U.S. Congressman Keith Self has warned that the withdrawal of American troops from KFOR would pose a direct threat to peace between Kosovo and Serbia, stressing that the U.S. military presence remains critical to security in the region.
Self, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, said KFOR continues to serve as a key pillar of stability between Kosovo and Serbia.
“KFOR is the current bastion of peace between Kosovo and Serbia. Both governments recognize it as essential to avoiding conflict,” Self said during a meeting of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, according to KosovaPress.
The Republican congressman said NATO membership is the most important element for Kosovo’s long-term security. Until that goal is achieved, he argued, KFOR remains indispensable.
Self described Kosovo as an independent, democratic state and a strategic partner of the United States.
He also called on Greece, Romania, Slovakia and Spain—the four NATO members that do not recognize Kosovo—to recognize its independence.
“It is time for the non-recognizing countries to accept the fact that Kosovo is here to stay,” Self said.
According to Self, the position of these four countries is hindering Kosovo’s integration into the North Atlantic Alliance, which he described as one of the biggest obstacles to long-term stability in the Western Balkans.
The congressman also recalled that he sponsored House Resolution 1246, which supports Kosovo’s NATO integration and the strengthening of its partnership with the United States.
Addressing Kosovo’s internal political situation, Self urged political leaders to cooperate on the election of a president.
“The challenges Kosovo faces domestically and internationally require functioning institutions, particularly the formal election of a president,” he said.
Self also spoke about his recent visit to Kosovo and other countries in the Western Balkans, saying the congressional delegation met with government officials, opposition representatives, civil society members, students and military leaders.
Part of the visit focused on the situation of Albanians in the Preševo Valley. Self stressed that protecting minority rights is essential to regional stability.
He also called for greater freedom of movement between Serbia, Kosovo and North Macedonia, arguing that politically motivated blockades at border crossings are unnecessary and contribute to tensions.
The congressman criticized the Serbian government over its refusal to recognize Kosovo and the glorification of war criminals. He specifically referred to the state honors and public tributes surrounding the funeral of Ratko Mladić, who was convicted of genocide in Srebrenica.
Self warned that hybrid warfare, hatred and discrimination remain present in the Balkans and said a lack of preparedness for potential escalation could have serious consequences.
He also called on the U.S. administration to nominate ambassadors for Kosovo and North Macedonia as soon as possible.
