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NATO seeks more troops after Kosovo violence

NATO has asked for more troops in Kosovo days after a trade row with Serbia sparked deadly violence.

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Source: SBS


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NATO has asked for more troops in Kosovo days after a trade row with Serbia sparked deadly violence.

Kosovo ordered its security forces to wrest control of the border crossings last week to enforce a ban on imports from Serbia, in response to a ban imposed by Serbia 2008.

One ethnic Albanian police officer was killed in the ensuing clashes.

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NATO says the mission in the territory needs one extra battalion of around 500 soldiers to support soldiers deployed in the region.

NATO spokeswoman Carmen Romero insists the call for extra troops should not be read as a sign that the crisis is worsening.

"Our message is very clear violence is unacceptable. We welcome the fact that the situation has calmed down, and dialogue is the only solution to the current situation."

The disputed border crossings are seen as vital by many Kosovo Serbs as they provide a link with Serbia for supplies of food and medicine.


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