The word <x0]

The government chief has reiterated his statements again about the possibility of starting a war in Kosovo. Such a statement has been made to the newspaper for the Italian newspaper “La Repubblica” on Monday, where he declared the danger of a new conflict between Kosovo and Serbia is high. He even said it would be “irresponsible” if it meant otherwise.

“We should not rule out that these aggressive Belgrade policies could also turn into an attack against Kosovo in one way or another”, Kurti told Reuters.

We're vigilant, but not scared. I'm not saying they're going to attack us this week or next, but it would be totally irresponsible to rule out... the possibility of increasing tensions and new conflicts”.

“President despotic (rus) (Vladimir) Putin is a man of war and he would be interested in spreading the war because he wants to normalise the war,” said Kurti, alluding to Russia's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine in February.

“We have our own security and defence institutions and organs, Kosovo is a state now, this is not 1998”, Kurti said. “This is 2022, so we are much better prepared to defend our sovereignty, territorial integrity, protect democracy, rule of law, constitutionality and protect our progress. ” Kurti and Serbian President Aleksandar Vuciq are expected to meet in Brussels for more talks on August 18th. Belgrade and Pristina are publicly committed to an EU-sponsored dialogue on resolving unresolved issues, but little progress has been made. Kosovo has joined the EU and US condemnation of Russia's actions in Ukraine and has joined sanctions against Moscow. Serbia has not imposed sanctions against Russia despite its intention to join the EU and harmonise foreign policy with the bloc.

Reuters wrote that Kosovo rejected Serbian domination in 1999 after NATO air strikes ended a brutal counter-insurgency by Serbian security forces. But Serbia legally still considers Kosovo an integral part of its territory, and with Moscow's help it has blocked Kosovo from membership in various international institutions.

NATO has about 3,700 troops stationed in Kosovo to maintain its fragile peace, and last week said it would intervene in line with its mandate if stability was jeopardised, Reuters reports.