NATO-led peacekeeping forces in Kosovo (KFOR) reopened on Wednesday two border crossings in northern Kosovo, which were closed on Tuesday after local Serb crowds had burnt them down to vent their anger at Kosovo's independence.
KFOR forces have increased their presence in the zone and the regular and special police units of UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) were serving in these crossings, said Veton Elshani, spokesperson of the Kosovo Police Service (KPS).
In Tuesday's incidents, seven KPS vehicles and two crossing points were destroyed, Elshani said.
Only one day after the incidents, the security situation in northern Kosovo appears to be calm, with some minor incidents.
More than 100 Serbs blocked a road in northern Kosovo, protesting the detention of two local Serbs.
A Kosovo police officer said the detention occurred after the Serbs refused to obey police order to stop in a check point.
The crowd of protesters disperses after the KPS intervened. The international and local leaders in Kosovo described the situation in northern Kosovo as being in full control.
Some 120,000 Serbs live in the ethnic Albanian-dominated Kosovo, which was declared secession from Serbia on Sunday. About half of Kosovo Serbs live in the north near Serbia and another half in isolated southern enclaves.
KFOR commander Xavier de Marnhac said security forces would not allow any kind of violence.
"Everybody should be fully aware of my determination to maintain, restore a safe and secure environment wherever in Kosovo," said General de Marnhac.
Three days after Kosovo declared independence, the European Civil Office started the mission in the capital Pristina.
The Head of the Office, Peter Faith, promised the EU mission will be present in the north of Kosovo too.
He urged local Serbs not to see the EU mission as a threat to them. This EU mission is in accordance with the Martti Ahtisaari's proposal for Kosovo status, adopted last year in Kosovo parliament, but refused by Belgrade.
Albanian leaders welcomed the start of the mission, but Serbs ignore it, considering it illegal.
President of Kosovo Fatmir Sejdiu said the "international civil presence will help Kosovo to pass faster the transitional period." He believed this presence would help all kosovars in making a better life.
The new international presence in Kosovo resumes at a time of new recognitions of independence from foreign countries. The German and Austrian governments recognized on Wednesday Kosovo as a new state. Another European country, Norway, and Malaysia from Asia, have informed Pristina of recognizing Kosovo independence.
However, Serbia opposes any forms of Kosovo's independence, with strong backing from Russia.
Source: Xinhua
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