Statement by the Secretary General on Kosovo
status
Today, the Kosovo status process has entered an
important new phase. President Ahtisaari has presented a way forward on
this issue which offers the prospect of a better, more secure future for the
entire region, including through integration into European and Euro-Atlantic
structures.
On behalf of NATO, I express my appreciation to President
Ahtisaari for his tireless efforts, and welcome his proposals. Belgrade
and Pristina should now engage fully with President Ahtisaari in a spirit of
flexibility and compromise.
I urge all parties to act responsibly
during this sensitive period. NATO will continue to play its full part in
providing a safe and secure environment in Kosovo, through and beyond a status
decision. KFOR will respond firmly to any attempts to use violence to
disrupt the political process.