Kurti Stoltenberg: We Seek NATO Membership

“We have a clear vision, we seek NATO membership and this will enable us to give what member states have given us. Threats and challenges that NATO faces today are also felt by our country. Institutions have reason to be alert to the harmful Russian agenda for the Balkans and Europe. The government and the people of Kosovo welcome your trust and commitment to lasting peace and security”, Kurti has said.

On one side you have the democratic state of Kosovo and the professional police and on the other you have illegal structures of Serbia that have established barricades. In this sense there may be tolerance for organized crime. Our police have undertaken 39 operations that have arrested dozens of criminals of criminal groups, all communities. Our police don't choose criminals based on their ethnic affiliation. We need support from the EU and NATO and from Western states”, Kurti said.

Chief NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, has reiterated what it has said at the meeting with the Serbian president that KFOR is on alert if stability is violated.

KFOR's peacekeeping mission is there, and the commander has contacted security organisations in Kosovo and the defence chief in Serbia. KFOR is ready to intervene if stability is endangered. KFOR has more than 3,700 troops. We are fully devoted to our mandate and Resolution 1244. KFOR will continue to provide secure environment and free movement for the people of Kosovo”, he said.