NATO Secretary General says KFOR is a success story in the Western Balkans

The Secretary General met with COMKFOR Major General Francesco Paolo Figluolo  and addressed KFOR troops. “Sixteen years ago, NATO came here in the aftermath of bloodshed and war.  Today, Kosovo is a very different place.  Peaceful, stable, increasingly prosperous”, he said.  “Under a clear United Nations mandate, our mission has helped transform Kosovo into a safer place. And it has helped make the Western Balkans more stable.“  The Secretary General added that “every man and woman who has served under the KFOR flag has helped to change the course of history in Kosovo. And helped keep our neighbourhood stable. You have made a difference.”

Mr. Stoltenberg also met with local government leaders. Meeting Mr. Isa Mustafa, the Secretary General said that NATO will continue to help build a capable Kosovo Security Force within its current mandate. “A professional and capable force. And a source of regional stability”.  Mr. Stoltenberg said that he discussed the need for pragmatism. “For continued commitment to any effort that leads to the normalisation of the situation on the ground. And avoid creating tensions.” The Secretary General also stressed that he is “encouraged that a new round of dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade, facilitated by the European Union, will take place soon” and said that he looks forward seeing its results.  “This is a difficult path, which will continue to require political courage. But it is the path towards a better future”, he said. ”I see remarkable progress in the security and political situation in Kosovo. But much remains to be done”.

The Secretary General is also meeting in Pristina with Ms. Atifete Jahjaga, with Mr. Haki Demolli, with Mr. Branimir Stojanović and with Mr. Hashim Thaçi for an exchange of views.