Thewesternbalkans
Following an information from NATO Press office, on 13 September 2024 Acting NATO Deputy Secretary General Boris Ruge visited Montenegro and in Podgorica he met with President Jakov Milatović, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, Deputy Prime Minister Ervin Ibrahimović, and Defence Minister Dragan Krapović. Amb. Ruge also met with members of civil society.
“Ambassador Ruge welcomed Montenegro’s contributions to NATO’s long-standing efforts in the Western Balkans. These include its role in the Defence Capacity Building package for Bosnia and Herzegovina; the NATO-led KFOR peacekeeping mission in Kosovo; and the NATO Advisory and Liaison Team in Pristina. He also highlighted the impact of disinformation and NATO´s ongoing efforts to counter it” –said the NATO Press office.
Almost in the same time (17 of September 2024) the NATO Press office informs that “NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Operations, Tom Goffus, joined Mr. Stefano Tomat, Civilian Operations Commander at the European Union External Action Service, in separate meetings with the chief negotiators of Belgrade and Pristina.” The meetings took place in the margins of the EU-facilitated Dialogue hosted by the EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and other Western Balkans issues, Mr. Miroslav Lajcak.
“Mr. Tom Goffus discussed the security situation in Kosovo and addressed security concerns on the potential opening to road traffic of the Ibar River Bridge in Mitrovica. He stressed the need for an inclusive and lasting solution” the NATO Press office announced.
Mr. Tom Goffus pointed out that “decisions must be taken through dialogue, in timely and effective coordination with the International Community, and in way that does not put at risk the security of local communities or of NATO troops.” He added that “the NATO-led KFOR mission is bound by its UN mandate to address any security concerns and ensure a safe and secure environment.” KFOR maintains its fixed presence on the bridge and continues to conduct regular patrols in the surrounding areas.
In the light of the long standing cooperation between NATO and the European Unionq Mr. Goffus reiterated NATO’s full support to the EU-facilitated dialogue for the normalisation of relations between Belgrade and Pristina. This is the framework to resolve outstanding issues and reach solutions that respect the rights of all communities, which is key to lasting security in Kosovo and to stability across the Western Balkans.
Comments: Ambassador Boris Ruge was appointed Acting Deputy Secretary General on 10 September 2024, following the departure of Mircea Geoană.
On the other side, KFOR continues to implement its mandate – based on UN Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999 – to contribute to a safe and secure environment for all people and communities living in Kosovo and freedom of movement, at all times and impartially. KFOR and the EU Rule of Law (EULEX) mission maintain close coordination, in their respective roles as security responders.
The Alliance expects from the beginning of October the entry into office of its new Secretary General – Mark Rutte, but this does not prevent the lower levels from continuing efforts to maintain NATO’s relations with the countries of the Western Balkans. The activity of the two NATO officials is probably related also to their purely personal plans and ambitions.
