The NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg asked Serbia and Kosova to avoid provocative rhetoric. Stoltenberg said that NATO is in Kosova through the KFOR mission and is working to stabilize the situation.

“NATO is very focused on Kosova, in the Western Balkans. We have a long history, we helped stop two ethnic wars. First in Bosnia and Herzegovina and later in Kosova. Of course, we are still present there, KFOR forces count more than 4,000 soldiers and they play a key role in stabilizing the situation. My message to both sides is to refrain from additional escalation and provocative rhetoric,” Stoltenberg said.

Even the KFOR mission said that the only way to resolve the situation is dialogue and avoidance of further escalations.

The only way to peace is for Belgrade and Prishtina to resolve their issues through dialogue and a solution that respects the rights of all communities. It is important to avoid any further escalation. KFOR remains on alert to fulfill its UN mandate.

The situation in the north of Kosova remains the same while barricades still block the roads.

/a.p./