Presidents and prime ministers of NATO member states commended, at the summit in Lisbon, Serbia’s dedication to Euro-Atlantic integrations and improved cooperation of the Alliance and Serbia.

They invited Serbia to maintain all the efforts with the cause of full cooperation with International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in The Hague and to support the efforts for strengthening of peace and stability in Kosovo-Metohija.

Declaration issued by the summit on Sunday reads that dedication of Serbian government to Euro-Atlantic integrations is greeted and supported, as well as improved cooperation of NATO and Serbia. The Alliance is opened for Serbia further strivings, including the possibility for political consultations and practical cooperation Partnership for peace provides.

NATO states invited Serbia to “maintain efforts” with cause of full cooperation with ICTY in order to achieve additional positive results, firstly the arrest and transporting to Tribunal of remaining Hague fugitives, Ratko Mladic and Goran Hadzic.

In the Declaration, Serbia was invited to strengthen peace and stability in Kosovo, and both sides were invited to fully use all the possibilities provided by European Union’s willingness to facilitate the dialogue (Between Belgrade and Pristina) which was welcomed in the UN General Assembly’s resolution on September 9 2010, as “a contribution to peace, safety and stability of the region.”

NATO members welcomed progress Serbia achieved in reinforcing of the rule of law, in protection of minorities, as well as of historical and religious objects in Kosovo, but invited for further efforts in the same direction.

Presidents and prime ministers stated they will continue supporting stability and safety throughout the Balkan region and pointed out that forces within KFOR will remain in Kosovo based on UN Resolution 1244, to help preserve a “stabile, peaceful, multiethnic” society, cooperating with all relevant factors, primarily with EULEX and Kosovo police.

The Declaration commends the progress made by the Kosovo safety forces and the police, achieved under NATO’s supervision, complimenting their readiness and growing capacity to conduct safety missions and responsibilities.

In accordance with improved safety situation, KFOR’s presence is less and more flexible, the documents reads, and this transition should continue as soon as the conditions allow.

Presidents and prime ministers of NATO member states repeated their readiness, expressed at the summit in Bucharest in 2008, for Macedonia to get invitation for Alliance membership as soon as a mutually acceptable solution for the dispute regarding former Yugoslavian republic’s name is found, and they call for more efforts regarding this issue.

Declaration acknowledged “significant improvement” Montenegro achieved on its way to Euro-Atlantic integrations, this state’s contribution to the stability of the region and beyond, but more than anything else, the participation of this country’s army in NATO mission in Afghanistan.

Presidents and prime ministers of NATO member expressed their full support to BiH’s striving to Alliance membership and commended successful elections, progress in reforms and the destruction of excess quantities of weapons and ammunition, as well as this country’s contribution to international safety, foremost through their participation in peace mission in Afghanistan.