The UN mission in Kosovo has returned northern Mitrovica, a Serb-held town in northern Kosovo, two days after fierce clashes with ethnic Serbs killed a Ukrainian policeman and wounded dozens of people.

The clashes on Monday in Mitrovica were the worst since Kosovo declared independence from Serbia a month ago.
Marko Jaksic, Serb leader in Kosovo, expresses his apology for the accident.

"We are sorry for all the losses, we are sorry about the death of the Ukrainian policeman ... We are ready for talks and negotiation with international institutions in Kosovo, but we cannot accept Kosovo's independence."

The International Crisis Group says the European Union and NATO will have to send a clear message to Serbia and Russia that they would not permit Kosovo to be divided.

Meanwhile, three of Serbia's neighboring countries Bulgaria, Croatia and Hungary have announced their intention to recognize Kosovo as an independent state.

By March 19, a total of 31 countries have formally recognized Kosovo's independence, including the United States, Canada, Japan, and 17 EU members.