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Kosovo allocates $6 mln to "integrate" Serb-populated north

© RIA Novosti . Ruslan Krivobok / Go to the mediabank"The money will be used to integrate the north and implement state projects in this part of the country"
The money will be used to integrate the north and implement state projects in this part of the country - Sputnik International
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The government of Kosovo, Serbia's ethnic-Albanian-dominated province which unilaterally declared its independence in 2008, said it would allocate five million euros ($6.3 million) for the "integration" of Serb-populated north.

The government of Kosovo, Serbia's ethnic-Albanian-dominated province which unilaterally declared its independence in 2008, said it would allocate five million euros ($6.3 million) for the "integration" of Serb-populated north.

Kosovo's three northernmost municipalities, Leposavic, Zvecan and Zubin Potok, plus a relatively small portion of Kosovska Mitrovica constitute Northern Kosovo, an area populated mainly by ethnic Serbs, which functions autonomously from Pristina. The regions' administrative bodies are elected according to Serbian law and financed by Belgrade.

"The money will be used to integrate the north and implement state projects in this part of the country," Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci was quoted as saying by the public service broadcaster RTK.

The premier announced on August 15 his plans to build 200 new houses in Kosovska Mitrovica to make it "a fully united and integrated town."

Kosovska Mitrovica has been one of Kosovo's most troubled areas, with numerous ethnic clashes and riots reported in the past years.

Belgrade has repeatedly condemned Kosovo's plans to get Serb-populated areas under its control.

Leaders of Kosovo Serbs have not yet commented on the move.

A total of 69 out of 192 UN member states have recognized Kosovo, which unilaterally proclaimed independence from Serbia in February 2008. Serbia, Russia, China, India and some other countries have not recognized it, saying international law was violated.

 

SARAJEVO, August 26 (RIA Novosti)

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