Albania calls for NATO clear stance as Serbian military approaches Kosovo border

Albania's Defence Minister, Niko Peleshi, has asked NATO member states not to remain silent and unclear when Serbia threatens Kosovo.

On the second day of the meeting of ministers of the countries of the North-Atlantic Alliance, Peleshi has spoken of Russia and China's growing role in the region as he sought greater NATO attention for Kosovo.

China's “Russia is advancing their strategic goals in our region through such historical, cultural, economic, or through their influence in countries or parts of the region. The recent events occurring in northern Kosovo are not and should not be treated as isolated. We are witnessing a disturbing model that is presented to us by the Serbian side, which continues to be equipped with modern weapons systems from Russia and China, trained jointly and, as we were witnesses recently, sent military troops to the border with Kosovo, which were also provided by the Russian ambassador to Belgrade. In our view this is a very disturbing message, which the Alliance must devote to proper importance. Albania, all of us in NATO or in the EU, should be careful that, in the best case, we pass on the approaches and statements so as not to remain unclear when the Serbian Army approaches the Kosovo border, which is in its right and must be known for efforts to ensure order and security for all citizens. Kosovo is neither a quarter state nor a half state, but a state in the full sense of”, Peleshi has said.

The Albanian Defence Minister's statement of the growing role of Russia and China in the region comes a day after Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani has announced the non-grate announcement of two Russian officials on the part of the Republic of Kosovo. /Time/