(ANSA) - BRUSSELS, JANUARY 21 - The intention of Eurowings and the Lufthansa group to "re-establish direct flights between Belgrade and Pristina is an important step, which will make the movement of people and goods easier and faster in the western Balkan region," said the Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, after signing the letters of intent between a delegation from the Ministry of Economy of Serbia and the German airline today in Berlin.

Stoltenberg underlined that "Nato's Kosovo Force (Kfor) mission commander", general Michele Risi, "maintains his authority over Kosovo's airspace," and ensured that the Alliance is committed to leading the " long-standing process for the standardization of Balkan aviation."(ANSA).

(ANSA-AFP) - PRISTINA, 20 GEN - Serbia and Kosovo have taken steps to restore a direct flight between their capitals in a deal brokered by the US, officials said Monday, signalling a rare act of goodwill and cooperation between the former war foes. The air link between Belgrade and Pristina -- a connection dropped after war broke out between them two decades ago -- would be provided by Eurowings, the low-cost subsidiary of the German Lufthansa Group, the airline said. Eurowings COO Michael Knitter told AFP a memorandum of understanding was signed in Berlin after "intensive negotiations" conducted by the US ambassador to Germany, Richard Grenell, who also serves as a special envoy to Serbia and Kosovo. On Twitter Grenell hailed US President Donald Trump for the "historic victory", saying the Balkan neighbours had "signed an agreement to create the first direct flight between Pristina & Belgrade in 21 years". The launch date has not yet been decided, according to Eurowings.(ANSA-AFP).