Z. NATO Secretary: Today's Kosovo Decision Could Have Effects on Integration

NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottmeler has reiterated NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's stance, saying that transforming the Kosovo Security Forces into the army could have negative consequences on Kosovo's integration into the Euro-Atlantic Alliance.

We discussed the Kosovo Security Force and the plan to transform it into the military today. Secretary - General NATO Jens Stoltenberg, recently in a conversation with Mr. Haradinaj, has underlined that he sees this move as a bad time and could have negative consequences on Kosovo's Euro-Atlantic integration perspective. We repeat that if KSF's mandate evolves, NATO must review its level of engagement with KSF”, she has said.

Rose Gottemoeeller has also said that Stoltenberg has talked with Sebi President Aleksandar Vuciq about the need to use “depass current tensions and work for peace and stability in the region”.

Mrs. Gottemoeeller has said NATO supports the relaxed dialogue by the European Union between Pristina and Belgrade, adding that it is the only way to peace and stability in the region.

“NATO fully supports EU facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. It remains the only way to bring peace and stability to the region. We demand that Albania use its influence to support the process and encourage Pristina and Belgrade to remain calm and cautious”, it has indicated.

These statements have been made during a joint conference with Albanian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Europe Ditmir Bushati.

She is visiting Tirana on the eve of Albania's 10th entry into the Euro Atlantic Alliance.