Deputy Assistant of NATO Secretary General for Operations, John Manza stated that NATO will keep its presence in the Western Balkans region as it has strategic importance to the Alliance.

As it was posted on the KFOR web-site, security in this region contributes to the stability and safety in entire Europe, Manza stated, adding that NATO will stay present and focused on the Western Balkans.

Speaking about normalization of relations between Belgrade and Prishtinë/Priština, he said that this process continues, and NATO extends its full support to the dialogue under EU auspices.

He also spoke yesterday with the outgoing Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister, Branimir Stojanović and both agreed that KFOR is a crucial factor in preserving the peace and protection of the religious sites.

Full interview available at: http://jfcnaples.nato.int/kfor/media-center/archive/news/2017/-interview-with-mr-john-manza--the-nato-depuyty-assistant-sg-for-operation--yesterday-in-pristina-for-an-official-visit-