Dialogue is the only way to resolve the open issues between Kosovo and Serbia. This was the message conveyed in Pristina by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who urged both sides to show flexibility and make the necessary compromises.
At a joint press conference with President Vjosa Osmani, Rutte stated that normalization brings more stability and security, and that diplomacy should be chosen instead of violence. As Mark Rutte said: "To move this dialogue forward, both sides must show flexibility, make compromises. This requires difficult decisions, but we must see the big picture. Normalization brings greater stability, more investment opportunities and longer-term security for the entire region, writes A2 CNN.
"This is the message that I will continue to emphasize to all parties in the region. All security actors in the region must work in the same direction. We are also in close contact with Vučić, with whom we had a phone call last week, and he will visit me in Brussels, soon, I believe this month. Today's presence here is a clear demonstration of NATO's unwavering commitment to long-term security in Kosovo. NATO has supported peace, stability in the Western Balkans. Our commitment remains steadfast today, led by KFOR. A safer region means more security for the entire NATO area."
Meanwhile, President Osmani said she supports the statement made a day earlier in Bosnia by Rutte, that there should be no security vacuums in the region, which could be misused by malign factors. She accused Serbia and Russia of undermining efforts for peace and stability, and said that the lack of accountability for the violence in the north has encouraged Belgrade to continue with attacks through paramilitary structures. Osmani, asked if the alliance has changed its approach regarding the transition of the KSF to the army, Rutte said:
“The mandate is that the KSF has what it needs to be effective in carrying out its humanitarian role here in Kosovo. This is the mandate that NATO has to help the KSF become better, to be a strong humanitarian force in this country when there are humanitarian issues. This is the mandate and this is what we are working towards every day.”
President Osmani said that because four NATO countries do not recognize Kosovo, the process of advancing the Western military alliance's relations with the KSF is a complicated issue.
"However, this does not mean that the KSF does not have the full mandate, as provided for in the Constitution of Kosovo and the adopted laws, as a force that protects the sovereignty and territorial integrity and all citizens of our country."
During his visit to Pristina, the NATO chief also met with Prime Minister Albin Kurti. (A2 Televizion)
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