NATO is closely monitoring the situation in Kosovo and Metohija, and if stability is threatened, KFOR is ready to intervene, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized after talks with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić in Brussels.
“The KFOR mission remains focused on its mandate, and if stability is threatened, KFOR is ready to intervene and take all necessary measures to ensure security and freedom of movement,” Stoltenberg said at a joint press conference.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg pointed out that both sides, in order to improve the situation, must exercise restraint and avoid escalation, adding that NATO continues to closely monitor the situation on the ground. He also noted that dialogue, under the mediation of the EU, is the only way to overcome differences:
“Dialogue is a platform to find a solution that respects the rights of all communities. We welcome the next round of dialogue, all parties should show flexibility and willingness to compromise”.
According to Stoltenberg, NATO’s role in Kosovo is based on a clear UN mandate according to which KFOR is neutral, that it will not be involved in the conflict, but that its role is to ensure security for all communities.
“We take seriously our responsibility to be a neutral actor, not a part of the conflict, which ensures the safety and security of all communities and freedom of movement, including Serbs,” Stoltenberg emphasized and concluded that NATO values the long-term partnership with Serbia, and that it will continue to work on strengthening stability and peace in the Balkans.
He also said that he spoke with President Vučić about, as he said, Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine, pointing out that it is important for the international community to be united in its condemnation of aggression.