Professionalism of law enforcement agencies assessed – Telegraph

Representatives of the political and security structures of Mitrovica assessed on Monday at the Security Committee the professional work of the Kosovo police in managing the situation that developed on Sunday on the Ibri Bridge after provocations by the Serbian side of Albanian protesters. The work of KFOR and EULEX was also appreciated, as was the good coordination between the security agencies.

The mayor of the municipality, Avni Kastrati, said that Sunday was very eventful and the situation was very tense. “In addition to the protest organized by the KLA War Veterans Association to oppose the elections organized by Serbia in the north of the country, on this occasion hundreds of Serbian citizens gathered in the northern corner of the bridge, which provoked in various ways, on Sunday a concert organized by UNICEF for the Day of protection of children, and in the evening there was a football match between Trepca and Besa, which attracted 20 thousand spectators.”

Regarding the situation on the Ibri Bridge, Kastrati said that thanks to the professional response of the security forces, as well as the prudence of the Albanian protesters, the situation did not escalate. On the other hand, he asked the responsible authorities to take action against those who organized this situation. “Everything that happened on Sunday is clear, the people of the Serb community from the north are known who provoked the situation, those who threw stones and shot, so measures are needed to make it clear that such actions will not be tolerated.”

If such an action does not take place, Mayor Kastrati stressed that it will embolden those who use violence. “Institutions must act and let everyone know that there is law and order in Kosovo, where expression of grievances is allowed democratically, but not through violence.”

He reiterated that for Kosovo institutions, the elections organized by Serbia in northern Kosovo on Sunday are illegal and unacceptable. Regarding the small number of Serbian citizens who took part in these elections, he emphasized that this is not due to the protest organized in the south, but to the demoralization of this population in the politics of Belgrade, which continues to manipulate them for ten years. . .

Even the director of the Directorate of Protection and Rescue, Bekshet Bala, spoke about the good and professional work of the Kosovo police, EULEX and KFOR, as well as the good organization of the KLA Veterans Association, which did not allow the situation to escalate. At the same time, KFOR representatives emphasized that the Kosovo police and EULEX did a good job, and KFOR soldiers were always ready to intervene.

The head of the southern police station, Bashkim Spahiu, also assessed the police response at the level and efficiency. “According to the latest reports, two members of the special unit of the Kosovo police were slightly injured as a result of the throwing of strong tools by people gathered in the north. Meanwhile, two people are under investigation for “disturbing public order and peace.” /Telegraph/