North Mitrovica mayor appeals to international community

KOSOVSKA MITROVICA - Mayor of North Kosovska Mitrovica Goran Rakic has called on the international community to invest maximum efforts into dealing with security issues and providing a safe environment for all the people in Kosovo.

His appeal came after an unexploded hand grenade was found and cleared by the police in North Mitrovica on Saturday, an area where Serbs make up the majority of the population.

Two cars were set on fire in Filip Visnjic Street on Saturday, according to preliminary investigation results, and that happened just two days after another similar incident, he stated.
"It is hard to believe that this is not a string of planned incidents intended to cause disorder and panic among the Serb population in North Mitrovica and northern Kosovo," Rakic stressed.

Such incidents could become an everyday occurrence in Kosovo once again unless the international community starts working on clearing all the security issues.

He fears that would cause more apprehension and distress among the Serbs and make all activities meant to encourage internally displaced persons to return to their homes pointless.

He also appealed to the authorities to do be responsible in their duties and follow the Brussels agreement, meaning ensure safety for all the people in Kosovo and their property.
"Unfortunately, I have to say that nothing more than investigating the scene and reporting the situation there has been done so far regarding any of the attacks on Serbs and their property," he remarked.