They warned of the consequences of confrontation. U.S., Europe ask Kosovo to calm down with Serbs

The United States and the European Union on Wednesday demanded that Kosovo de-escalate a heated confrontation with Serbs in the north of the country, or face "consequences" from its old Western allies.

The warnings came as U.S. and European Union envoys wrapped up visits to Kosovo and Serbia to calm tensions that erupted in violence last week that injured dozens of NATO peacekeepers and Serb protesters in northern Kosovo.

The violence erupted after the Kosovo authorities appointed ethnic Albanian mayors to municipal offices. Mayors were chosen in an election with only 3.5 percent turnout after Serbs, who make up the region's majority, boycotted the local elections.

U.S. envoy to the Western Balkans Gabriel Escobar said Kosovo must grant greater autonomy to Serb-majority municipalities if it is to move toward joining NATO and the European Union.

Escobar told Kosovo media on Tuesday before heading to Belgrade that the actions taken or not taken could have consequences that affect parts of the relationship between Kosovo and the United States.

Neither Escobar nor EU special envoy Miroslav Lajčák elaborated on other consequences that Kosovo's Albanian-dominated government could face if it did not respond to their demands.

Corti told reporters on Wednesday: "I don't think these things are solved by pressure, talk about consequences and even sanctions."

The United States and the European Union have called on Corti to withdraw mayors from their posts and withdraw the special police units that helped shape the northern municipalities.

They also demanded new local elections in the north with Serb participation, and for Kosovo to implement a 2013 agreement to create a federation of Serb municipalities to give the community greater autonomy.

Kosovo President Viusa Osmani said on Wednesday she was open to new municipal elections in Serb-majority areas.

In an exclusive interview with Reuters, Osmani said she believed the petition was the most "democratic way" to start new elections because it would ensure the participation of Serbian citizens because the demand would come from them. But before new elections are held, Kosovo wants the international community not to involve Serbia.

Osmani said Kosovo wanted NATO troops to remain on its soil until they formally joined the alliance.

NATO has about 4,700 troops in Kosovo and has ordered an additional <> troops due to escalating violence.