Serbia's president tells Western countries that NATO should take security measures in Kosovo's north

BELGRADE, Serbia

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Tuesday told Western countries that NATO should take all security measures in northern Kosovo.

"I reiterated Serbia's view on recent events in Kosovo and Metohija and requested that (NATO's Kosovo Force) KFOR to take care of all security issues in northern Kosovo instead of (Kosovo Prime Minister Albin) Kurti's police," said Vucic after meeting the ambassadors of Western countries.

Vucic said that he asked the diplomats why the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) did not take part in the operation.

"I also asked a question why EULEX was refused by Kosovo police to attend the operation itself conducted in the territory of northern Kosovo," said Vucic.

Serbia on Tuesday decided to declare Sep. 27 a national day of mourning after a clash between police and gunmen left one officer dead and another wounded in northern Kosovo.

Kosovo declared Monday a national day of mourning following a clash between police and gunmen on Sunday that left one officer dead and another injured.

The clashes erupted when a Serbs armed group blocked a bridge leading to the village of Banjska, near Mitrovica, with two trucks without license plates.

The armed gunmen opened fire on police officers who had arrived on the scene to investigate the issue. Later, a large number of security forces were dispatched to the area.

Serbia and Kosovo face many disputes as Belgrade sees its neighbor as its territory and has blocked its efforts to join international organizations and obtain recognition from other states.

The leaders of the two nations have met in European Union-facilitated talks in Brussels to normalize relations, but the parties have so far struggled to implement the agreements reached.