Ireland expresses concern over 'violence' in northern Kosovo

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) — Ireland's foreign minister on Tuesday expressed concern over a recent surge of violence in northern Kosovo, calling for a return to calm by the parties.

"Attacks against @NATO_KFOR peacekeepers, press, police & civilians are unacceptable," Micheal Martin said on Twitter.

Underlining the importance of all sides to commit to "immediately" de-escalate, he said dialogue was the "only path" to progress.

Tensions have gripped Kosovo, with protesters and security forces clashing in the country's northern Serb-dominated municipalities over the election of ethnic Albanian mayors in four municipalities last month.

At least 30 soldiers of the NATO-led international peacekeeping mission in Kosovo (KFOR) were injured in clashes with Serbs who were protesting on Monday and attempting to prevent the newly elected mayor of the Zvecan municipality from entering town hall to take the oath of office and begin official duties.