NATO chief says alliance did not "occupy" Kosovo

[Baluarte]

BRUSSELS -- NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen has strongly rejected accusations heard in the European Parliament that the alliance had occupied Kosovo.

"Look, the KFOR mission functions based on the mandate it was given by the United Nations, with the agreement of the sides in the conflict," the western military alliance's secretary general stressed.

He was responding to a question of a Greek MEP who wished to know "for how long NATO would occupy Kosovo."

Rasmussen also noted that the EP in several of its resolutions supported KFOR as a guarantee of security in Kosovo.

"That could hardly be called occupation," said Rasmussen.

The NATO chief was on Monday grilled by MEPs for three hours, much of it dedicated to the alliance's role in Afghanistan, and in Syria.

Rasmussen hopes for implementation
Also on Monday, Rasmussen said he hoped the Brussels agreement between Belgrade and Priština will be implemented as soon as possible and improve the situation in the field.

NATO has promised to support the implementation of the agreement and will do all in its power to help, he told a news conference in Brussels.

He commended the top officials of Belgrade and Priština on their determination to find a political solution and stressed in particular the role of EU High Representative Catherine Ashton, who facilitated the talks that ended on April 19 when the agreement on bringing the relations back to normal was initialled.

Rasmussen said he was pleased that both sides trusted NATO and KFOR and saw them as an impartial agency that ensures the implementation of the agreement, and he added that NATO would continue to work within the UN mandate to create a safe environment for all who live in Kosovo.

--------------------------------------------------

NATO is impartial.

Well of course!

[The Lawspeaker]

The sooner we get out of NATO the better.

[Arianiti]

He was responding to a question of a Greek MEP who wished to know "for how long NATO would occupy Kosovo."

NATO is very welcomed in Kosova, by Kosovar people. They have full respect of Kosova people, also for their atittude towards Kosova people. So this Greek should care more for Kosova's recognition by Greece

The only valuable international organisation in Kosova is NATO and its solders. All others are rubbish.

[Baluarte]

I thought Kosovo also loved the European Union and all the money it gives to Thaci.

[Arianiti]

I thought Kosovo also loved the European Union and all the money it gives to Thaci.

Well it is not for the EU as establishment, but for some people who work on its behalf in Kosova, who haven't done much but get paid for that.