Kurti: The police are not withdrawing from the north, but are reducing their presence in municipal buildings

Kosovo's Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, stated that, following a security assessment today, the police presence in and around municipal buildings in northern Kosovo had been reduced.

Kurti mentioned on Facebook that the decision had come after yesterday's meeting between the Kosovo Police, KFOR, and EULEX regarding the security assessment.

"So, the situation is calm, and we can slightly decrease the police presence. The rule of law and public order are being better maintained. We haven't had significant incidents or violent protests for about a month and a half. We thank the police and all citizens, regardless of their backgrounds, for their cooperation and fairness," Kurti said.

He added that, concerning the agreement from over two months ago, the reduction of police presence would be gradual and proportional, and that it would apply to municipal buildings rather than the entire territory of the north.

"We are implementing the Bratislava Agreement from July 10, 2023, in line with the EU's demands for de-escalation from June 3, 2023. The joint findings with international factors indicate a clear de-escalation in the significant improvement of peace and security in the north. At the same time, we warn about the potential for renewed escalation that may arise from statements of hatred and political and state aggressiveness of Serbia," Kurti stated.

He urged citizens "not to fall for various disinformation, whether resulting from misunderstandings, misinterpretations of the situation and developments, or those anti-government desires publicly presented as factual news."

"The hybrid war against independent Kosovo and its democratic and progressive government will fail," Kurti concluded.