Demonstration in Northern Mitrovica

March 24, 2010

A demonstration is scheduled for March 24, 2010 beginning at 1400 hours (2:00 PM) in the city of North Mitrovica.  It is expected to take place on Kralj Petar (King Peter) Street approximately 200 meters north of the main bridge over the Ibar River.  It is organized by the Serbian National Council and supported by several other structures from all four northern Kosovo municipalities (Leposavic, Zvecan, Zubin Potok, and North Mitrovica).  In addition, organizers are possibly planning a march to Zvecan returning to Mitrovica later that same day. 

There is no indication that this demonstration will be violent, although protest activity in Kosovo has been known to escalate quickly and without warning.  Molotov cocktails, grenades, and small-arms fire have been deployed in the past.  The current political climate, especially in the north, continues to remain fragile.  We advise U.S. citizens to avoid this area of Mitrovica city during the afternoon of March 24.  We will provide updates if there are any expected changes in activity.

Even demonstrations that are meant to be peaceful can become violent and unpredictable.  You should avoid them if at all possible.  Be alert and aware of your surroundings and pay attention to what the local news media has to say.
You can stay in touch and get Embassy updates by checking U.S. Embassy Pristina’s website, found here:  http://pristina.usembassy.gov/.   You can also get global updates at the U.S. Department of State’s  Bureau of Consular Affairs website, where you can find the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information. If you don't have internet access, we have a call center for updates--1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website.  U.S. Embassy Pristina is located at 30 Nazim Hikmet St. in the Arberia/Dragodan area of Pristina. The telephone number is (381) 38-5959-3000.  You may also contact the consular section of Embassy Pristina via e-mail.  U.S. Embassy Skopje is located at Samilova 21, 1000 Skopje, Macedonia.  The Embassy can also be reached via telephone (389) (2) 310-2000, and via the consular section’s e-mail.