NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg conveyed a few moments ago serious concerns of NATO Allies about proposed transformation of Kosovo Security Force into an armed force.

“Today, I have spoken to Hashim Thaci and Isa Mustafa to convey the serious concerns of NATO Allies about recent proposals by the Kosovo authorities to transform the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) into an armed force, without a constitutional change. I made clear that unilateral steps such as these are unhelpful, and I urged the Kosovo authorities to remain in close contact with Belgrade,” said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

 He added that in recent years, NATO has supported the development of the KSF as a professional, increasingly multi-ethnic force.

 “The structure, mandate and mission of the KSF are a matter for local Kosovo institutions in accordance with their constitutional law. However, should the mandate of the KSF now evolve in the way proposed, NATO will have to review its level of commitment, particularly in terms of capacity-building.  I made this clear during my visit to Kosovo in February and I reiterated it in my telephone conversations today,” Stoltenberg pointed out.

 He concluded that he remains in close contact with his counterparts in the European Union.