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The commander of the NATO mission in Kosovo, KFOR, Angelo Ristuccia, said on Tuesday that everything related to security in Kosovo should be done in coordination with this mission.
In a media conference in Belgrade, he answered the journalists' questions about whether KFOR's permission should be sought when it comes to sending special units of the Kosovo Police to the north.
The Secretary General of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, said on September 7, after a meeting with the President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, that ten years ago, Kosovo pledged not to engage the Kosovo Security Force in the north, without consultation prior approval of the KFOR commander.
"In accordance with the obligations of Pristina in 2013, any engagement of the Kosovo Security Force in the north requires negotiations with KFOR. We expect consultations on any action of the special forces of the Kosovo Police that may affect security", Stoltenberg said that day.
Ristuccia has assessed that the security situation in Kosovo is "very unstable" and that the situation can quickly escalate.
He assessed that the events that threatened to damage security were followed by great military and diplomatic efforts to create a more peaceful and balanced situation.
"They only confirm that political solutions can result in long-term peace and stability in that area. Many events, especially those of May 29, confirm that political solutions are necessary. This is why NATO and KFOR fully support the dialogue mediated by the United States and the European Union".
He said that the constructive approach from both sides is key to create the necessary conditions for permanent security in Kosovo and in the region, for the benefit of everyone and the new generations.
The situation in the north of Kosovo, an area inhabited by a majority of Serbs, has become tense at the end of May, after some local Serbian groups have protested against the entry of the new Albanian mayors into the municipal buildings.
April's extraordinary elections in the north have been boycotted by local Serbs.
The situation in the north has, on occasion, escalated into violence.
The most critical situation was recorded on May 29, when dozens of KFOR soldiers were injured.
Kosovo authorities are conducting investigations to establish who is responsible for the violence.
The escalation of the situation has been condemned by officials in the European Union, which mediates the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, with the aim of normalizing relations.
The violence has also been condemned by the United States, while KFOR has made a decision to increase its presence in Kosovo./ REL
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