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NATO riot troops clear barricades in north Kosovo
Oct 20, 2011, 6:30 GMT
Belgrade - NATO peacekeepers in Kosovo (KFOR) dressed in riot gear began early Thursday clearing road blocks erected by ethnic Serbs almost three months ago, Belgrade media reported.
The Serbs had erected around 20 roadblocks in protest at efforts by the government in Kosovo, where the majority population is ethnic Albanian, to assert control over the northern area of Kosovo which is dominated by ethnic Serbs.
KFOR riot troops arrived at two of the barricades with armoured vehicles. Soldiers shot teargas canisters to disperse the crowd manning the roadblock, Serbian state television RTS said.
Using loudspeakers, the troops warned the population to stay away.
KFOR had firmly demanded the removal of the barricades on Saturday, but extended the deadline to allow local Serb leaders to agree their move in a conference Wednesday. But the Serbs refused to dismantle the blocks.
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