"NATO is not threatening anyone"

BRUSSELS - NATO is not threatening anyone, an unnamed NATO official told Tanjug's Brussels correspondent when asked if a recent statement by Czech General Petr Pavel could be seen as a threat to Serbia.

Pavel, who chairs the NATO Military Committee, said Saturday the Balkans remained a potential source of war conflicts, adding that NATO must be able to deter adversaries and defend its members, as well as have a greater role in the fight against terrorism.

Pavel was referring to tensions in the W. Balkans that are also recognised by all regional leaders, the official said.

Asked if Pavel's words reflected NATO's position or his own, the official said the general had made the statement as chairman of the Military Committee, and that NATO and all countries in the region were cooperating closely towards a joint objective of keeping the W. Balkans safe and secure.