Security News, Kosovo

Kosovo Albanians burn Macedonian flag

Tuesday, 29 September 2009

Commenting an incident taking place at a football match in Pristina, Macedonia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) says that in such sensitive moments each undertaken step should be in favor of calming, not further stirring of tensions.

Every responsible factor in the society should most fiercely condemn such extreme acts, MoFA said Tuesday in a press release. Macedonia's Liaison Offise in Pristina called on Kosovo authorities to take all legal measures for identifying and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Mutual trust and respect are being built for a long-term and each side should contribute to that effect. Kosovo, as the youngest country in the region, is expected to demonstrate its capacity in such situations to act appropriately in favor of good-neighborly relations and regional stability, the press release reads.

Macedonia's flag was set on fire yesterday in Pristina's city stadium during a football match between local clubs "Pristina" and "Vlaznimi", Kosovo media in Albanian language reported Tuesday.

Anti-Macedonian slogans were displayed on stadium's stands as well, the media said.
News outlets in Kosovo say the incident comes as a result of the "discontent stemming from the Macedonian Encyclopedia".