The Commander of NATO Allied Joint Forces Command Naples, Admiral Bruce W. Clingan, said that NATO will continue to implement its mission in Kosovo in maintaining peace and stability and a  secure environment for all citizens.

Admiral Clingan made the comments in a farewell meeting with Kosovo President, Atifete Jahjaga.

Jahjaga is reported to have told NATO officials that barricades in the Mitrovica bridge are preventing people from leading normal lives and added that this presents a violation of Kosovo laws and Constitution which guarantee freedom of movement and equal rights for all.

Jahjaga said Kosovo has demonstrated commitment in building good neighbourly relations with all countries in the region, including Serbia with which it has achieved an agreement for normalization of relations. She said all agreements need to be implemented in practice and also underlined the importance of creating conditions for free movement of citizens throughout the territory of Kosovo.

President Jahjaga further noted that NATO plays an important role in maintaining peace and stability not only in Kosovo but the entire Balkans region.