Europe News

Serbian president accuses Kosovo of "war mongering"

Jul 10, 2010, 13:41 GMT

Belgrade - Plans by the government of Kosovo to deploy special police units to the northern, mostly Serbian, part of the country amount to an 'open threat of war' for Belgrade, Serbian media on Saturday quoted President Boris Tadic as saying.

'These war-mongering statements and other provocations are a threat to a fragile peace and stability in northern Kosovo,' Tadic reportedly said.

He added that the government in Pristina will be responsible for the 'possible catastrophic consequences of this threat.'

The Kosovan government, which has almost no control over the northern regions, had said while announcing the special forces deployment that it is meant to establish 'peace and order.'

But the European Union's law-enforcement mission in Kosovo (EULEX) has denied that there are any plans to send special forces to the north, Serbian media reported.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 after years of international supervision. It has been recognized by 69 countries, including most of the European Union and the United States.

But Serbia bitterly opposes its independence and has asked the International Court of Justice to decide on the legality of Kosovo's independence. The court is expected to issue a verdict in the coming months.