Serbia releases 3 Kosovo police officers after arrests fueled tensions between Balkan foes

By JOVANA GEC
Associated Press

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — A court in Serbia has released three police officers from Kosovo who were detained near the disputed border between the former war foes. The officers returned to Kosovo on MOnday after a court in the central Serbian town of Kraljevo said they would be allowed to remain free pending any additional proceedings. The court said they were charged with illegal possession of weapons and explosive devices. The officers were detained in mid-June. Serbia says the three crossed into the country from Kosovo. Kosovar authorities insisted they were kidnapped and transferred to a Serbian prison. The United States and the European Union had joined Kosovo’s government in demanding their freedom.