News: NATO highlights need for de-escalation for lasting security in Kosovo and stability in the Western Balkans, 05-Jul-2023

NATO Assistant Secretary General for Operations Tom Goffus reiterated NATO’s unwavering commitment to promoting regional stability during a visit to Kosovo on Wednesday (5 July 2023). Mr. Goffus met with representatives of Kosovo’s institutions, as well as the Commander of the NATO-led KFOR Mission, the Head of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) and other representatives of the international community.

“It is urgent that Pristina and Belgrade take immediate steps towards de-escalation… it is also essential that both sides appropriately coordinate their actions on the ground and respect existing agreements,” he said. “Even though KFOR has proven essential in the current context, the solution for lasting stability is a political solution. It is essential that Kosovo and Serbia engage constructively in the EU-facilitated dialogue. We call on both sides to implement as soon as possible and in full the basic agreement and its implementation annex agreed in Ohrid,” he said. “Our KFOR mission continues to provide a safe and secure environment in Kosovo, in line with our mandate, based on UN Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999,” he said.

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