NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg says that transformation of the Kosovo Security Forces can be done only in accordance with the Constitution, Serbian media reported.
Stoltenberg told a joint news conference with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Brussels yesterday afternoon that he “clearly stated his position” on this issue “many, many times.”
“Any change in the mandate for the Kosovo Security Forces has to be done in accordance with the constitution and it requires the necessary constitutional amendments, so that’s the way we have approached that issue all the time,” he said.
Stoltenberg also told reporters that he and Vucic discussed “the security challenges facing the Western Balkans.”
“Our partnership makes Serbia safer and more secure, and it also contributes to the security of NATO allies. (…) A strong, democratic and prosperous Serbia means more security and stability for the whole region,” he said.
According to Stoltenberg, Serbia and NATO have “developed their partnership with many new activities and we are strengthening the partnership in full respect of the military neutrality of Serbia.”
“There is no contradiction between the military neutrality of Serbia and the good and strong partnership with NATO. Actually, NATO has many partners who are neutral and at the same time have a strong cooperation and partnership with the alliance,” he said.
Vucic told reporters during the news conference that Serbia has asked NATO not only not to end, but also not to reduce its presence in Kosovo.
“I thanked Stoltenberg and NATO members for maintaining peace and stability in Kosovo and Metohija, primarily KFOR units, and NATO’s role in ensuring security and safety for our people, but also for our holy places is of exceptional importance,” he added.
Meanwhile, former Serbian FM and leader of People’s Party Vuk Jeremic in a statement to Danas daily said that “Serbia in no way should become a member of NATO and that military neutrality of Serbia should become part of the Constitution”.
