“Allies and NATO partners fully support KFOR’s daily efforts to provide a protective and secure environment for all communities living in Kosovo, at all times and impartially,” says KFOR commander General Ozkan Ulutash.
Asked if there is indeed a risk of Serbia invading Kosovo, as representatives of Kosovo authorities have often reiterated in the past, General Ulutash emphasizes that KFOR is focused on its long-term mission based on a clear UN mandate.
“And that is to ensure a protective and secure environment for all people living in Kosovo and freedom of movement; at all times and impartially. Therefore, we continuously monitor all relevant developments that may affect security throughout Kosovo and regional stability. We are committed to preventing any KFOR has strong resources and is established to address all challenges that may impact the security environment, in accordance with our UN mandate,” says the KFOR commander in an interview with Kosovo-Online.
It’s often heard that the situation is stable but fragile; when asked if KFOR could be the first responder, before the Kosovo Police and EULEX, in case of deteriorating security situation in northern Kosovo, Ulutash said:
“I never indulge in speculation about the future. Myself and the entire KFOR staff under my command are focused on our mission. KFOR continues to act as the third security responder, in close cooperation with the Kosovo Police and the EU Rule of Law Mission (EULEX), which are the first and second responders to security. Since May of last year, we have deployed an additional 1,000 troops to Kosovo, increased KFOR’s presence in northern Kosovo, and tripled the number of patrols, including along the administrative boundary line. This was the largest reinforcement for our mission in the past decade. These are careful steps to ensure that KFOR has the strength and capabilities needed to effectively fulfill its UN mandate,” he said.
