17 April 2008 Pristina _ Police have charged 21 Kosovo Serbs for burning down two border crossings in the days following Pristina's declaration of independence.

“After thorough investigation and inquiries to collect evidence and identify the suspects, the Serious Crimes Unit with the (United Nations Mission in Kosovo) UNMIK Prosecutor has brought charges against 21 Kosovo Serb suspects,” the Kosovo Police Service said in a statement.

The charges include terrorism, the violation of public order, assault against officials and the destruction of public property.

Soon after Kosovo's ethnic Albanian leaders declared independence on February 17, Kosovo Serbs attacked two border crossing points along the border with Serbia, setting buildings housing Kosovo’s customs and border police on fire.

Three buildings collapsed as ammunition and propane bottles inside exploded, while another was severely damaged.

The violence forced UN and Kosovo Police officers to evacuate the posts while NATO troops were eventually brought in to secure the sites and closed Kosovo's borders for a 24 hour period.

The violence erupted after Kosovo Serbs were protesting that Pristina's declaration of independence would see new trade and travel restrictions imposed along the border with Serbia.

The Serb minority in Kosovo has continued to defy to the authority of Pristina's leaders and continues to remain loyal to Belgrade which furnishes them with financial and political assistance.



http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/main/news/9458/