NATO Discusses Permanent Increase in Troops in Kosovo

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg pointed out on Monday that "the alliance is considering a more permanent increase in its troop numbers in the western Balkans to keep tensions in the region under control." He stated to reporters during a visit to Kosovo: "We are currently reviewing whether we should have a more permanent increase to ensure that things do not spiral out of control and provoke new violent conflict in Kosovo or the broader region." NATO had called up reserve forces after renewed violence erupted between ethnic communities in Kosovo in September. The NATO peacekeeping force in Kosovo, which has been operating since 1999, comprises over 4,500 soldiers from 27 countries.