Fourteen Italian soldiers who are part of the KFOR peacekeeping force in Kosovo were injured today while trying to contain protesters in Zvecan, in the north of the country. In all, as many as 41 soldiers from the NATO force were injured as a result of dense throwing of Molotov bottles. Three of our compatriots are considered serious, but fortunately not life-threatening, as they reportedly suffered burns and fractures. Protests broke out in four municipalities where municipal elections were held. In Zvecan, in particular, Serb demonstrators took to the streets against the installation of the new ethnic Albanian mayor. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani wrote in a tweet, "I want to express solidarity with the KFOR mission soldiers who were injured in Kosovo during clashes between Serb protesters and Kosovo police," later pointing out that "the Italian military continues to be committed to peace". The government's reaction was also not long in coming, with a note from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni: "On behalf of myself and the government, I express my sincerest feelings of closeness to the Italian military personnel who were injured during the unrest in Kosovo," said the Prime Minister, "I also express the strongest condemnation of the attack that took place against the KFOR mission, which also involved military personnel from other nations. What is happening is absolutely unacceptable and irresponsible. We will not tolerate further attacks on KFOR. It is essential that further unilateral actions by the Kosovar Authorities be avoided and that all parties involved take an immediate step back by contributing to the easing of tensions. The Italian government's commitment to peace and stability in the Western Balkans is maximum, and we will continue to work with our allies. I confirm to the Italian military my closeness and the government's strong gratitude for the extraordinary professionalism and commendable spirit of service they demonstrate in all circumstances".
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