The Secretary General of NATO, Jean Stoletenberg, told Serbian President Aleksandër Vucic today that if the situation in the north of Kosovo escalates, they are ready to intervene. After the closed-door meeting, Stoltenberg and Vucic went to a press conference.

Stoltenberg said that NATO aims to reduce tensions and for this reason they have kept in contact with Pristina and Belgrade, but it is up to the two countries to avoid an escalation of the situation. If necessary, Stoltenberg said that the presence of KFOR forces in the north of Kosovo will increase. He emphasized that this military presence helps reduce tensions between the two countries, but the main goal is for KFOR to be a neutral actor and ensure peace and stability for everyone. Stoltenberg says that about 4,000 KFOR troops are stationed in Kosovo.
On the other hand, Vucic said that Kosovo is the one that is not respecting the bilateral agreements, while according to him, Serbia has not caused any provocation. The Serbian president said that peace and stability are also important for Serbia, while adding that they want to strengthen cooperation with KFOR and NATO.
Since 2011, Kosovo and Serbia have been holding talks with the mediation of the EU. The aim of the dialogue is to normalize relations. Kosovo insists that the dialogue should include mutual recognition, while Serbia seeks a compromise solution.

/Klara Ruci/