NATO to ‘do what is necessary’ to ensure safe, secure environment in Kosovo: Stoltenberg

Published November 20,2023

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NATO will “do what is necessary” to make sure a secure and safe atmosphere in Kosovo, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg mentioned on Monday.

“We will do what is necessary to maintain a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all people in Kosovo,” Stoltenberg mentioned at a joint news convention with Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani within the capital Pristina.

He expressed help 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 would be a key step toward normalization of the relationship, and toward lasting peace and prosperity in the region.”

Earlier, Stoltenberg visited NATO’s Camp Nothing Hill and met with Commander Maj. Gen. Özkan Ulutaş and addressed the troops.

Under a UN Security Council decision, NATO has led a peacekeeping mission in Kosovo since 1999. Currently, the mission has roughly 4,500 troops contributed by 27 NATO allies and companions.

Türkiye took command of NATO’s Kosovo Force (KFOR) on Oct. 9, with Ulutaş formally assuming cost at a ceremony in Pristina.

Among 27 NATO member international locations and companions, Türkiye has the second-largest contingent in KFOR, contributing 780 of its roughly 4,500 troopers.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 and was acknowledged by many international locations, together with Türkiye. But Belgrade has by no means acknowledged Kosovo and claims that it’s nonetheless a part of Serbia.