NATO welcomes Serbia's increasing cooperation

NATO welcomed at its summit in Lisbon Serbia's commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration and the increasing cooperation between the Alliance and Serbia. "We welcome, and continue to support, the Government of Serbia's stated commitment to Serbia's Euro-Atlantic integration. We welcome the increasing cooperation between NATO and Serbia." NATO welcomes Serbia's increasing cooperation "We reiterate our openness to Serbia's further aspirations, including taking advantage of NATO's partnership opportunities for political consultation and practical cooperation," reads the Summit Declaration released on Sunday. NATO countries called on Serbia to maintain its efforts with a view to fully cooperating with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in order to achieve additional positive results, the most critical issue being the arrest of the remaining fugitives, Ratko Mladic and Goran Hadzic. "We call upon Serbia to support further efforts towards the consolidation of peace and stability in Kosovo. We urge both to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the European Union-facilitated dialogue between them, which was welcomed in the United Nations General Assembly Resolution of 9 September 2010 as a contribution towards peace, security and stability in the region," reads the declaration. NATO members welcomed progress in consolidating the rule of law and protecting ethnic minorities and communities, as well as historical and religious sites in Kosovo, but also encouraged further efforts in these areas. The heads of state and government noted that they will remain steadfast in their commitment to regional stability and security throughout the Balkans region, and pointed out that KFOR will remain in Kosovo on the basis of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 to support a stable, peaceful and multi-ethnic environment, cooperating with all relevant actors, in particular the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), and the Kosovo Police. The declaration welcomes the progress made by the Kosovo Security Force, under NATO's close supervision, and the Kosovo Police, and commends them for their readiness and growing capability to implement their security tasks and responsibilities. "Reflecting the improving security situation, KFOR is moving towards a smaller, more flexible, deterrent presence," it is said in the declaration, which also notes that the transition will continue as fast as conditions allow. "KFOR's capability to carry out its mission throughout the transition process will be maintained," it is stressed in the Declaration. (Beta/AP)

NATO welcomes Serbia's increasing cooperation

"We reiterate our openness to Serbia's further aspirations, including taking advantage of NATO's partnership opportunities for political consultation and practical cooperation," reads the Summit Declaration released on Sunday.

NATO countries called on Serbia to maintain its efforts with a view to fully cooperating with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in order to achieve additional positive results, the most critical issue being the arrest of the remaining fugitives, Ratko Mladić and Goran Hadžić.

"We call upon Serbia to support further efforts towards the consolidation of peace and stability in Kosovo. We urge both to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the European Union-facilitated dialogue between them, which was welcomed in the United Nations General Assembly Resolution of 9 September 2010 as a contribution towards peace, security and stability in the region," reads the declaration.

NATO members welcomed progress in consolidating the rule of law and protecting ethnic minorities and communities, as well as historical and religious sites in Kosovo, but also encouraged further efforts in these areas.

The heads of state and government noted that they will remain steadfast in their commitment to regional stability and security throughout the Balkans region, and pointed out that KFOR will remain in Kosovo on the basis of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 to support a stable, peaceful and multi-ethnic environment, cooperating with all relevant actors, in particular the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), and the Kosovo Police.

The declaration welcomes the progress made by the Kosovo Security Force, under NATO's close supervision, and the Kosovo Police, and commends them for their readiness and growing capability to implement their security tasks and responsibilities.

"Reflecting the improving security situation, KFOR is moving towards a smaller, more flexible, deterrent presence," it is said in the declaration, which also notes that the transition will continue as fast as conditions allow.

"KFOR's capability to carry out its mission throughout the transition process will be maintained," it is stressed in the Declaration.