Stoltenberg: NATO Respects Serbia's Decision to Not Join Alliance

Jens Stoltenberg (BETAPHOTO/MILOS MISKOV/DS)

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has stated that NATO  "strongly supports and respects" the choice of countries like Serbia not to enter the Alliance.

"That is Serbia's sovereign, independent decision, which NATO absolutely respects, just as it respects the decisions of Sweden and Finland -- which are our close partners but haven't joined NATO. We do not want to begin exercising influence such as when large forces make decisions for their small neighbors. Every country in Europe has the right to choose its own path," Stoltenberg said in a Feb. 8 evening interview for TV Vesti.

Asked whether NATO would help EU institutions in ensuring that the upcoming Serbian elections are also held in Kosovo, Stoltenberg responded that NATO's main role in the Western Balkans is "to prevent new conflict."

"NATO has an important role in maintaining the peace and preventing conflict. With regards to the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, we support EU [mediation]. In Kosovo, NATO supports political dialogue and secures free movement for all communities. We collaborate with European institutions but they are far more involved in political processes," the secretary general explained.

Stoltenberg, whose mandate ends in October, further stated that he "greatly appreciate[s] having the opportunity to cooperate" with Serbia. "I believe that is important for NATO, despite past differences. We have achieved joint cooperation as close partners -- which is essential in a situation [like we have now], where we see tensions in parts of the Western Balkans," he concluded.