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.

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