For two weeks, the barricades placed by the Serbs in the north of Kosovo have hindered the freedom of movement, bringing tension to the situation. But it seems that this will no longer be tolerated by the Kosovo government.
In a statement to the media, the prime minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, said that KFOR has requested time for their removal, but added that this situation cannot be tolerated anymore.
Kurti has warned that after Christmas he will meet with the commander of KFOR, to clarify how the barricades in the north of Kosovo will be dealt with.
"KFOR has asked for some time, we have given it some time. But today it has been two weeks since 11 barricades were installed and they are preventing freedom of movement. KFOR has always committed to a calm and safe environment for freedom of movement. Freedom of movement has been the main value that KFOR has affirmed all these post-war years. That's why we gave time to KFOR. But now we don't have freedom of movement because we have barricades. And these barricades are armed men. They are positioned in such a way as to protect the gunman from charging at oncoming cars rather than blocking the roads. KFOR has asked for time, and since today is Christmas, after Christmas we should have a meeting with the commander of KFOR. This situation cannot be tolerated.
Groups of Serbian citizens in the north erected barricades as early as December 10, to oppose the arrest of a former Serbian police officer by the Kosovo Police.