NATO Supreme Commander: Kosovo-Serbia political dialogue guarantee for stability

NATO Alliance for Europe Supreme Commander Todd Walters in an interview for Radio Free Europe has spoken of NATO's relations with Western Balkan countries, the report with Serbia, and the conversion of the Kosovo Security Force to the military.

Walters said NATO is considering its commitment to KSF following the Kosovo institutions' decision to convert it into the military, while calling for a resumption of dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, as according to him, dialogue is the only sustainable political solution.

Radio Free Europe: You have been appointed in May of this year the Supreme Commander of the NATO Alliance in Europe. What will be the key activities in the coming period? What do you consider high priority in Europe and the Western Balkans?

Todd Walters: One of my top priorities is the implementation of NATO's 2019 military strategy, which provides an up-to-date assessment of today's security situation and extending support to boost the readiness and interaction of military forces in the Alliance. I encourage all the military in the Western Balkans to communicate openly with each other and to participate in exercises with NATO allies, which improves readiness and allows us all to learn from each other.

Radio Free Europe: What do you consider the most challenging thing in the future when it comes to the Western Balkans?

Todd Walters: Stability and Security of Western Balkans Matters for NATO and all nations play an important role in this.

NATO has a powerful history in designing stability in the Western Balkans. NATO forces have been maintaining peace in Kosovo since 1999. We have helped Kosovo create the Kosovo Security Force according to NATO standards.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, NATO headquarters in Sarajevo is supporting defence reform for more than a decade. We also have an office in Skopje to support defence reform and we have an office in Belgrade to promote practical co-operation with NATO.

Whether they want to join NATO, we are determined to help the countries of the region implement important reforms for the good of all communities.

Radio Free Europe: On July 17th, you had a meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic during the official visit to Belgrade. What were the main topics you discussed, and what are the main conclusions?

Todd Walters: The purpose of this visit was to meet with Serbian leaders, strengthen communication and review of opportunities to boost NATO-Serbia co-operation through support of Serbian military reforms by fully respecting Serbia's military neutrality. It ensures that our forces are willing and skillful to cope with today's complex security environment.

The Serbian Armed Forces enjoy high consideration in peacekeeping missions around the world. Your military personnel demonstrate endurance, duty and determination to fulfill the mission.

Stability and Security of Western Balkans Matters for NATO and Serbia play an important role in this.

NATO fully respects Serbia and its decision to maintain military neutrality. It is Serbia's decision to determine the kind of relations it wants with NATO. Together with Serbia we are working on practical issues, such as the destruction of old and dangerous ammunition and civil preparation in dealing with natural emergencies. Also, Serbia is helping NATO in certain activities, such as the medical training of Iraqi military personnel.

Our partnership is good for Serbia, good for Western Balkans and good for NATO. Common co-operation guarantees security in the Balkans and in the wider international context.

Radio Free Europe: What do you think could improve co-operation between NATO and Serbia?

Todd Walters: First of all, let me thank the Serbian Armed Forces for their help in peacekeeping efforts worldwide. The Serbian Armed Forces are an example of how Serbia contributes to the consolidation of peace and stability throughout the Western Balkans through dedication and professionalism.

The Serbian Armed Forces are held in high regard in peacekeeping missions around the world. Your military personnel demonstrate flexibility, duty sense and determination to fulfill the mission.

Serbia is well known and highly respected in the field of military medicine and has worked with NATO to train Iraqi military doctors, helping achieve stability in the Middle East.

When it comes to relationships NATO-Serbia in the practical sphere, we're succeeding. As a partner country, Serbia has a high level of co-operation with NATO, and NATO fully respects Serbia's policy of military neutrality.

Co-operation NATO-Serbia differs from reforming national security structures and facilitating disasters in scientific co-operation and joint exercises. It is up to Serbia to choose its own way to expand co-operation with NATO under the Individual Partnership Action Plan. Bilateral trust and respect is the essence here.

Radio Free Europe: Both Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Defence Minister Aleksandar Vulin said they view the Kosovo Army as the largest “threat for the Balkans”. Do NATO see Kosovo's multiethnic military as the biggest threat to regional stability?

Todd Walters: The security of all the people in Kosovo is of great importance to us. NATO is present in Kosovo through our mission, KFOR, under a clear international UN mandate. We are there to create stability, peace and ensure freedom of movement and a peaceful environment for all people in Kosovo.

At the same time, following the decision on the transition of the Kosovo Security Force to the military, we are now considering NATO's level of engagement in the KSF. Meanwhile, our mandate has not changed and we will continue our peacekeeping mission.

Radio Free Europe: What are NATO's positions on the Kosovo Army? Will NATO co-operate and in what way with the Kosovo Army?

Todd Walters: Our KFOR mission has made a significant contribution to stability in the Western Balkans region for the past 20 years and our mission remains unchanged, based on UN Security Council Resolution 1244. We are there to maintain a safe environment for all people in Kosovo, and that's what we're doing.

At the same time, following the decision to turn the Kosovo Security Force into the military, we are now considering NATO's level of engagement in the KSF. Meanwhile, our mandate has not changed and we will continue our peacekeeping mission.

NATO fully supports the resumption of EU-sponsored dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina as the only stable political solution for the region.

Radio Free Europe: Is NATO concerned about institutions of rule of law in the fight against crime, when it comes to northern Kosovo that is populated by Serb majority?

Todd Walters: NATO is a military political alliance built on core values. The security of all the people in Kosovo is of great importance to us. NATO is present to create stability, peace and ensure freedom of movement and a peaceful environment for all people in Kosovo.

Radio Free Europe: How would you comment on military co-operation between Serbia and Russia regarding the purchase of weapons and military equipment?

Todd Walters: NATO fully respects Serbia's right to make its decisions and we expect to deepen our strong partnership. NATO already has strong relations with partners without being members, including Austria, Ireland, Finland and Sweden (just to mention some).

NATO fully respects Serbia's right to choose its political and security agreements. Serbia is making significant contributions to regional and international security that are key to a stable and successful region.

As for buying military equipment, the nation must decide what military equipment to buy. Interaction of our armed forces is essential for NATO for conducting our operations and missions and we encourage partners to buy equipment that is in line with allies and partners.