FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
NATO does not want a second war in Europe and for this reason it has sent other military troops to Kosovo.
This was the clear message of the Atlantic Alliance to Belgrade that the West will not allow another armed conflict in the heart of Europe.
The head of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, has stated this Thursday that sending additional troops to Kosovo "does not mean" that the alliance gives up on a possible political solution to the ongoing clashes.
Jens Stoltenberg's remarks came on the eve of an informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers in the Norwegian capital, Oslo.
Responding to media interest in whether sending 700 extra NATO troops to Kosovo and keeping a battalion ready in case of further need means the alliance expects the fighting could turn into a larger conflict in Europe after the war of Russia in Ukraine, Stoltenberg said: "This does not mean that we are giving up on a political solution".
"Our message to Belgrade and Pristina is that they should engage in good faith in the dialogue facilitated by the EU, this is the only way to peace.
But at the same time, NATO has the responsibility to ensure stability in Kosovo. That is why we have been there for many years and now we are increasing our presence in the region," he said.
Reiterating that attacks on NATO peacekeepers are "totally unacceptable", the NATO chief said additional troops would be deployed to Kosovo to "ensure a safe and secure environment and defuse tensions".
He said the first batch of 700 additional troops is on its way.
The recent clashes in Kosovo and Ukraine's support against Russia will remain at the top of the foreign ministers' agenda.
Tensions have gripped Kosovo with protesters and security forces clashing in Serb-dominated northern municipalities over the election of ethnic Albanian mayors.
Albanians are the largest ethnic group in Kosovo, followed by Serbs, especially in the north, near the border with Serbia.
During the clashes, at least 30 NATO soldiers were injured. Meanwhile, more than 53 civilians were injured by stun grenades and tear gas, according to hospital sources./Pamphlet
Lini një Përgjigje