Vela stated that Serbia’s illegal and criminal structures in north Kosovo have received orders to escalate the situation on the ground.

‘ “Peaceful” protesters who use hybrid and violent actions against law enforcement. Violence won’t prevail. Serbia bears full responsibility for the escalation,” Vela twitted.

Shooting is heard in the municipality of Zveçan, whereas police cars were set on fire.

Kosovo Police used tear gas to disperse dozens of Serbs who gathered in the courtyards of three municipality buildings in the north of Kosovo, Zubin Potok, Leposaviq, and Zveçan, to block the new sworn in mayors from taking offices.

Kosovo police said earlier today that they were assisting newly-elected mayors of the northern municipalities to enter the  municipal buildings.

On Thursday, the mayors of the municipalities Leposavic, Zubin Potok, and Zveçan were sworn in after being elected in the April 23 local elections, while the ceremonies were held in facilities, mainly schools and local offices.

Local elections in the Serb-dominated northern municipalities were boycotted by Kosovo’s biggest Serbian party Srpska lista (Serb List), supported by official Belgrade.

The previous mayors resigned to express dissatisfaction with the Kosovo Government’s decision to re-register illegal Serbian cars under the Republic of Kosovo.

/KosovaPress  /u.sh/