Tensions in the North of Kosovo, the police react: This is how the situation appears

The Kosovo Police reacted after today's events in the northern municipalities of Kosovo, announcing that the situation has now calmed down.

Through an announcement, the Police say that according to legal and constitutional authorizations, they have assisted the mayors of the northern municipalities in Zveçan, Leposaviq and Zubin Potok, to exercise their right to work, in official municipal facilities.

"The primary goal of the Kosovo Police has been to assist and provide security to the mayors of municipalities, enable the realization of their legitimate rights in the workplace and ensure the free movement of all persons without distinction," the announcement states.

The Kosovo Police says that, recognizing the right of citizens to protest and express their grievances in a fair, peaceful and legal manner, they have communicated with them several times and have requested the release of access to the facilities, allowing the entry of the mayors in the workplaces, so as not to violate their legitimate rights.

"The legal demands of the police officials have not been ignored, certain people in the crowd in Zveqan have shown violence, have thrown various strong tools and bombs towards the Police and official vehicles".

"In order to prevent the imminent danger to the lives of police officers, the relevant police units in self-defense were forced to respond with their legal means, including tear gas to disperse the crowd, and to enable the mayors to enter the municipal facilities".

According to the Police, individuals or certain criminal groups, in addition to attacks on officials and vehicles, tried to block various roads with gravel, stones and heavy transport vehicles.

 "The situation has now calmed down, the Kosovo Police will continue its commitment and dedication in providing security to all citizens without distinction, maintaining order and public safety as well as undertaking police measures in order to prevent all criminal activities that they can appear in the country", it is further stated in the announcement of the Kosovo Police.