The commander of the NATO-led KFOR mission in Kosovo, Major General Jozkan Ulutash, said KFOR is closely monitoring security developments after Kosovo Defense Minister Eyup Macedonci warned a few days ago that Serbia had deployed three brigades near the border with Kosovo. This was reported by KosovaPress agency for BTA.
In a written interview with KosovaPress, Ulutash said that he maintains regular contact with the Chief of the General Staff of the Serbian Army, Milan Mojsilovic, whom he met in Belgrade a few days ago.
„KFOR is closely monitoring developments relevant to regional stability, and our mission is well positioned to continue effectively fulfilling its UN mandate to ensure a safe and secure environment for all people living in Kosovo, and to adapt to any development that may affect regional stability”, Ulutash said.
Asked if there was a risk of a repeat of the September 24 attack in Banska, Ulutash said that NATO had strengthened the KeyFOR mission, deploying around 1,000 additional troops in Kosovo.
He said the reinforcement, the largest in a decade, shows “that we are able to adapt quickly and effectively to any significant security development and that KFOR has the means to continue to fulfill its mandate of anytime and impartially".
He added that thanks to the deployment of additional troops, their activity in the northern part of Kosovo has been increased, patrols have been tripled, including along the administrative border line.
Ulutash also reiterated that the primary objective remains preventing the escalation of the security situation, saying that KeyFOR forces are prepared and equipped “to take all necessary actions to continue fulfilling their mandate”.
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Regarding the number of KFOR troops, he said that with the additional troops, the force stands at 4,800, allowing KFOR to continue to carry out its mandate effectively.
„Our primary objective remains the prevention of escalation and therefore we closely monitor any security-related development through a visible and flexible posture, with regular patrols and engagements with local communities. In the event of increased tension, we are prepared and equipped to take all necessary actions to continue to fulfill our mandate, with the total strength of KFOR exceeding 4,800 soldiers, which allows KFOR to continue to fulfill its mandate, Ulutash told KosovaPress .
When asked if there was a sufficient number of troops in the north of the country and if additional troops were expected, Ulutash said that “our mission is well-resourced and well-positioned to continue fulfilling its mandate as the third responsible force on security, in close coordination with the Kosovo Police and the EU Rule of Law Mission, which are respectively the first and second security forces.
„Our commitment to contribute to lasting security in Kosovo and to regional stability is unwavering, in full respect of UN Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999, for the benefit of all communities living in Kosovo,” concluded You're wandering.