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Stoltenberg: Kosovo Armed Force, unilateral steps unhelpful

Press Conference NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg; Photo: NATO

BRUSSELS – NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg Wednesday conveyed serious concerns of NATO Allies about proposed transformation of Kosovo Security Force into an armed force.“Today, I have spoken to Hashim Thaci and Isa Mustafa to convey the serious concerns of NATO Allies about recent proposals by the Kosovo authorities to transform the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) into an armed force, without a constitutional change. I made clear that unilateral steps such as these are unhelpful, and I urged the Kosovo authorities to remain in close contact with Belgrade,” said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

He added that in recent years, NATO has supported the development of the KSF as a professional, increasingly multi-ethnic force.

“The structure, mandate and mission of the KSF are a matter for local Kosovo institutions in accordance with their constitutional law. However, should the mandate of the KSF now evolve in the way proposed, NATO will have to review its level of commitment, particularly in terms of capacity-building.  I made this clear during my visit to Kosovo in February and I reiterated it in my telephone conversations today,” Stoltenberg pointed out.

He councluded that he remains in close contact with his counterparts in the European Union.

We remind that it is impossible to transform KSF into the armed force without constitutional change and without approval of Serbs.

The President of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi, handed over Tuesday to the President of the Assembly ok Kosovo, Veseli the Draft Law on the Kosovo Security Force.

N.R.


This article has been produced with the support of the Balkan Trust for Democracy. The content of this article and the opinions expressed herein are the sole responsibility of the portal European Western Balkans and in no way reflect the views and opinions of the Balkan Trust for Democracy nor the German Marshall Fund of the United States.

 

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