NATO issues statement after Rutte's visit to Kosovo, Bosnia

NATO confirms commitment to the stability of the Western Balkans, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization said in a statement. statement public where he listed the main messages of the Secretary General, Mark Rutte, who concluded his visits to Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

"NATO has supported peace and stability in the Western Balkans region for 30 years, our commitment remains strong today, led by KFOR, which is our longest-running and currently our largest mission," NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte was quoted as saying.

He said that a secure Western Balkans region means more security in the entire Euro-Atlantic space.

"NATO will continue to play its role, in close coordination with the Kosovo Police and the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo," said Mark Rutte, as the alliance writes in the public statement.

The announcement also emphasizes that NATO will continue to fully support the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia - a process led by the European Union.

"This is the only way to resolve outstanding issues and secure a sustainable future, ensuring that the rights of all communities are respected and protected; to move the Dialogue forward, both sides must show flexibility, make the necessary compromises and focus on long-term gains," Rutte said.

Mark Rutte stayed in Kosovo on March 11, where he held separate meetings with President Vjosa Osmani and acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti.

The NATO chief's visit to Kosovo followed that to Bosnia and Herzegovina, where Mark Rutte said that the alliance remains "strongly committed to the stability of this region and to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of Bosnia and Herzegovina."

Regarding Bosnia, Mark Rutte said that “The Dayton Peace Agreement is the cornerstone of peace in this country and must be respected; we support the Office of the High Representative; any action that undermines Dayton, the constitutional order or national institutions is unacceptable; provocative rhetoric and actions are dangerous; they pose a direct threat to the stability and security of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

The NATO Secretary General also stressed the need for Bosnia and Herzegovina's political leaders to "do their part" and "take responsibility" for their country's progress and stability, it reports.

He made it clear that “this is not 1992,” and that NATO and its international partners are present and engaged in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and “will not allow a security vacuum to be created.”