Press Release (2004)045 (Revised) 18 Mar 2004

Press statement on the situation in Kosovo News 18/03/2004 - SHAPE NATO deploys "prudent reinforcements" to Kosovo in response to violence 17/03/2004 - NATO Statement by NATO Secretary General, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer on the situation in Kosovo Background NATO role in Kosovo Key links KFOR online The North Atlantic Council met today to assess the situation in Kosovo. NATO Allies condemned the upsurge in violence, which has resulted in casualties on all sides and extensive damage to property. This violence threatens to undermine the progress that has recently been achieved in beginning a political dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade. NATO members called upon leaders in the region to take concrete action to restore peace and security. The Secretary General has conveyed that message personally to the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Mr. Rexhepi. He has also spoken with Serbian Prime Minister Kostunica and Foreign Minister Svilanovic of Serbia and Montenegro. Allies also called upon the media in the region to report factually on the situation, and avoid inaccurate and inflammatory commentary. Allies expressed their full confidence in KFOR’s ability to help restore order in Kosovo. Reinforcements are being sent to KFOR today, demonstrating the Alliance’s will and capability to carry out its mission to provide security for all Kosovars, regardless of their ethnic identity.

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