Following his meeting with Montenegrin President Jakov Milatovic, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said it is important that the tensions in Kosovo are reduced, that this is a task and responsibility for both parties and that NATO “welcomes the efforts within the framework of the European Union (EU)-facilitated dialogue to reduce tensions.”

“We have also increased our presence over KFOR troops in Kosovo as a reflection of the heightened tensions we have seen over the last weeks. What NATO does in Kosovo is impartial, based on the UN mandate, and our presence there is to ensure the free movement of all communities. So we call on both parties to engage in good faith in the dialogue and to refrain from unilateral actions that can further escalate the situation in Kosovo,” said Stoltenberg.

Montenegrin President Milatovic said his country is committed to dialogue and is calling for the de-escalation of the tensions.

“I’m very happy to see that the leaders of Serbia and of Kosovo are today meeting in Brussels under the umbrella of the EU dialogue. I think that the stability and prosperity of our region is important. Montenegro has shown to be a place committed to the dialogue. I think that’s particularly important: to have the dialogue in good faith and to really aim to sort out the issues and the tensions so that the whole region can go back to stability and prosperity,” said Milatovic.

Stoltenberg: Montenegro committed to NATO, plays key role in W. Balkans

Stoltenberg said he was certain the Montenegrin government would remain committed to shared values and ensure that Montenegro remains NATO’s ally.

He said Milatovic’s second visit to NATO demonstrates his strong personal commitment to the Transatlantic Alliance, but also Montenegro’s strong commitment to NATO values.

Asked to comment on the formation of the new Montenegrin government, Stoltenberg said it was important for democratically elected institutions in Montenegro to decide on the kind of government they want.

“I think it’s extremely important that it is the democratically elected institutions, the Parliament of Montenegro that decides what kind of government Montenegro will have, not NATO… I’m absolutely confident that also a new government, in Podgorica, in Montenegro, will be committed to uphold our shared values and to continue to be, to ensure that Montenegro will continue to be a committed NATO Ally,” said Stoltenberg.

Montenegro’s Milatovic said he expects the country to get a pro-European and pro-reform oriented government, which will provide even more strength to the foreign policy goals of Montenegro.

“This is credibility of our NATO membership, speedier EU accession and good neighborly relations with other countries of the Western Balkans;” stressed Milatovic.

Stoltenberg said Montenegro is a valued Ally, making many contributions to shared security by taking part in many NATO mission.

He added that Montenegro plays a key role in the Western Balkans, where it promotes stability and peace.

“You provide troops to KFOR, our peace-keeping mission in Kosovo. This is even more important now, at times of heightened tensions. NATO’s commitment to KFOR and our United Nations mandate is unwavering. KFOR will continue to act impartially,” said Stoltenberg.