NATO commander: Level of cooperation with us depends on Serbia

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US admiral James Foggo III, the NATO Commander in Napoli, told the European Western Balkans (EWB) that the cooperation between the Alliance and Serbia was on the rise, but that it was up to Belgrade how deep that collaboration would be, EWB reported on Monday.

The websitesaid that Serbia adopted its second Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) which confirms its close relationship with NATO.

„I mean ultimately it would be great to see Serbia desire to become a member of NATO. Right now, they are partners, and your country is very happy with that, and that’s great. We are fine with that too. As a partner, you have a choice of an à la carte menu of things which numbers training, opportunities, exercises, exchanges, study days, bands, chaplains, you name it. There are 1,600 things you can choose from that you can do with NATO,“ Foggo told EWB.

 Speaking about Kosovo where the NATO-led KFOR is stationed, the admiral said the Alliance carried out „the UN Security Council Resolution 1244 which tells us that it is our mandate to maintain a safe and secure environment and provide for avenues to conduct freedom of movement throughout Kosovo. That means North, South, East and West. We show no favourites. We are strong. We are 3,600 strong.“

He added that the NATO mandate in Kosovo would be “conditions-based” and that was a topic in his meeting with Serbia’s armed forces.