- NATO will increase its peacekeeping force in Kosovo if there is an escalation of tensions with neighbouring Serbia, the alliance’s chief said on Wednesday (17 August), on the eve of EU-facilitated talks between the estranged western Balkan neighbours.
- The situation calmed after Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti, under US and European Union pressure, agreed to postpone the number plates rule until 1 September and NATO peacekeepers oversaw the removal of roadblocks set up by Serbs.
- It denies whipping up tensions and conflict there, and accuses Pristina of trampling on the rights of minority Serbs.
NATO ready to step up forces if Serbia-Kosovo tensions escalate
