As Prishtina wants to force the introduction of Kosovo license plates into the Serb-populated north, more and more Kosovo Serbs are leaving state institutions – with Belgrade’s blessing.
Belgrade. Cameras filmed the theatrically staged refusal to serve. To thunderous applause, police commanders in the Serbian north of the Kosovo-split metropolis of Mitrovica took off their service shirts but kept their pants on. “Brothers and sisters, we made the decision together to resign from the Kosovo police – and to support our people,” an emotional Serbian police commander said: “Enough is enough.”
It’s the tedious dispute over license plates that is causing waves of excitement among reluctant neighbors once again – and causing quite a stir in the newcomer’s northwest tip, predominantly populated by Serbs. Because the state, which is not recognized by Serbia, wants to force the introduction of its plates throughout its territory, Kosovo Serbs left state institutions over the weekend – with Belgrade’s blessing and instructions.