Kosovo was sanctioned by the US for ignoring its advise to avoid worsening tensions in Serb-dominated northern regions.
It criticized Kosovo’s decision to “forcibly” establish ethnic Albanian mayors in northern Kosovo.
Kosovo has been barred from participating in an ongoing military exercise in Europe conducted by the United States.
Monday saw police and NATO personnel clash with Serb protesters in Zvecan, northern Kosovo.
Protesters attempted an invasion of a government building during a disturbance over the installation of ethnic Albanian mayors in majority-Serb areas.
NATO will send 700 more troops to Kosovo after 30 peacekeepers and 52 protesters were hurt in Zvecan.
The crisis began in April, when ethnic Serbs in northern Kosovo boycotted local elections, allowing ethnic Albanians to seize control of local councils with a turnout of less than 4%.
The European Union, like the United States, has accused the Kosovar authorities of destabilizing the situation in northern Kosovo and warned against any actions that could exacerbate ethnic tensions there.
In the meantime, Russia, an ally of Serbia, demanded that the rights of ethnic Serbs in Kosovo be respected.
According to AFP, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow supported Serbia and Serbs “without question.”
In February 2008, Kosovo proclaimed independence from Serbia, following years of strained relations between its Serb and predominantly Albanian inhabitants.
It has been acknowledged by the United States and key EU nations. But Serbia, backed by its potent ally Russia, and the majority of ethnic Serbs in Kosovo, refuse to do so.
In Kosovo’s north, Serbs outnumber ethnic Albanians.
Jeffrey Hovenier, the American ambassador in Pristina, stated that the United States “foresaw the consequences” of the decision to install ethnic-Albanian mayors in four predominantly Serb municipalities.
The United States, a staunch ally of Kosovo, stated that it had “strongly advised” Prime Minister Albin Kurti to alter his course of action, but the counsel was disregarded.
Therefore, Kosovo’s participation in NATO’s Defender Europe 23 exercise has been discontinued.
Mr. Hovenier stated that the United States was considering alternative measures and “has no enthusiasm” for assisting Kosovo in its efforts to obtain broader international recognition or progress toward EU and NATO membership.
The leaders of Serbia and Kosovo have exchanged accusations over the violent scenes.
President Aleksandar Vucic of Serbia stated that Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti “alone is responsible” for the unrest.
Mr. Kurti countered that the Zvecan demonstrators were “a group of extremists directed by official Belgrade.”
Alliance leader Jens Stoltenberg stated that the violence “must cease.”
He vehemently condemned “the unprovoked attacks against Kfor troops” — referring to the NATO peacekeeping force in Kosovo.
In contrast, ethnic Serbs in northern Kosovo have criticized Kfor for failing to stop armed Kosovo police from entering municipal buildings and removing Serbian flags.
The announcement made by NATO on Tuesday significantly boosts Kfor’s numbers. The 700 additional soldiers will join the 3,800 already deployed to Kosovo.
A reserve battalion has been placed on standby and is available for deployment within seven days, if necessary.
The mission of Kfor is to assure the safety and freedom of movement of all ethnic groups in Kosovo.
As a result, the new troops will confront high expectations from both sides following this week’s disturbances.
Lord Robertson, the former head of NATO, has accused Serbia of escalating tensions in Kosovo.
After visiting Kosovo, he said a complete pullout is impossible unless Serbia accepts reality.
Noting the Americans’ “salute warning” to the Kosovar authorities, he stated that “common sense and cool diplomacy should have been the order of the day.”
He stated, “I believe the Kosovo authorities should have handled the situation much better.” Their close allies, like the US, are sending severe warnings, so they should reconsider.
He advised both Kosovo and Serbia to “sit down and carefully consider the future they want for the people of both countries.”
