Kosovo and Serbia row over monastery gun battle

Authorities in Kosovo have successfully taken control of a Serbian Orthodox Monastery in the northern territories, ending a standoff with a group of heavily armed men suspected of carrying out a fatal nighttime attack in which a policeman was killed. Here's a summary of the key developments:

 **Monastery Standoff Ends**

Kosovo authorities have regained control of the Banjska Monastery in North Kosovo, restoring peace to the area following a tense standoff with armed individuals.

**Fatal Attack**

 The standoff arose from a nighttime attack during which a Kosovo Police Force officer lost his life. The incident triggered a significant escalation of tensions in the region.

**Mutual Accusations**

 Serbia and Kosovo have exchanged accusations regarding responsibility for the attack and the subsequent events. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić condemned the killing of the Kosovo police officer but also placed responsibility on Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti.

 **Provocations and Ethnic Minority Concerns**

Kurti alleged that the armed group responsible for the attacks received logistical and financial support from official Belgrade. He pointed to a campaign of provocations targeting the ethnic Serb minority in North Kosovo as a contributing factor.

 **International Response**

 The European Union has strongly condemned the attack on the Kosovo police officer as a "hideous attack." EU Foreign Policy Chief Joseph Burrell called for both Serbia and Kosovo to return to negotiations in Brussels to de-escalate tensions.

 **Outrage and Diplomatic Efforts**

 The events have sparked outrage among international partners of Kosovo and Serbia. Calls for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis have been made to prevent further escalation.

Overall, the situation in North Kosovo remains tense, with deep-rooted ethnic and political tensions exacerbating the current crisis.