France urges Kosovo to stop 'actions' irking Serbs

PARIS, Aug 09 (Arab News): France on Friday urged the Kosovo authorities to end "unilateral actions" that could contribute to increasing tensions with Serbs.
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti has called for the opening of a flashpoint bridge, prompting protests, and authorities this week raided post offices long used by residents who maintain funds in Serbia.
"France firmly condemns the multiplication of unilateral actions from the Kosovo authorities in the north of the country that are affecting the daily life of the Serb community," the foreign ministry said in a statement.
"These actions endanger efforts to normalise relations with Serbia that are a prerequisite for the realisation of the European prospects of both countries," it said.
"France calls on the Kosovo authorities to refrain from any new unilateral action, which would again contribute to the escalation of tensions," the ministry added.
A NATO bombing campaign in 1999 brought self-rule to Albanian-majority Kosovo from Serbia after a war that left 13,000 dead.
Kosovo declared independence in 2008, a move never acknowledged by Serbia.