NATO SOUTH WING COMMANDER VISITS KOSOVO

PRISTINA, July 18 (Hina)- NATO's South Wing Commander, Admiral Gregory Johnson, on Thursday visited Kosovo to directly inspect the state of security and efforts invested in the improvement of this state and development of Kosovo institutions. #L# Johnson said that NATO would continue its mission to create a secure atmosphere in Kosovo and to attain progress. In Pristina he spoke with Kosovo Premier Bajram Rexhepi. During the talks, which were also attended by the KFOR commander, General Marcel Valentin, it was estimated that the security situation was positive and progress had been made in Kosovo. Premier Rexhepi said that the visit by Admiral Johnson was a sign of the continuation of NATO's support to Kosovo, Rexepi said that Johnson had denied speculations about a possible withdrawal or the reduction of NATO forces in Kosovo. Admiral Johnson said that the situation in Kosovo had evidently improved and this was particularly due to the contribution by Kosovo police. Admiral Johnson spoke with KFOR commander, General Marcel Valentin, about the work and efforts in Kosovo by international peace forces to stabilise the situation and create a more secure atmosphere in Kosovo. (hina) sp it