NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has called for a reduction in tensions between Kosovo and Serbia following violent clashes between Kosovan police and protesters opposing the appointment of Albanian mayors in Serbian-populated areas.

Stoltenberg, a Norwegian diplomat leading the transatlantic military alliance, discussed the matter with European Union Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell, emphasizing the need for dialogue.

“I have spoken with the EU High Representative, Josep Borrell, regarding Kosovo. Pristina and Belgrade should engage in the EU-facilitated dialogue now, as the only way towards peace and normalization. Pristina should de-escalate and refrain from taking unilateral and destabilizing steps. NATO's mission, KFOR, will continue to ensure a secure environment,” Stoltenberg wrote on Twitter.

In Kosovo's northern region, where Serbs constitute the majority, opposition to Kosovo's 2008 declaration of independence from Serbia persists. Many regard Belgrade as their capital, even more than two decades after the 1999 war.

Meanwhile, ethnic Albanians comprise over 90% of Kosovo's overall population. However, during the recent local elections in April, Serbs chose not to participate, resulting in Albanian candidates winning all four municipalities with an extremely low voter turnout of only 3.5%.

Backed by Belgrade, local Serbs have vehemently refused to accept the newly elected mayors, arguing that they do not represent their interests. Last Friday, the police escorted three out of the four mayors to their offices. In response, protesters launched rocks at the authorities, leading to the deployment of tear gas and water cannons to disperse the agitated crowds.

As of Sunday, the situation remained tense, with heavily armed police in armored vehicles maintaining a presence to safeguard the mayors' offices. (ILKHA)