“Northern Kosovo issues should be solved through talks”

PRIŠTINA -- NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said Wednesday in Priština that problems in northern Kosovo could not be solved through military conflict.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen (Beta, file)

He stressed that all issues should be solved through dialogue between Belgrade and Priština.

At a news conference following his one-day visit to Kosovo, Rasmussen urged leaders in Priština and Belgrade to go back to the table, stressing the issue of northern Kosovo could not be resolved through violence.

“We need a political process that will lead to full integration of the north into Kosovo society,” he said.

Rasmussen noted this would require the participation of the government in Belgrade, as well as political daring and commitment from Kosovo officials.

Rasmussen underlined that Belgrade and Priština had unresolved political issues.

“There are still unresolved political problems. These need to be solved through dialogue and that is why we support talks between Belgrade and Priština,” said the NATO Secretary General.

Looking back on the early years of KFOR Mission's presence in Kosovo, Rasmussen said the reduction in the number of troops was evidence of progress, but that KFOR was also looking for strides forward in the north.

“Last year we saw violence in the north and I want to stress we will take the necessary steps to fully implement UN Security Council Resolution 1244 for a peaceful and safe environment,” said Rasmussen.

During his visit, in addition to meeting with the KFOR commander, German General Erhard Drews, Rasmussen also conferred separately with Kosovo's Prime Minister Hahsim Thaci and Deputy Prime Minister Slobodan Petrović.