Kosovo closes largest border crossing to Serbia

STORY: In the Balkans, the conflict between Serbia and Kosovo continues to escalate. After Serbia put the army on alert over rising tensions on Monday, Kosovo closed the largest border crossing with its neighbor on Wednesday. Two other border crossings have been closed since December 10th. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kosovo said that those traveling in Serbia must use other border crossings or enter the country via North Macedonia. The NATO peacekeeping force Kfor stationed in Kosovo called on the parties to the conflict to exercise restraint and be willing to engage in dialogue. It is of the utmost importance that all parties involved avoid any rhetoric or actions that could create tension and escalate the situation. Blockades must be dismantled quickly, said the Foreign Office in Berlin. In addition, the nationalist rhetoric from Serbia is absolutely unacceptable – “and the increase in military presence near the Serbian border with Kosovo sends a completely wrong signal,” said a foreign ministry spokesman. A constructive approach is expected.
Recent tensions in Kosovo sparked the arrest of a Serbian police officer who is said to have attacked Kosovo police officers during a demonstration. The Serbian demonstrators are demanding his release. A court in Pristina has now ordered that he be released from custody and placed under house arrest.