Sekerinska: NATO supports dialogue, claims of U.S. withdrawal from KFOR are false

In an interview with Kosovo Online in Brussels, NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Sekerinska stated that claims of a U.S. withdrawal from KFOR have proven to be false. Responding to assertions from Kosovo government officials that Serbia could attack Kosovo, she noted that rhetoric at times can be concerning.

Sekerinska recently met with the new EU Special Representative, Peter Sørensen, where the main topic of discussion was the Belgrade–Pristina dialogue and NATO-EU cooperation in this regard.

“We have been committed to the region for the past several decades, and precisely because of the dialogue, I met with the EU Special Representative for the Belgrade–Pristina Dialogue to discuss areas where NATO and the EU can collaborate even more effectively. Our role is very clear—we have the largest and longest-running mission, KFOR, which aims to reassure everyone that only political dialogue can contribute to a real resolution of problems and political stability for all. KFOR was established with the mandate to ensure peace and security for all people in Kosovo, and we remain fully committed to that. This is why KFOR has been very active, and following events that have worsened the situation, we have increased our presence on the ground. Dialogue is an area where both the EU and NATO see the benefits of cooperation. This was reaffirmed yesterday and today during the ministerial meetings in Brussels,” Sekerinska stated.

When asked about the security situation in Kosovo, particularly in light of claims from Kosovo officials that Serbia might allegedly attack Kosovo, Sekerinska responded:

“You know, we have rhetoric that can sometimes be concerning, but we have also seen a deterioration of the situation when KFOR personnel were attacked. That is why we recently reinforced KFOR, and all allies have reaffirmed their commitment. Our patrols along the lines are extremely important; we have strengthened our presence, particularly in the north, which has been seen as an encouraging signal to citizens, authorities, and the entire region. We take these matters seriously, we respond to them, and we insist that political dialogue is the right path—there are no simple military solutions in these cases. That is why we believe both sides should engage in dialogue in good faith and properly implement the agreements reached so far,” Sekerinska emphasized.

In recent months, there has been significant discussion regarding the possibility of the new U.S. administration withdrawing its troops from KFOR. However, yesterday in Brussels, NATO Secretary of State Mark Rubio stated that Washington remains committed to NATO.

“There have been such claims, but they have proven to be false. It is important that the Alliance has demonstrated its commitment to the mission, and allies have recently deployed additional troops. No one should doubt the Alliance’s commitment and determination. We recently visited KFOR—the NATO Secretary General, myself, and all North Atlantic Council members—which is a clear sign of the Alliance’s dedication and interest in further supporting dialogue, a peaceful resolution, and regional stability,” Sekerinska stated.

She concluded by highlighting that many Balkan and Western Balkan countries are already NATO members.

“North Macedonia was the latest to join, and we have always seen NATO membership as an investment in security. Of course, each country must decide for itself whether to join the Alliance, and we respect that decision,” Sekerinska concluded.