By Prensa Latina
Belgrade : Serbia’s Council for National Security is discussing the violent acts that took place in this capital last Thursday, Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic told reporters on Tuesday.
After a mass and peaceful demonstration to protest against the Albanians’ unilateral declaration of independence in the Serbian province of Kosovo, violent elements clashed with the police and attacked several embassies from countries that recognized that unilateral decision.
They also set vehicles and garbage containers on fire, attacked businesses and damaged ATMs and traffic signs.
During the actions, the charred remains of a 20-year-old man were found on the premises of the US Embassy, 130 people, mainly police agents, were wounded, and an undetermined number of citizens were arrested.
The Council’s meeting was called by Serbian President Boris Tadic, who strongly condemned the riots and demanded an investigation.
The National Security Council is made up of the president, the prime minister, the Interior and Defense ministers, and the heads of security and civil and military intelligence structures.
In statements broadcast by the B92 radio station, Foreign Minister Jeremic said what happened last week is absolutely unacceptable and hinders the country’s diplomatic efforts to revert the Albanian-Kosovars’ declaration on February 17.
Serbia is preparing for serious diplomatic activities over the next few days and months to prevent a larger number of countries from recognizing Kosovo, and prevent its recognition at the UN General Assembly in September, Jeremic added.
If we isolate ourselves now, our capacity to fight to prevent Kosovo from being recognized or admitted in international institutions would be reduced, he warned.
Serbia denounces the illegality of Kosovo’s secession, which attempts against its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and violates all foundations of international law.