Serbian Ministry of Defense: Trilateral meeting of Albania, Croatia, and Kosovo a gross violation of Resolution 1244

The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Serbia strongly condemned the trilateral meeting of representatives of Albania, Croatia, and Kosovo, which, as stated, aims to deepen military cooperation and coordination, including concrete security-related plans and activities.

According to the statement, such actions represent an open disregard for and a gross violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and the Military-Technical Agreement from Kumanovo.

"Kosovo and Metohija is an integral part of the Republic of Serbia, under temporary UN administration, and KFOR is the only legitimate armed formation on the territory of Kosovo and Metohija, with a clearly defined mandate," the statement said.

The Ministry added that attempts to further institutionalize and strengthen the Kosovo Security Force through regional military arrangements constitute a direct blow to the international legal order and a serious threat to peace and stability in the region.

"Such moves have the potential to produce long-term security consequences and destabilize the situation in the Western Balkans," the Ministry of Defense stated.

"The Republic of Serbia views this military alliance as a factor of pressure and a security challenge for Serbia and the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija. Our country remains committed to preserving peace, while clearly stating that it will not allow its vital national and defense interests to be endangered," the statement concluded.