NATO chief welcomes steps to ease tension in Kosovo

“I welcome recent steps taken by Pristina to lower tensions, including reducing the number of special police in the north, and plans to facilitate new municipal elections. But it’s essential to avoid further escalation. So I urge all parties to avoid inflammatory rhetoric, and to act with restraint and in line with their commitments,” he said after a meeting with Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani at NATO Headquarters.

The press release said that they discussed the recent tensions in the north of Kosovo and the importance of NATO’s KFOR peacekeeping mission under its UN mandate.

At NATO HQ, I met @CMC_NATO Admiral Rob Bauer.

As a reliable and committed partner, Kosovo will continue to work closely with our NATO allies to address security challenges, promote enduring peace and stability, and bring our country closer to NATO membership. pic.twitter.com/K1Cs7F4NJp

— Vjosa Osmani (@VjosaOsmaniPRKS) September 7, 2023

At NATO HQ, I met @CMC_NATO Admiral Rob Bauer.

As a reliable and committed partner, Kosovo will continue to work closely with our NATO allies to address security challenges, promote enduring peace and stability, and bring our country closer to NATO membership. pic.twitter.com/K1Cs7F4NJp

“Stoltenberg welcomed the next round of the EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina taking place next week. He said that the dialogue is the “only way to resolve outstanding issues and to reach a solution that respects the rights of all communities. This requires patience, perseverance and compromise”, it added.

“We expect timely and meaningful consultation on any actions of the Kosovo Security Force or Kosovo Police that could impact the security environment,” Stoltenberg said.