Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić Sunday alleged NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) peacekeepers rejected Serbia’s request to replace Serbian security forces in Kosovo. The request came amidst rising tensions between Serbia and Kosovo along Kosovo’s northern border.

In an interview by New Weekend Morning, Vučić stated that KFOR told him there was “no need for the return of the Serbian Army to” Kosovo, in reference to Resolution 1244. Resolution 1244 is the 1999 UN framework for peace between Kosovo and Serbia. Vučić said that, despite referencing Resolution 1244, KFOR did not refer to a specific portion of the resolution that supported KFOR’s refusal. According to Vučić, KFOR lacks the right to refuse Serbia’s request.

In a press statement, NATO stated, “KFOR remains extremely vigilant and has the capability and personnel to continue implementing its UN mandate fully and on a daily basis, for the benefit of all communities living in Kosovo.”

The dispute along Kosovo’s northern border is just the latest in a series of events that have drawn international concern. Along with blocking border crossing points, there have also been a series of attacks on journalists stationed in the area. Tensions have risen in Kosovo’s north between minority Serbs and majority Kosovo Albanians over recent political events. Though Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 following a civil war, Serbia has never recognized Kosovo’s sovereignty. NATO maintains around 4,000 peacekeepers and support staff in Kosovo.