NATO Pledges Western Balkans Stability, Rutte Visits End

During his visit, Mr. Rutte highlighted that "NATO remains firmly committed to the stability of this region and to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of Bosnia and Herzegovina." He added that "the Dayton Peace Agreement is the cornerstone of peace in this country and must be respected; and we support the Office of the High Representative; any actions that undermine Dayton, the constitutional order, or national institutions are unacceptable; inflammatory rhetoric and actions are dangerous; they pose a direct threat to Bosnia and Herzegovina stability and security." The NATO Secretary General also underscored the need for political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina "to do their share" and "take responsibility" for the progress and stability of their country. He made it clear that "this is not 1992" and that NATO and its international partners are present and engaged in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and "will not allow a security vacuum to emerge." Finally, he emphasised that the Alliance stands committed to its cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina. "We already have a solid partnership, and we are prepared to build on NATO's long-standing support to a unified BiH Armed Forces and to defence and security reforms, through our Headquarters in Sarajevo, our newly established Political Cell, and our Defence Capacity Building Package," he said.

In Pristina, the Secretary General led a visit of the North Atlantic Council and troop contributing partners to the NATO-led KFOR mission and the NATO Advisory and Liaison Team. Together with the NATO Deputy Secretary General, Ms Radmila Shekerinska, and the Chair of NATO's Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, they met with the leadership and personnel of KFOR and the NATO Advisory and Liaison Team (NALT). They also had an exchange of views with the Heads of Mission of the European Union, the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of Mission of UNMIK, and the Acting Head of Mission of the OSCE. Furthermore, the Secretary General met with representatives of the Institutions in Kosovo, for bilateral discussions.

"NATO has supported peace and stability in the Western Balkans region for thirty years; our commitment remains strong today, spearheaded by KFOR, which is our longest and currently largest mission. Under the excellent leadership of Major General Enrico Barduani, our KFOR troops work relentlessly to ensure a safe and secure environment for all people and communities living in Kosovo, in line with KFOR's long-standing UN mandate; and the NATO Advisory and Liaison Team continues to support the security organisations in Kosovo, through capacity-building, education and training coordination; a secure Western Balkans region means more security across the whole Euro-Atlantic area," Secretary General Rutte said. "NATO will continue to play its part, in close coordination with the Kosovo Police and the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo, in our respective roles as security responders," he added. "The solution leading to long-lasting peace is political; NATO will continue to fully support the normalisation of relations between Belgrade and Pristina, led by the European Union; this is the only way to solve pending issues, and secure a stable future, ensuring that the rights of all communities are respected and safeguarded; to move the Dialogue forward, both sides must show flexibility, make the necessary compromises, and focus on the long-term gains," he pointed out.