BELGRADE, November 7. /TASS/. The situation in Kosovo and Metohija was the focus of a telephone call between Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, the press service of the Serbian president said on Monday.

"NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg called Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and called on all parties to the disputes around Kosovo and Metohija to refrain from steps which could trigger escalation, i.e. to refrain from unilateral actions threatening peace and stability," it said, adding that Stoltenberg noted that "NATO values cooperation with Serbia" as a militarily neutral country.

President Vucic told the NATO chief that Pristina "blatantly violates the Brussels agreement by its unilateral actions," including the dismissal of Nenad Djuric, director of the Regional Directorate North, the illegal handling of license plate matters, and nearly a decade-long refusal to establish a community of Serb municipalities. "Despite that, Serbia wants to preserve peace and stability and will stay committed to this stance," the Serbian leader emphasized.

Earlier, Kosovo authorities decided to fine those who did not change their Serbian license plates, issuing warnings starting Nov. 1. Fines will amount to 150 euros, and citizens will be instructed to replace Serbian plates with the registration plates of the unrecognized Kosovo. After April 21, 2023, when the transition period is over, the Kosovo police will be authorized to seize cars with Serbian plates.

In response, Kosovo and Metohija Serbs quitted all government institutions of unrecognized Kosovo. Kosovo Serb leader Goran Rakic resigned from the Kosovo government, along with Serb lawmakers, judges and municipality heads. Later, the Serb police officers took off Kosovo uniforms and shoulder straps right at a meeting.

Serbia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Milos Vucevic said he did not rule out that the situation in Kosovo and Metohija may further escalate.