NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg today called on Kosovo to reduce tensions with Serbia, two days after fierce clashes between Kosovo police and protesters opposing the inauguration of Albanian mayors in predominantly ethnic Serb areas. After the Serbs refused to participate in the local elections in April, the Albanian candidates won in all four municipalities with a turnout of 3,5 percent.

Stoltenberg said that he spoke with the head of foreign policy of the European Union, Josep Borrell, about Kosovo. He emphasized that Pristina and Belgrade should engage in a dialogue mediated by the EU.

"Pristina must reduce tensions and not take unilateral, destabilizing steps," Stoltenberg wrote on Twitter. He added that KFOR will continue to provide a safe and secure environment.