NATO remains committed to its mission in Kosovo

Gazeta Express

11/03/2020 15:12

US officials continue pressing Kosovo to drop tariffs on Serbian goods threatening that the US might consider its military presence in Kosovo if officials in Pristina keep resisting their calls.

 US Senator David Perdue, on Tuesday was the first to mention potential withdrawal of troops from Kosovo. His message was retweeted also by the US special envoy on Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, Richard Grenell, US President Donald Trump’s son Donald Trump Jr. and Republican Senator Rand Paul, Gazeta Express reports.  

Gazeta Express has asked for NATO’s opinion after US announced withdrawal of troops from NATO’s peacekeeping mission – KFOR. A NATO official told Gazeta Express that they remain fully committed to their mission in Kosovo – KFOR, which under a UN mandate continues to provide a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all communities in Kosovo.

“Security and stability in the Western Balkans is important for NATO and for peace and stability in Europe. NATO remains fully committed to our KFOR mission, which under a UN mandate continues to provide a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all communities in Kosovo,” a NATO official said. He said NATO also fully supports the continuation of the EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. “This is critical for Belgrade and Pristina, but also for regional peace and security. We count on both parties to show commitment and moderation and support any effort that leads to the normalization of the security situation and defuses tensions,” a NATO official concluded. /GazetaExpress/