NATO remains committed to Kosovo, said NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, during a visit to NATO by Mr. Martti Ahtisaari, United Nations Special Envoy for the Future Status Process for Kosovo, 18 October.
Mr. Ahtisaari briefed the North Atlantic Council, the Alliance's principal decision-making body, on the progress of the status talks.
KFOR prepared
Speaking to reporters, Mr. De Hoop Scheffer indicated that NATO will continue to be involved in Kosovo, during the status talks as well as in the period following their conclusion.
"It is clear that KFOR will have a role to play in a certain period after there is, hopefully, a status settlement," he said.
The Secretary General also stressed that KFOR will keep its operational strength and said that "KFOR is prepared for eventualities... everybody in Kosovo should realise that in this important and crucial period it is essential that calm prevails."
Full political support
Mr. De Hoop Scheffer emphasized that the Alliance stands behind the Kosovo process, led by Mr. Ahtisaari.
President Ahtisaari acknowledged the cooperation already provided by NATO personnel, both civilian and military.
"I think it is extremely important that I have also enjoyed the cooperation of NATO throughout my assignment," said President Ahtisaari. "I am heartened by the support."