NATO reaffirms unwavering commitment to Kosovo’s security

NATO has reiterated that it remains unwavering in its commitment to security in Kosovo, announcing that the peacekeeping mission KFOR is prepared to respond to a range of possible security scenarios.

The statement was issued after KFOR Commander Ozgan Ulutash met with the North Atlantic Council. On that occasion, the alliance described the Western Balkans as a region of strategic importance to it.

According to NATO, the alliance’s commitment to ensuring long-term security in Kosovo and supporting regional stability has not changed.

The Western military alliance said that Ulutash briefed the Council on KFOR’s work and efforts. He also presented his views on the ongoing process of optimizing the mission’s deployment, which follows the continued improvement of the security situation in Kosovo.

NATO’s statement clarified that this optimization is intended to keep KFOR fully capable of carrying out its duties. The process is based on conditions observed on the ground, is being implemented gradually and can be completely reversed if relevant security developments require it.

NATO had previously announced that, due to the improving security situation on the ground, it would reduce its presence in Kosovo. However, the alliance had warned that this decision could be reversed, depending on security developments.

On Tuesday, NATO stated that KFOR would continue to have the necessary number of personnel, equipment, training and appropriate organization to implement its mandate. The mission will also retain the capabilities, readiness and flexibility necessary to respond to various security scenarios.

The alliance also made clear its strong support for the dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade, mediated by the European Union, aimed at normalizing relations. NATO considers this process the framework for addressing outstanding issues while respecting the rights of all communities.

The statement was published one day after NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said in Brussels that the alliance’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in Kosovo would continue unchanged.

Rutte said that KFOR is in Kosovo to ensure NATO’s contribution to peace and stability. According to him, for more than two decades, the alliance’s peacekeeping mission has helped create a safe and stable environment in Kosovo.

On 14 September, when asked by journalists whether he was concerned about the possibility of violent unrest in Kosovo and the region following the decision by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague, regardless of its content, Rutte said that this commitment remained valid today as well. He stressed that the long-term commitment to peace and security in Kosovo remained the same, regardless of any news that might emerge during that week or in the period ahead.

The Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague will deliver its verdict on 16 September in the case against former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi, former parliamentary speakers Jakup Krasniqi and Kadri Veseli, and former MP Rexhep Selimi. They are accused in a case involving war crimes and crimes against humanity, while all four have pleaded not guilty to all ten counts of the indictment.

Before the verdict is announced, the embassies of the United States, the United Kingdom and France recommended that their citizens in Kosovo avoid travel on 16 September. The advice was issued due to warnings of possible gatherings and demonstrations.