Brussels. September 27. INTERFAX-The command of the NATO-led international peacekeeping mission in Kosovo (KFOR) has increased the number of patrols and the duration of their operation against the background of escalating tensions with Serbia, Bloomberg reported on Monday, citing Serbian media.
"KFOR is closely monitoring the situation throughout Kosovo and is focused on fulfilling its mandate. KFOR has increased the number and duration of patrols throughout Kosovo, including the northern part of Kosovo, " the forces said in a statement quoted by the media.
A sharp escalation of tension between the parties occurred last week, when Kosovo banned the entry of cars with Serbian license plates without a temporary printed registration. In response, Serbs living in the north of Kosovo blocked roads near border crossings, then Kosovo deployed special police units to two border crossings.
In addition, the Serbian army began exercises near the border with Kosovo. Serbian Air Force planes began patrolling areas near border crossings.
The head of EU diplomacy, Josep Borrel, earlier called on Belgrade and Pristina to take measures without preconditions to stabilize the situation in northern Kosovo.
