women, and eight KFOR injuries. KFOR then entered North Kosovo after failing to agree on free movement inside four of the Serb municipalities of Kosovo. On the same day in Dobruša, near Pejë, an Albanian perpetrator who later gave himself up to the Kosovo police, killed a Serb and injured two others. A few thousand Serbs held another peaceful protest in Gračanica. At this time, the majority of Serbs south of Ibar, beyond North Kosovo, still depended on Serbia, while only five percent are talking with Kosovan Albanian institutions.
Kosovo police stopped an Albanian from southern Mitrovica from using a bulldozer to destroy a barricade at a bridge on 24 October.
KFOR tried to remove a barricade in the village of Dudin Krš on the night of 23 November. They withdrew about an hour and a half after midnight. Afterwards, an explosion went off at 01:00 CET in northern Mitrovica near the Faculty of Economy, which damaged two cars. 21 KFOR/NATO soldiers were injured slightly, and one of them seriously, the night of 23/24 November.
On 20 December, Serbian police arrested Zvonko and Zarko Veselinović, who had allegedly organised the 27 and 28 September barricades at Jarinje and Jagnjenica, respectively, causing controversy in the Serbian public.
North Kosovo referendum
Main article: 2012 North Kosovo referendumIn February 2012, four northern Serb-dominated regions held a non-binding referendum to ask if the institutions of Kosovo should be recognised. The result saw 99.74% of voters reject the Republic of Kosovo.
June 2012
Shortly after Serbia's new president, Tomislav Nikolić, took office on 1 June in Zvečan, KFOR German troops blocked a bridge with armoured vehicles and barbed wire in an attempt to remove a roadblock, causing a confrontation with several hundred protesters who threw rocks at them. The soldiers were then reported to have returned fire with rubber bullets and tear gas, which led to a further confrontation with Kosovan Serbs using small arms. Four Serbs and two German soldiers were wounded. Spokesman Colonel Uwe Nowitzky reported there was sniper fire aimed at German forces, and that the soldiers retaliated by firing live ammunition on at least one "sniper pit" which was consequently "deactivated". Nowitzky added: "KFOR condemns this act of violence. KFOR will not allow the situation to escalate and will use a proportional level of force necessary to maintain a safe and secure environment." KFOR said it would continue to seek the removal of roadblocks, while Kosovan Serbs vowed those affiliated with the government in Pristina would be unable to impose their writ on the north. Zvečan's mayor, Dragiša Milović, said that KFOR refused to allow Serb medical personnel to assist the wounded Serbs. "A commander told me they have the authority to use deadly force on anyone who throws a stone or uses a weapon."
Brussels Agreement (2013)
Main article: Brussels Agreement (2013)Response
- Kosovo
Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi said the initial police operation was a "concrete step in establishing the rule of law ". He added that through co-operation with the "international community...the constitution and the sovereignty of my country are sacred for myself and for my countrymen and go beyond any partnership or loyalty".
On 3 August, the government of Kosovo stated it would not accept a KFOR-Serbia deal, which included moving road blocks in northern Kosovo. The next day Foreign Minister Enver Hoxhaj accused Serbia of seeking to exploit the increased tensions to pursue what he called Serbia's "long-held dream of partitioning the region".
- Serbia
During the first phase of clashes, Serbia asked Lebanon and Germany to hold an emergency meeting at the UN. Russia and China supported the Serbian request; however, the United States and the United Kingdom were opposed to the move, as they wanted the Kosovo issue to be discussed at the UN the following month. The UN approved the Serbian request and the UN emergency meeting was to be held on 28 July, behind closed doors. President Boris Tadić's office also condemned the violence: "The hooligans who are sparking violence are not defending either the people or the Serb state. The people must refrain from violence."
After the first phase of clashes, the State Secretary for Kosovo, Oliver Ivanović, said that "one act of violence produces more violence. I am afraid we are entering a spiral of violence". Reuters quoted Borko Stefanović, the chief negotiator of a Serbian team trying to find a solution to the violence, as saying that: "This violent act, an act of criminals and extremists, represents a clear attempt to undermine the process we are pursuing and the attempts to resolve all the issues in a peaceful manner. This greatly aggravates the position of Serbs in the north of Kosovo and Metohija and is not contributing to the resolution of the problems which had brought us here in the past couple of days."
- Goran Bogdanović, the Serbian Minister of Kosovo and Metohija, said that Kosovan Serb officials and KFOR needed to reach an agreement and asked for KFOR and the Kosovan Serbs to stop the violence as the initiation of talks on 19 October showed Serb willingness for a peaceful solution. Vuk Jeremić also said that KFOR needed to stop instigating violence and stressed that the UNSC Resolution 1244 should be respected as it sought a peaceful solution.
- KFOR-EULEX
On 29 September, Erhard Drews took over command of KFOR.
On 19 October, talks between KFOR and Kosovar Serb officials began. KFOR presented an ultimatum for free movement inside North Kosovo by KFOR and EULEX vehicles. KFOR's presence was accepted, however, an EULEX presence was rejected. KFOR officials insisted that EULEX also had to be given entry. As a result, the talks remained deadlocked. KFOR Lieutenant Colonel Ralf Adamec said that KFOR had no plans to use force to remove the barricades, but that it had the right to use force. Goran Bogdanović said the Kosovar Serb officials and KFOR needed to reach an agreement and asked for KFOR and the Kosovan Serbs to stop the violence. The Serbian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vuk Jeremić added that KFOR needed to stop its cycle of violence and stressed that UN Resolution 1244 needed to be respected as it sought a peaceful solution.
- Supranational bodies
- The EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton issued a statement after the initial clashes that read: "I strongly condemn the violence that has taken place in northern Kosovo. These latest developments are unacceptable." She also added it was the "responsibility" of the Serbian and Kosovar government to restore peace between the two "nations". Her deputy spokesperson, Maja Kocijančič, said that Kosovo's unilateral decision to take over the administrative border posts was "not helpful. It was not done in consultation neither with the European Union nor the international community and we do not approve it." (sic)
- At the same time, a NATO statement read: "The situation deteriorated at the customs post Jarinje and it was confirmed that an act of arson was committed against that position. There have also been confirmed reports of shots fired at KFOR personnel in the vicinity."
- Other countries
- Macedonia - Ali Ahmeti, the leader of Democratic Union for Integration (the largest Albanian party in Macedonia), said after the initial clashes that if the North of Kosovo was given to Serbia, then he would no longer be Macedonia's self-declared "guardian of peace". He added Albanians would have to organise themselves as they had done in 2001.
- France - Following the 2012 incidents, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said it was "unacceptable" that the KFOR troops were fired upon and this showed a need for Kosovo and Serbia to work together to implement their agreements.
- United States - President Barack Obama agreed with Kocijančič, but did not condemn Kosovo.
- Other sub-national divisions
- Republika Srpska - President Milorad Dodik of the Republika Srpska supported partition of Kosovo between Serbia and Kosovo, and also supported partition of Bosnia and Herzegovina into three mini-states: Serbian, Bosnian and Croatian.
See also
- Kosovo–Serbia relations
- 2008 unrest in Kosovo
- 2012 North Kosovo referendum
- 2021 North Kosovo crisis
- Crisis situations and unrest in Europe since 2000
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- North Kosovo crisis
- Conflicts in 2011
- Conflicts in 2012
- Conflicts in 2013
- 2011 in Serbia
- 2012 in Serbia
- 2013 in Serbia
- 2011 in Kosovo
- 2012 in Kosovo
- 2013 in Kosovo
- 2011 in international relations
- 2012 in international relations
- 2013 in international relations
- Kosovo–Serbia relations
- Serbian–Albanian conflict
- Serb rebellions