The NATO mission in Kosovo, KFOR, has rejected reports from some local media claiming that the mission had blacklisted several Kosovo officials and blocked their entry into the Leposaviq Municipality.
“KFOR does not interfere with the freedom of movement of individuals in Kosovo. KFOR maintains regular contact with all key parties,” the mission said in a statement.
KFOR called on all parties to refrain from unilateral statements and actions that could create unnecessary tensions and affect regional stability.
KFOR has over 4,400 troops stationed in Kosovo and is the third security responder in the country, following the Kosovo Police and the European Union Rule of Law Mission, EULEX.
Similar reports about alleged restrictions imposed by KFOR on Kosovo officials’ access to institutions in the northern part of the country – predominantly inhabited by Serbs – have surfaced several times throughout the year.
Earlier this week, the outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Kosovo, Jeffrey Hovenier, stated that foreign malicious actors seek to undermine Kosovo’s democracy by exploiting ethnic divisions.
“We cannot allow this to happen,” Hovenier said in Pristina on Tuesday.
He added that disinformation could have direct consequences, especially during the current electoral period, as Kosovo prepares for elections on February 9.
