NATO's Stoltenberg Slams Kosovo's Move To Create National Army Despite NATO Concerns

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Friday that he regretted Kosovo's decision to create a national army, adding that NATO would then be forced to review its level of engagement with the Kosovo Security Force (KSF)

BRUSSELS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 14th December, 2018) NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Friday that he regretted Kosovo's decision to create a national army, adding that NATO would then be forced to review its level of engagement with the Kosovo Security Force (KSF).

Earlier on Friday, the parliament of the self-proclaimed republic of Kosovo passed a set of laws providing for the change of mandate of the KSF and its transformation into the republic's national army.

"I regret that this decision was made despite the concerns expressed by NATO. While the transition of the Kosovo Security Force is in principle a matter for Kosovo to decide, we have made clear that this move is ill-timed. NATO supports the development of the Kosovo Security Force under its current mandate.

With the change of mandate, the North Atlantic Council will now have to re-examine the level of NATO's engagement with the Kosovo Security Force." Stoltenberg said in a statement, published on NATO official website.

Stoltenberg voiced NATO commitment to "safe and secure" environment in Western Balkans.

"All responsible political actors in the region need to focus on progress with reforms, and on dialogue. I reiterate my call on both Pristina and Belgrade to remain calm and refrain from any statements or actions which may lead to escalation. NATO continues to support the EU-sponsored dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina as the only lasting political solution for the region," Stoltenberg said.