NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg assessed that intention of Kosovo to transform its security forces into “an army,” comes at the wrong time, runs contrary to the recommendations of many NATO members and could have serious consequences for Pristina’s Euro-Atlantic integration, RTS reports.

SG Stoltenberg said NATO ministers discussed about the intention of Kosovo to transform Kosovo Security Forces (KSF) into “an army” RTS continues, adding NATO supports KSF in its current mandate and that any transformation must be in line with the Constitution.

“What they have announced now, takes place without consultation with NATO allies and other states, as well as without an inclusive process in Kosovo itself,” Stoltenberg said.

He repeated if the mandate of KSF evolves, NATO would have to reconsider the level of its engagement in Kosovo.

He also noted that tariffs Pristina introduced on the goods from Serbia make dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina even more difficult.

“We encourage Belgrade and Pristina to refrain from provocative acts and statements and to make necessary compromises in order to advance towards a better future,” SG Stoltenberg concluded.