NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with Dr Vjosa Osmani of Kosovo in Pristina on Monday (20 November 2023) to discuss the security situation in Kosovo and the wider region.
Mr Stoltenberg further underlined that stability in the region depends on all sides choosing diplomacy over violence, and honouring existing commitments. He expressed strong support for the EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina and welcomed the latest proposals for the establishment of the association of Serb-majority municipalities in Kosovo, saying that “this would be a key step toward normalisation of the relationship, and toward lasting peace and prosperity in the region.”
Earlier on Monday, the Secretary General visited NATO’s Camp Nothing Hill where he met KFOR Commander Major General Özkan Ulutaş and addressed the troops, thanking them for the stability their presence brings to the Western Balkans region.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the increase in the military presence in Kosovo by 1,000 troops – the largest deployment in recent years by the alliance – shows how seriously the alliance takes the violence that has erupted in recent months in Kosovo.
In a press conference with the president of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, Stoltenberg said that stability in the Western Balkan region “is important for our security”. He added that NATO will implement the mandate of its mission in Kosovo, KFOR, to provide environment and movement for all communities.
Speaking about the attack on the Kosovo Police on September 24 in Banjska of Zvečan by a group of armed Serbs, Stoltenberg said that those responsible for the attack must face justice.
He said that he will convey this message during the meetings that will take place on November 21 in Belgrade.
“In September we saw a serious outbreak of violence in northern Kosovo, which raised concerns that a wider conflict could return to the Western Balkans. In May, our KFOR troops were attacked, in which case 93 soldiers were injured, some seriously, some with lifelong wounds,” said Stoltenberg.
“Such violent attacks are unacceptable. Those responsible must face justice”, added the head of NATO.
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, has also stated that measures should be taken against Serbia for the attack in Banjska of Zvečan.
She also described NATO as a key partner for Kosovo and the region, in maintaining peace and security.
“If Serbia does not face any measures for these continuous attacks, it would be encouraged to attack Kosovo and destabilize the Balkans. NATO’s role in this regard is crucial, as Serbia remains a threat to peace in our region.
On October 26, Kosovo offered to sign the agreements regarding the Franco-German plan and other proposals from the EU for a successful dialogue. We do not have a table where the parties are equal and if the parties are not equal in negotiations, then this is called failure. Kosovo is a serious country that respects NATO as an alliance that secures our country, that has contributed to the security of our country.
They are our partners in the defence of Kosovo. Today we talked about this agreement, under the assumption that the ranking of those responsible in terms of Kosovo’s security will be respected.
The first responsible is the Kosovo Police, then EULEX and the third is NATO. As Stoltenberg also said, NATO cannot be expected to assume the role of the Kosovo Police”, Osmani said.
/Argumentum.al
