Stoltenberg, Milatovic call for lowering tensions between Kosovo, Serbia

These comments were made in Brussels during the first visit of Montenegro's new president, Milatovic, to NATO headquarters, where he met with Stoltenberg and talked about the situation in Kosovo.

Stoltenberg said that after increasing tensions in northern Kosovo, NATO has increased its presence and through its peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, KFOR, committed to ensuring a safe environment for all.

“I invite the parties to lower tensions and return to the EU-brokered dialogue. This is key to calming in Kosovo and for the stability of the entire region”, the chief said. NATO.

Stoltenberg said the Western military alliance welcomes EU efforts to defuse the situation in Kosovo.

In order to stress the situation, the EU on 22 June will hold meetings in Brussels with leaders of Kosovo and Serbia.

The “Situate in Kosovo testifies that NATO's presence is important. We will be loyal to the mandate we have under the UN resolution and have increased our presence in Kosovo in response to increasing security challenges. Our presence is to ensure freedom of movement and safe environment for all citizens in Kosovo. In this direction, we also support dialogue [between Kosovo and Serbia] and invite the parties to refrain from unilateral actions which could escalate the” situation, he said.

Meanwhile, Montenegrin President Jakov Milatovic said that for his state the stability of the Western Balkan region is of particular importance and common commitment NATO and the EU strengthen the security of the entire region.

As of late May, tensions in northern Kosovo increased after the new Albanian mayors in the north, with Kosovo Police assisting, entered municipal buildings amid opposition from local Serbs.

On May 29th, local Serbs in Zvecan clashed with KFOR troops. Dozens of people on both sides were hurt by the clashes.

On June 14th, tensions between Kosovo and Serbia deteriorated further, following the arrest of three Kosovo police officials. Serbia said they were arrested “deep” within its territory, but Kosovo said they were patrolling on Kosovo's territory, near the border line with Serbia on Leposavic. / REL