KFOR Commander Major General Ozkan Ulutash has stressed that long-term stability in Kosovo and the wider region cannot be achieved through military presence alone, but requires political solutions.
In an exclusive interview with Telegrafi, Ulutash said that while KFOR continues to make an important military contribution, the path toward lasting stability is ultimately political.
“While KFOR continues to provide important military contributions, the path to lasting stability is political, not military,” Ulutash said.
He also emphasized that NATO continues to fully support the EU-facilitated dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia.
“NATO continues to fully support the EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina as a framework for resolving outstanding issues, while respecting the rights of all communities,” the KFOR commander said.
The EU-facilitated dialogue aims to normalize relations between Kosovo and Serbia, while NATO continues to contribute to maintaining a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement in Kosovo.
The dialogue process has made little progress for months, while Kosovo has faced elections and institutional deadlock. Serbia, meanwhile, is expected to hold new parliamentary elections soon.
Ulutash, who is from Turkey, is serving his second term as commander of KFOR. After his mandate ends, he is expected to be succeeded by Italian Major General Roberto Vergori.
