NATO chief calls on Kosovo to ease tensions with Serbia

(Patria) - NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg called on Kosovo to ease tensions with Serbia, two days after clashes between Kosovo police and protesters opposing the takeover of office by ethnic Albanian mayors in Serb-majority areas, Reuters reported.

Stoltenberg, the Norwegian secretary general of the transatlantic military alliance, said he spoke with the European Union's high representative for foreign policy and security, Josep Borrell, about Kosovo and that Pristina and Belgrade must engage in EU-led dialogue.

"Pristina must de-escalate and not take unilateral, destabilising steps," Stoltenberg said in a tweet.

In a joint statement by the embassies of the United States, Italy, France, Germany and the United Kingdom, known as the Quint, and the European Union office in Pristina, Kosovo was earlier warned against any further measures for forced access to municipal buildings.

"We strongly warn all parties against other threats or actions that could affect a safe and secure environment, including freedom of movement, and that could fuel tensions or promote conflict," the Quint and the EU said. "New unilateral actions will negatively affect relations with the Quint countries and the EU," they added.