NATO looking into a permanent increase of troop numbers in Kosovo -Stoltenberg

NATO is examining a more permanent ramp up of troop numbers in the Western Balkans to keep tensions in the region under control, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Monday.

"We are now reviewing whether we should have a more permanent increase to ensure that this doesn't spiral out of control and creates a new violent conflict in Kosovo or the wider region," he told reporters on a visit to Kosovo.

After fresh violence between ethnic groups in Kosovo in September, NATO had called in reserve forces. NATO's regional KFOR mission, which has been in operation since 1999, comprises over 4,500 troops from 27 countries.