Outbreak in northern Kosovo

(BRUSSELS2) The deployment of Kosovo police forces in the north and the takeover of border posts on Monday did not go smoothly. The police came under fire from “Serbian residents”. A Kosovo police officer was fatally shot in the head on Tuesday (26 July) in Zupcë/Zupce near Zubin Potok. A border post which is not its first attack. The Serbs had set fire to this post during the declaration of independence in 2008. And another border post ("Gate One" near Jarinje) burned down the following day; NATO troops also coming under fire.

The Eulex prosecutor launched several separate investigations on Wednesday (July 27): the first for the murder of a police officer, the second for the attempted murder of police officers, the third for endangerment with explosive devices in Mitrovica .

Cathy Ashton, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, said " firmly condemned "violence", considering the " recent unacceptable developments in a statement released Thursday. She met with President Tadic (Serbia) and Prime Minister Thaci (Kosovo). “It is the responsibility of both parties, Belgrade and Pristina to immediately reduce tensions, restore calm and security for everyone. Violence will never be tolerated and unilateral actions are not the way to go,” she explained. "It is now vital for both parties to return to dialogue and resolve the underlying issues without delay." The UN Security Council met on Thursday (July 28).