Wigemark: Deployment of thousands of NATO troops in Kosovo an option in case of new escalation

Following the injuries of KFOR personnel last week, NATO announced that it would send an additional 700 soldiers to northern Kosovo, and the outgoing head of EULEX, Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, did not rule out the possibility of NATO deciding to deploy thousands of military troops in Kosovo, as reported by AP.

"If the situation becomes increasingly unstable, if it escalates again, of course, that is an option," Wigemark said.

The head of EULEX also mentioned that there will come a time when civilian police from EULEX will no longer be needed in Kosovo, as they no longer have executive powers but only "monitor the Kosovo Police."

"But the conditions are not yet complete," he said.

Wigemark, who also served in Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasized the vital importance of preventing incidents like the recent ones seen in northern Kosovo from escalating and turning into armed conflict.

"The ongoing dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina is the place to resolve most of the remaining open issues," he said.