NATO troop clashes with Serbs

NATO forces clashed with Serb protestors in northern Kosovo earlier Tuesday, leaving at least 11 people wounded, reports the AP.

The violence occurred near a disputed border crossing between Sebia and Kosovo- many similar clashes and protest have occurred there in the past. 

Lt. Col Kai Gudenoge NATO spokesperson explained that the clash occurred when the Serb protestors threw pipebombs at the peacekeepers. Four people were injured. This prompted Nato soldiers to fire weapons at the Serbs. Seven Serb protesters were wounded.

EU rule of law mission in Kosovo condemned the violence, reports Reuters.  .

According to Reuters:
Milan Jakovljevic, the head of the hospital in the Serb, northern part of Mitrovica, a tense city divided into Albanian and Serb districts, said six patients had serious gunshot wounds and not injuries caused by rubber bullets.

Jakovljevic also said about ten other protesters from Jarinje sought medical attention for minor injuries.

Talks between Belgrade and Pristina have been delayed as a result of the violence. 

The President of Serbia Boris Tadic called on the Kosovo Serbs to remain calm and urged the NATO peacekeeping force KFOR to show restraint.

"International peacekeepers are there to defend unarmed people, not to clash with them," Tadic said. "No problem can be solved through violence and jeopardizing lives will not contribute to the defense of our (national) interests."