Stoltenberg Urges West Balkans to Commit to Reforms

Jens Stoltenberg (BETAPHOTO/MILOS MISKOV/DS)

NATO general secretary Jens Stoltenberg on Jan. 3 called on West Balkan leaders to demonstrate commitment to reforms and reconciliation, stating that the alliance was determined to aid the region with reforms.

In an interview with the Podgorica daily Pobjeda, Stoltenberg urged Russia to play a "constructive" role in the Balkans, noting that Moscow regularly did the opposite. He called attention to rising tension in Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and what he described as more aggressive rhetoric, obstruction of reforms, and the presence of foreign actors sabotaging progress.

Stoltenberg commented on circumstances in Montenegro, Serbia and Bosnia. Characterizing Montenegro as a "dedicated partner," he praised increased defense spending and said Podgorica could always count on NATO's support. He added that he regularly dialogued with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, and that NATO completely respects Serbia's neutrality policy and was committed to developing a strong partnership with that Balkan nation.

Speaking about the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the general secretary said that any attempt to weaken institutions at the state level would undermine the security of the country.