New KFOR commander tells Pristina: KSF cannot go to northern Kosovo and Metohija without my approval

Photo: ATA Images

Hungarian General Ferenc Kajari, the new KFOR commander, said the deployment of KSF forces in northern Kosovo would require his approval as KFOR commander.

Recommended

Kajari said that the current security situation is stable, and when asked how KFOR would react if members of the special police of so-called Kosovo intervene again in the north, he said that he does not want to speculate on hypothetical scenarios.

"The NATO-led KFOR mission has existed since 1999. At the same time, the Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary became members of NATO. Since then, as you know, many other countries including Montenegro and North Macedonia have also joined NATO. The security situation in the Western Balkans is important for the entire Euro-Atlantic region, and it is of special importance for the surrounding countries. Currently, KFOR consists of more than 3,700 troops from 28 NATO allies and partners. This clearly illustrates NATO's strong, collective commitment to regional security and stability," the general told Kosovo Online.

He noted that KFOR has long-term, excellent cooperation with the Serbian Army, at all levels of responsibility.

"I speak regularly with Chief of Staff of the Serbian Army General Milan Mojsilovic, using a well-established line of communication established by my predecessors at the head of KFOR. KFOR will continue to work closely with both the Serbian Army and Kosovo security organizations to ensure security throughout Kosovo. Synchronized patrols with the Serbian Army will continue along the administrative boundary," he explained.

The general noted that so-called Kosovo Security Force (KSF), according to an earlier agreement, must be authorized by the KFOR commander before any deployment in northern Kosovo and Metohija.

"Kosovo police can move freely throughout Kosovo. NATO expects local institutions to continue to abide by that agreement. In my first weeks here, I met with key heads of institutions in Kosovo, who assured me that prior to any action, there would be proper coordination with KFOR and that the deployment of KSF in northern Kosovo would continue to be based on prior notification and approval by the KFOR commander," Kajari concluded.

(Telegraf.rs)