The American admiral Stuart B. Munsch, commander of U.S. naval forces in Europe and Africa and NATO’s forces at the Naples base, stated in an interview with Voice of America that the security situation in Kosovo is stable but fragile. He emphasized that the main concern is the provocative political rhetoric that “could inspire dissatisfied parties to take violent actions.”
Voice of America: Admiral Munsch, in your statements on Friday, you warned the government of Kosovo to refrain from what you describe as “unilateral decisions” that escalate tensions and damage the reputation of a reliable international partner. Can you clarify what you mean by this statement?
Admiral Munsch: In fact, what I said applies to all governments. NATO is neutral regarding the circumstances here. All governments should refrain from unilateral actions and utilize the EU-facilitated dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade. This is the best way to resolve differences and create lasting stability.
Voice of America: NATO has increased its forces on the ground, with troops and equipment, following the incident in Banjska last year and in anticipation of further tensions that continued throughout the past year. What are the main security threats in Kosovo?
Admiral Munsch: We have increased the number of forces and also the weapons and equipment they brought with them to prevent further violence. The year 2023 was the most violent year in Kosovo in the last two decades, along with the attack on KFOR forces in May and another attack in September, during which a large amount of weapons was discovered. We increased the number of forces so that KFOR could protect itself and be prepared to intervene in case of war between the two states.
Currently, the main concern is the provocative political rhetoric during this period, which could incite either individual actors or non-state actors to take violent actions to express their grievances.
Voice of America: Which actors are you referring to?
Admiral Munsch: They could be criminal groups, individual actors, or operatives from gray zones supported by the state.
Voice of America: How concerned are you about the security situation surrounding the KFOR mission, Kosovo, and neighboring states?
Admiral Munsch: The situation is stable now, but fragile. It is stable because we understand the circumstances and have forces on the ground. However, the fragility stems from the fact that violence can erupt very quickly here. Again, the main concern at the moment is the provocative political rhetoric that could inspire dissatisfied parties to take violent actions.
