Meloni 'strongly condemns' attack on KFOR peacekeepers

(ANSA) - ROME, MAY 30 - Premier Giorgia Meloni on Monday expressed her "strongest condemnation" of the attack against the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) during clashes between ethnic Serb protesters and Kosovar police in northern Kosovo in which 41 peacekeepers including 14 Italian soldiers were hurt.
    "What is happening is absolutely unacceptable and irresponsible," said Meloni.
    "We will not tolerate further attacks," she continued, calling on all parties involved to take "an immediate step back in order to contribute to the easing of tensions". "The Italian government is totally committed to peace and stability in the Western Balkans is maximum and we will continue to work with our allies," concluded Meloni.
    Meanwhile, Foreign Minister and Deputy Premier Antonio Tajani called Serbian President Aleksandr Vucic and Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti to demand an immediate end to "all violence and provocation".
    "Kosovo and Serbia must fully implement the agreements they have signed through the facilitation of the European Union. Violence is unacceptable. Italy wants to contribute to reach a sustainable solution in northern Kosovo very soon," he said.
    The KFOR peacekeeping troops were injured on Monday in clashes with Serb protesters trying to prevent ethnic Albanian mayors elected on April 26 from taking office.
    Some of the Italians injured were hit by Molotov cocktails while others suffered fractures, KFOR said.
    Three Italian nationals were said to be in a "serious but not life-threatening condition", official sources said. (ANSA).