Friday’s meeting of the North Atlantic Council expressed deep concern about the increasing tensions in northern Kosovo, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in a statement and called for de-escalation.

“We call on all parties to urgently de-escalate. We continue to urge Belgrade and Pristina to engage in the EU-facilitated dialogue, as the only way to resolve outstanding issues and reach solutions that respect the rights of all communities” the statement said.

It said that the Council authorized added forces for KFOR to address the situation. “We will always take all necessary actions to maintain a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all people living in Kosovo,” the statement said that KFOR’s presence has been enhanced since May when violent protests broke out in the north of Kosovo.

Stoltenberg said that the Alliance will make sure the KFOR commander has the resources and flexibility needed to fulfil the mission’s mandate. “We stand ready to make further adjustments to KFOR’s posture as required,” he said adding that KFOR coordinates closely with relevant stakeholders in Belgrade and Pristina. EULEX, the OSCE, UNMIK and the diplomatic community.