The violence is setting Kosovo and the entire region back, calling Euro-Atlantic aspirations into question. Both Pristina and Belgrade must take concrete steps to de-escalate the situation, refrain from further irresponsible behavior and engage in dialogue with the support of the EU, which is the only way for lasting peace, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said today.

- NATO will continue to play its role in supporting the permanent security of Kosovo and the stability of the entire Western Balkans, Stoltenberg pointed out in an interview with Montenegrin "Pobjeda".

He pointed out that the Alliance is sending about 500 more soldiers from the operational reserves to the Western Balkans.

- We have placed an additional reserve battalion on a higher level of readiness, so that they can also be deployed as needed. These are precautionary steps to ensure that KFOR has the strength and capabilities it needs to fulfill its mandate, Stoltenberg clarified.

Our KFOR mission will take all necessary actions to maintain a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all people in Kosovo and we will continue to act impartially, in accordance with our United Nations mandate, based on Security Council Resolution 1244 of the UN since 1999, said the NATO Secretary General.