Violence as Kosovo Serbs protest

19/02/2008| IslamWeb

Nato-led peacekeeping troops in Kosovo have intervened after a group of Serbs, opposed to Kosovo's newly declared independence, burned down one border crossing and attacked another.

Kosovo police called for help from Nato-led Kfor peacekeepers on Tuesday after they came under attack from more than 1,000 Serb protesters.

Jarinje and Banja, two border crossings in northern Kosovo staffed by UN and Kosovo's multi-ethnic police and customs service, were set on fire by Kosovo Serbs.

Kfor troops were dispatched to both crossings in the most serious incidents since Kosovo declared independence from Serbia on Sunday.

Protesters also tipped over metal sheds housing Kosovo's customs service and sent them sliding down a hill and into a river.

Kosovo's declaration brought condemnation from Belgrade, the Serb capital, and has caused divisions among world powers, only some of which have recognized Europe's newest nation.

On Tuesday Taiwan joined those which have officially recognized Kosovo, in a move likely to antagonize China which has expressed "grave concern" over Kosovo's secession precisely because of the signals it could send to Taiwan.

"The Republic of China [Taiwan] from today on formally recognizes Kosovo," James Huang, Taiwan's foreign minister told reporters, and stressing that nations had the right of self-determination.

China reacted angrily to Taiwan's expression of support for Kosovo, bluntly telling the island it had no right to offer an opinion on the subject.

PHOTO CAPTION

Burning official vehicle at Jarinje