The paper’s front-page editorial notes that Thaci’s government managed to sign the agreement for normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia, but the part about the judiciary was not finalized due to Belgrade’s tendency to create an ethnic division among Kosovo courts. “In the north, extremist individuals and groups have not stopped their activities and this can be clearly seen in the case of messages against EULEX. But there are many other Serbs that have accepted the new reality and have joined local institutions that operate in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Kosovo.

The road in Brdjani in North Mitrovica was unblocked after an hour. Deputy President of the Municipal Assembly of Mitrovica North, Emir Azemi said that this morning the Albanians began to build in Brdjani. Soon, people who identified themselves as building inspectors appeared and requested them to stop the works, what caused revolt and blockade. On the spot were present members of the Kosovo police, after which arrived KFOR and EULEX members.  The blockade was finished without incidents.  

KFOR has commended the engagement of the Kosovo Police during yesterday’s protest in Mitrovica. According to a press communiqué from KFOR, Kosovo Police was able to stop a large protest, while showing great professionalism, efficiency and an ability to manage the situation. It adds that KFOR has stationed a team of US KFOR troops in the middle of the bridge over the Iber/Ibar River, and Italian military police in the northern part of the bridge. Another team of German soldiers was also summoned to intervene, when some elements started to use force.

Replacement of a barricade of concrete with a garden of trees and flowers was a decision of the citizens but the desire to keep the bridge still closed for car traffic through a garden of trees and flowers is very symbolic and politically motivated, said KFOR. According to KFOR, the garden prevents free movement of cars but nevertheless is a positive step that could facilitate reconciliation and KFOR will work in supporting dialogue and democratization for Kosovo’s stability. In a statement, KFOR also said that no incident was recorded in yesterday’s events on the River Iber/Ibar bridge.