German Federal Government Special Representative for the Western Balkans Manuel Sarrazin is in Kosovo, following the clashes in the north of the country between the State Police and groups of local Serbs.

“In Kosovo to assess the situation, speaking to EULEX Kosovo, KFOR, Kosovo’s Government and Kosovo Serbs in Mitrovica. We condemn Kosovo’s decision to force access to municipal buildings in the north and the violent reactions to it. Restraint by all sides and full commitment by Kosovo and Serbia to the EU-led dialogue and immediate implementation of the reached agreements is necessary,” shared Sarrazin on Twitter.

Meanwhile, the situation this Saturday appears to be calm. Radio Free Europe journalists on the field report that there is a presence of the Police of Kosovo near and inside the municipal buildings in Zvečan, Leposavić and Zubin Potok.

Three police vehicles with about 20 members of the special units of the Kosovo Police have been placed in front of the Leposavić Municipality building. Excavators were seen in the vicinity of the building as well, removing the sand dumped the day before in front of it. The situation is reportedly calm and has returned to normal, with shops and restaurants being open.

The Kosovo Police assisted the three new Albanian mayors of Zvečan, Leposavić and Zubin Potok in entering the municipal buildings, previously used by Serbian parallel institutions. The action was opposed by groups of local Serbs, who clashed with the police. Security authorities used stun grenades and teargas to disperse the people, while local Serbs threw stones at them.

Following the clashes, five members of the Kosovo Police have been injured and their vehicles were damaged.