Vučić with Stoltenberg: It is our business where we deploy the Serbian army

(Patria) - NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said today after a meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić in Belgrade that he supports the formation of the Community of Serbian Municipalities (ZSO) in Kosovo, and that it would be a "key to normalizing relations".

Stoltenberg also said he looks forward to seeing examples of good cooperation between NATO and Serbia.

- During the meeting, we also discussed the possibility of resuming joint military exercises, which we had before. I look forward to strengthening our cooperation - said the NATO chief at a press conference.

He said he also discussed with Vučić the recent tensions in the north of Kosovo and the continued importance of the KFOR peacekeeping mission.

- For two decades, KFOR has guaranteed a safe environment in Kosovo for all communities, and we will continue to do so.

Indeed, some NATO members have survived attacks; in September we saw another outbreak of violence in Kosovo, which cannot be allowed.

Those who did it must be brought to justice. We really welcome Serbia's readiness to cooperate on these efforts, which we also discussed.

After this violence, NATO deployed an additional 1,000 soldiers and heavy weapons in Kosovo - added Stoltenberg.

He emphasized that he "counts on all sides to reduce tensions and refrain from escalatory actions".

- The buildup of Serbian army forces near the administrative line would not help the situation; I welcome and support the formation of the ZSO in Kosovo, that would be the key to normalizing relations.

I call on Belgrade and Pristina to engage in dialogue under the auspices of the EU, that is the only path to lasting peace and stability - concluded Stoltenberg.

Photo: Instagram

Asked about the upcoming elections and whether NATO forces will help preserve security in the north of Kosovo, Stoltenberg reminded that the mandate of the KFOR mission is based on the rules of the UN Charter.

- We are not the police, we are a military force. The role that police authorities have is partly under the Kosovo police, partly under EULEX, but I think it is important to understand what NATO does in Kosovo and what we are not responsible for - stated Stoltenberg.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said that Stoltenberg is connected to Serbia in many ways, and that he always personally tried to be fair towards that country.

- For us, it is important, and Stoltenberg also said this, to ensure, as much as possible, the security of Serbs in Kosovo with NATO and KFOR - said Vučić.

According to him, only Serbs were threatened and attacked in Kosovo, "especially since Albin Kurti came to power".

- I informed the Secretary General that about 13 percent of Serbs have left Kosovo in the past year, due to harassment, arrests... - emphasized Vučić.

He added that the West's demands are known.

- In accordance with our right, we will hold accountable those who participated in the commission of crimes in Banjska - said Vučić.

He also assured that the Serbian army did not exceed its authority, and that it had a correct relationship with NATO and KFOR.

- It is our business where we deploy our army - added Vučić.

He noted that Serbia will always cooperate with NATO.

- As the supreme commander, I will submit a request to the Government of Serbia to consider a decision to resume holding joint exercises with NATO that we had before - concluded Vučić.