Kosovo’s acting Minister of Defense, Ejup Maqedonci, reaffirmed that while the country will respect its 2023 pledge not to deploy the Kosovo Security Force (FSK) in the north without prior coordination with KFOR, he emphasized that they do not agree with these restrictions.
Maqedonci stated on Wednesday that Kosovo has received confirmation of continued U.S. military presence through KFOR and is also discussing additional U.S. military engagement beyond this mandate.
Kosovo’s authorities, under then-Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi, had pledged not to send troops to the Serb-majority north without KFOR’s prior approval. Maqedonci clarified that his recent communication with KFOR’s commander was misinterpreted as a reaffirmation of this pledge.
“We have always said that we will respect that commitment, even though we disagree with the restrictions imposed on FSK operations in the north. We will continue coordinating with KFOR before deploying troops,” Maqedonci said.
Kosovo Pushes for NATO Recognition of FSK’s New Mandate
NATO Secretary-General recently stated that FSK’s mandate remains humanitarian. However, Maqedonci insisted that Kosovo legally established its army in 2018 and that bilateral recognition of its military role continues to grow.
“We will keep engaging with NATO partners to ensure NATO formally acknowledges FSK’s new mandate,” he said, highlighting NATO’s liaison and advisory mission within Kosovo’s defense structures.
Defense Cooperation with the U.S. Expands
Kosovo’s government approved an initiative to sign a defense cooperation framework agreement with the United States, which will facilitate the acquisition of a helicopter fleet for FSK.
Maqedonci confirmed that U.S. military support remains steadfast.
“We are discussing U.S. military presence in Kosovo beyond KFOR’s mandate, including bilateral cooperation through joint activities with FSK,” he noted. Discussions cover both continued U.S. involvement in KFOR and strategic bilateral initiatives, such as training and shared military facilities.
Ammunition Factory Planned in Western Kosovo
Maqedonci also revealed plans to establish an ammunition production facility in western Kosovo, strategically positioned outside Serbia’s potential threat range.
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