Kosovo violence threatens Serbia’s EU bid

EUObserver reported that a flare up in violence in north Kosovo in September 2011 alarmed EU officials as the European Commission was set to rule whether or not Serbia was ready for EU candidate status.

Nato soldiers fired live ammunition, rubber bullets and tear gas the 27 September 2011 at a crowd of Kosovar Serbs who tried to stop them dismantling a barricade near the Jarinje crossing point on the Kosovo-Serbia border. On the other side, live fire and pipe bombs were used against the troops, with 16 civilians and four soldiers injured.

On the 28 September 2011 Serbia called off EU-mediated talks with Kosovo after the renewed unrest on the disputed Kosovo-Serbia border. Belgrade refused to continue negotiations after its bid to discuss the latest clashes was turned down.

• Primary Source

EurActiv, 29.9.11: Kosovo violence weakens Serbia's pro-EU coalition http://www.euractiv.com/enlargement/kosovo-violence-weakens-serbias-news-508003

BBC News, 27.9.11: Kosovo-Serbia border clash leaves several hurt http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15082675

NATO: KFOR http://www.nato.int/kfor/

NATO: NATO's role in Kosovo http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/topics_48818.htm

ESO: Background information: 'Breakthough' EU deal greeted by tomato-throwers in Kosovo http://www.europeansources.info/record/breakthough-eu-deal-greeted-by-tomato-throwers-in-kosovo/

Deutsche Welle, 27.9.11: NATO soldiers, Kosovo Serbs injured as border violence flares http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,15419804,00.html

Deutsche Welle, 28.9.11: Serbia-Kosovo talks break down after renewed clashes http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,15424156,00.html

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