NATO Office Head: Regional Stability Requires Diplomacy Instead of Violence

Giampiero Romano (BETAPHOTO/MILOS MISKOV)

Gen. Giampiero Romano, head of the NATO Military Liaison Office in Belgrade, said on Nov. 23 that it was necessary for stability in the region for all sides to choose diplomacy and not violence.

"Indeed, long-term peace requires a political solution. That is why NATO is continuing to support the EU-mediated Belgrade-Pristina dialogue strongly as the only framework for resolving open political issues. It is of key important that Belgrade and Pristina approach the talks in good faith so the dialogue can advance for the good of all," Romano told Insajder.

On the subject of the security situation in Kosovo and Metohija, Romano said that it was quiet in Kosovo, but still sensitive, adding that the KFOR mission remained a key factor for stability while continuing to discharge its mandate according to U.N. Security Council Resolution 1244 impartially and continually.

"For over two decades, KFOR has been maintaining a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all people living in Kosovo, in accordance with our U.N. mandate. Decades of hard-won peace must not be jeopardized. NATO remains committed to its KFOR mission," Romano said.