NATO: Remove of barricades Affected Freedom of Movement in Kosovo · Global Voices

Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana has waited at NATO headquarters, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Gabriel Escobar and special EU representative for Belgrade-Pristina dialogue and other regional issues of the Western Balkans, Miroslav Lajcak.

After this meeting, details have been provided by NATO itself, saying their meeting was part of regular consultations on the situation in Kosovo and developments in the wider Western Balkan region.

Deputy Secretary General Geoana stressed the intensive efforts carried out by NATO and the European Union allies to ease the recent tensions, especially in northern Kosovo.

He also underlined the main support provided by the NATO-led KFOR mission and the EU-led rule of law mission (EULEX) in removing barricades, which have helped restore freedom of movement throughout Kosovo.

“KFOR remains extremely vigilant and has the capacity and personnel to continue implementing its UN mandate, fully and on a daily basis, for the benefit of all communities living in Kosovo. This contributes to security in Kosovo and stability throughout the region. NATO also continues to support the EU-led dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina as the main platform for building lasting peace and security throughout the region and all efforts aimed at advancing European and Euro-Atlantic integration in the Western Balkans. During their visit, Escobar and Lajcak also briefed NATO ambassadors on their mutually strengthening diplomatic efforts and commitments with all sides in the region”, the NATO communiqué said.