From Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO:  We have seen sharp reminders of how quickly tensions can arise, and how important NATO’s mission remains.

KFOR is there to maintain a safe and secure environment for all the people of Kosovo, regardless of their ethnicity. And we will continue to do so – firmly, carefully and impartially, in full compliance with our United Nations mandate.

That is what our troops have been doing for the last twelve years, at considerable risk to their own safety. NATO forces will always use the minimum force necessary, but they have the right to self-defence. That is what they did on September 27. 

So I urge all parties to avoid unilateral actions and inflammatory statements. I urge everyone to put their efforts into dialogue, not confrontation. Because all the people of Kosovo have an interest in a secure and stable future. And NATO supports the aspirations of the whole region towards integration in the Euro-Atlantic family.  

Excerpt from opening statement by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen at pre-ministerial press conference.  (photo: Getty)

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