Stoltenberg: NATO has increased its presence in Kosovo; the proposal for the CSM is an important step in the dialogue

Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary-General, confirmed in a press conference in Brussels that one of the topics at the upcoming summit of foreign ministers of member countries, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, would include the security situation in Kosovo and the Western Balkans.

Stoltenberg stated that they would "address the situation in the Western Balkans."

"We have seen serious violence in northern Kosovo. Divisive and secessionist rhetoric in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as malicious attempts to sow discord, including from Russia. Together with the EU's High Representative, we will discuss ways to enhance stability in the region. NATO has already added 1,000 additional troops to Kosovo, and we are exploring a more permanent increase in our peacekeeping contingent. Belgrade and Pristina must re-engage in the EU-facilitated dialogue. Stability depends on all parties choosing dialogue and diplomacy over conflict and chaos," Stoltenberg said.

Stoltenberg concluded by expressing his belief that the proposal for the Community of Serb-majority Municipalities was and could be an important step in moving the dialogue in a constructive direction.

"We urge Belgrade and Pristina to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric and actions that could lead to tensions," Stoltenberg added.

Foreign ministers of NATO member countries will meet on November 27 in Brussels, and the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, will also participate in this meeting.