(BRUSSELS) - The European Commission expressed concern Monday about clashes in Kosovo, where UN police stormed a court occupied by Serbs opposed to the territory's independence, and called for restraint.

"We are very concerned about the tense situation in north Mitrovica. We regret the attacks against the UN police and KFOR personnel. We call for restraint," a spokesman said.

"The commission wants also to express its full support to the United Nations Mission in Kosovo, UNMIK, and to KFOR in maintaining order in Kosovo," he told reporters in Brussels.

"Violence is unacceptable. It is not an option. All parties should work together to build a multi-ethnic Kosovo based on the rule of law and the respect of democracy."

More than 100 people including 33 members of the international security forces in Kosovo were hurt during the clashes on Monday.

The UN police were forced to withdraw from the Serb-populated half of the divided town after 25 of them and eight NATO peacekeepers were wounded in grenade and gun attacks.

The Serb protestors -- many of whom worked in the judiciary before Kosovo came under UN administration in 1999 -- had occupied the building since Friday to demand the establishment of their own court.

Kosovo's government unilaterally declared the independence of the ethnic Albanian-majority province from Serbia on February 17 and has since been recognised by many Western countries.

Serbia and Kosovo Serbs vehemently reject the move as illegal.

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