Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has formally appealed to the NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, urging him to direct the Kosovo Force (KFOR) to cease the planned reduction of its permanent military presence at the main bridge spanning the Ibar River in Mitrovica. In a letter dated August 20, President Vučić detailed several grievances, alleging that the ongoing activities of KFOR constitute “terrorism against Serbs,” citing issues such as persecution, arrests, residential demolitions, and the opening of the Ibar bridge. According to a source familiar with the matter, a NATO official confirmed that the Secretary General, Mark Rutte, maintains regular communication with the Serbian President.
The official noted that the current withdrawal of KFOR personnel from the main bridge in Mitrovica is proceeding incrementally, a measure reportedly linked to the perceived improvement of the security situation across Kosovo. The appeal from Belgrade highlights ongoing tensions regarding the military presence and infrastructure control in the region. The request to halt the drawdown signals continued political disagreement between Belgrade and the current operational parameters set by NATO forces.
The intervention underscores the diplomatic channels through which Serbia seeks to influence the operational decisions of the multinational peacekeeping mission.
Topics: #nato #secretary #rutte
