DISINFO: Pristina is entirely responsible for the tension in Northern Kosovo
SUMMARY
The recent tension in Northern Kosovo between ethnic Serbs and Kosovar forces should be blamed entirely on the latter as the Serbs simply took part in a peaceful demonstration. NATO and the EU have avoided telling Kosovar authorities to withdraw their forces from the area.
RESPONSE
This news report is an effort to make a distinction between "good Serbs" and "bad Kosovar Albanians" and to blame NATO and the EU for the current situation in Kosovo.
First of all, the recent demonstrations in Northern Kosovo by ethnic Serbs were not peaceful. Tensions escalated along the disputed Kosovo-Serbia border as ethnic Serbs set a government office ablaze and hurled hand grenades at another, in protest over a ban on cars with Serbian licence plates entering Kosovo. Drivers from Serbia must now use temporary printed registration details valid for 60 days in the neighbouring country.
Secondly, the EU did not focus only on the Serb side. EU requested immediately from both sides to de-escalate. High Representative Josep Borrell issued a statement saying that "Serbia and Kosovo need to unconditionally de-escalate the situation on the ground, by immediately withdrawing special police units and dismantling of roadblocks. Any further provocations or unilateral and uncoordinated actions are unacceptable. Kosovo and Serbia must find solutions to defuse the situation and agree on the way forward. The EU will actively support these efforts."
On 30 September 2021, following discussions facilitated by Miroslav Lajčák, EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and other Western Balkan regional issues, an arrangement to resolve the tensions in the north of Kosovo was reached. See more details here.
Also, NATO forces in Kosovo (KFOR) have increased their patrols on the northern border near Serbia. NATO said it was "closely monitoring the situation across Kosovo" and working "to ensure a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all communities." The alliance has also flown helicopters at the border over the last week to keep watch on developments.
For further disinformation reports on Kosovo, see here.