Stoltenberg: I welcome recent proposals for establishing association

Chief NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, has said it is a pleasure to be back in Pristina and meet with President Osmani.

“Nice to be back in Pristina and meet you again after meeting in Brussels. We just had an important discussion about the security situation in Kosovo and the region. In September we saw a flare of violence in northern Kosovo that raised concerns of a broader conflict could return to the Western Balkans”, Stoltenberg said.

He said the attacks are unacceptable.

Subtitles must be held accountable. NATO has reacted swiftly, we have brought 1,000 additional troops to Kosovo, sent heavy weapons, increased patrols to the north”, he said.

We will do what is necessary to maintain a safe environment and free movement for all people in Kosovo. Stability in the region is decided on all sides that must choose diplomacy on violence and honour existing pledges”, Stoltenberg said.

Any deployment of Kosovo Police forces must receive NATO confirmation... NATO supports EU facilitated dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade, and both sides should engage in trust. I welcome the latest proposals for establishing the association of Serb majority municipalities in Kosovo. This would be a key step towards normalising relations and towards lasting and lasting peace in the region”, he said.

He thanked Osman for <x0 welcome and very constructive meeting”.