NATO Secretary Normal Jens Stoltenberg met with Dr Vjosa Osmani of Kosovo in Pristina on Monday (20 November 2023) to debate the safety state of affairs in Kosovo and the broader area.
Mr Stoltenberg condemned each the outbreak of violence in northern Kosovo in September and the assaults on KFOR troops in Might which left 93 injured, describing the assaults as “unacceptable”. Following these incidents, NATO has deployed round 1,000 further troops to Kosovo, despatched heavier armour, and stepped up patrols within the north. These steps will be sure that KFOR has the forces, capabilities and adaptability to fulfil its UN mandate. The Secretary Normal stated: “We’ll do what is critical to take care of a protected and safe atmosphere and freedom of motion for all folks in Kosovo.”
Mr Stoltenberg additional underlined that stability within the area relies on all sides selecting diplomacy over violence, and honouring present commitments. He expressed robust assist for the EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina and welcomed the most recent proposals for the institution of the affiliation of Serb-majority municipalities in Kosovo, saying that “this might be a key step towards normalisation of the connection, and towards lasting peace and prosperity within the area.”
Earlier on Monday, the Secretary Normal visited NATO’s Camp Nothing Hill the place he met KFOR Commander Main Normal Özkan Ulutaş and addressed the troops, thanking them for the soundness their presence brings to the Western Balkans area.
