23 minutes agoReuters writes about Rutte's visit: Kosovo, Serbia urged to accelerate normalisation of relations
Periskopi(a year ago)
(a year ago)Secretary - General NATO Mark Rutte said Tuesday that the alliance is dedicated to its peacekeeping mission in Kosovo and urged political leaders in Belgrade and Pristina to speed up dialogue to resolve unresolved issues and pave the way for lasting peace, Reuters has written for yesterday's visit [...]
“NATO has supported peace and stability in the Western Balkans region for 30 years now. Our engagement remains strong today, led by KFOR”, Rutte said, referring to NATO's peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, Reuters writes, broadcasts Periscope.
NATO will continue to fully support the normalisation of relations between Belgrade and Pristina, led by the European Union.
Rutte spoke to Pristina during a visit to 4,866 KFOR military personnel, Reuters wrote, also providing the backdrop for Kosovo's independence.
Kosovo declared independence in 2008, almost a decade after NATO bombed Serbian forces to prevent the murder and expulsion of ethnic Albanians from the region during a fight against a 1998-99 uprising.
But, in its constitution, Serbia still considers Kosovo an integral part of its territory.
Rutte said dialogue “is the only way to resolve pending issues and ensure a stable future, ensuring that the rights of all communities are respected and protected”.
He called on the parties to show flexibility and compromise.
Both Kosovo and Serbia aim to membership in the European Union, but to make progress, they must normalise relations and establish diplomatic relations. In 2013 the parties agreed on a dialogue facilitated by the EU, but little progress has been made.
“Normisation brings greater stability, more investment opportunities and also sustainable security throughout the region, for the benefit of all”, Rutte said.
