EU appoints envoy to Kosovo's tense north

The European Union on Friday appointed an envoy to Kosovo's north in a bid to ease tensions in the majority Serb area.

The European Union on Friday appointed an envoy to Kosovo's north in a bid to ease tensions in the majority Serb area, a statement said.

"The EU is committed to establish a comprehensive and permanent presence in northern Kosovo to increase its overall activities there," said the statement issued by Pieter Feith, the EU's special representative to Kosovo.

Michael Giffoni, also the Italian ambassador to Kosovo, will "assist to strengthen and promote the EU's views and values in the area alongside the EU presence on the ground," it added.

Giffoni will work closely with all stakeholders, in particular with EU envoy Feith, the statement said.

Since the end of the 1998-1999 war in Kosovo, the northern area bordering Serbia proper has been the scene of deep tensions and inter-ethnic clashes.

The main city in the area, Kosovska Mitrovica, has been divided between the ethnic Albanian-populated south and Serb-populated north.

Kosovo's ethnic Albanian authorities declared independence from Serbia in February 2008.

It has so far been recognised by 62 countries, including the United States and most of the European Union countries.

Serbia, backed by its powerful ally Russia, opposes the move and still considers Kosovo as its southern province.