Tensions in Northern Kosovo are on the rise as the September 8 deadline approaches for the eviction of Serbian-led institutions from their premises in Bošnjačka Mahala, Mitrovica North. This contentious deadline, which has the potential to spark further unrest in the region, originates from a controversial decision by Mayor Erden Atiq, who secured his position with only a few hunderes of votes.
Originally slated for implementation on August 25, Atiq’s decision to evict Serbian institutions was delayed for two weeks following concerns expressed by diplomatic leaders from the European Union and the United States. Nevertheless, this postponement offered only temporary relief, and the situation remains volatile as the new deadline draws near.
EU spokesperson Peter Stano voiced concern at the eleventh hour before the initial August 25 deadline, expressing reservations about the decisions made by the North Mitrovica Municipality administration regarding the utilization of public spaces, buildings, and municipal facilities.
“The matter of Serbian-led structures should be addressed in the dialogue facilitated by the EU and resolved in the context of the establishment of the Association/Community of Municipalities with a Serbian majority,” he remarked.
However, Prime Minister Kurti’s government appears to be intent on circumventing the agreed-upon Ohrid Agreement, which stipulates the implementation of the Association of Serb-majority municipalities, rather than resorting to force that could potentially destabilize the northern Kosovo and the wider region.
On Thursday morning, local time, Prime Minister Kurti deployed Kosovo police officers outside the disputed building in Bošnjačka Mahala, citing information about a potential bomb threat.
Serbs in Northern Kosovo fear that Kurti’s actions imply an effort to compel employees to vacate the premises under the false pretext of a bomb threat.
Sources on the ground, though, informed The Pavlovic Today that the police officers conducted only a cursory inspection, neglecting a thorough bomb assessment.
Significantly, this building is the same one from which Mayor Atiq ordered the eviction of Serbian institutions by September 8th. As a result, the Serbian government now harbors suspicions that Prime Minister Kurti may be orchestrating an attempt to seize control of the facility through deception. Serbs in Northern Kosovo fear that Kurti’s actions imply an effort to compel employees to vacate the premises under the false pretext of a bomb threat.
Petar Petkovic requests “urgent action” from the EU and the US to stop Kurti
In response to these developments and the looming deadline, Petar Petkovic, Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija and the chief negotiator for Belgrade, has appealed to international diplomatic actors to stop Pristina from unilateral actions that can cause further instability.
Pristina is the only party pushing for conflicts and instability.
Petar Petkovic, Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija and the chief negotiator for Belgrade
The Pavlovic Today obtained a diplomatic note in which Petkovic requests “urgent action” from the EU and the US, urging Kurti to promptly and permanently refrain from any attempts to take control of facilities housing Serbian institutions.
Petkovic expressed, “Pristina is the only party pushing for conflicts and instability. It would be tragic if Pristina managed to achieve that against the wishes and will of all citizens of Mitrovica North, the entire North, as well as Belgrade and the entire international community, who have been working for months to repair the damage caused by Pristina’s destructive actions and ensure a peaceful life for ordinary people.”
The Pavlovic Today has reached out to the Department of State for comment on any actions the Biden administration is taking to de-escalate the volatile situation.
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