KFOR rejects Kurti's request to return to security zone along administrative line

Photo: Tanjug/AP

The KFOR mission in Pristina does not see the possibility of restoring the land and air line of security along the administrative line between central Serbia and the autonomous province of Kosovo and Metohija, which has been requested by Prime Minister of the provisional institutions in Pristina Albin Kurti.

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KFOR's answer to the question by Pristina-based Koha.net, which wanted to know whether it is possible to fulfill Kurti's request, states that the land and air security zone were completely relaxed in 2015, as well as that there is no room for change in the way KFOR acts.

"Close contacts with representatives of security organizations in Kosovo and Serbia are the key to guaranteeing stable security in Kosovo and regional stability," KFOR said, in reply to being asked whether this military mission has the option to restore the security zone along the administrative line (between Kosovo and central Serbia).

KFOR said that they act in accordance with (UN Security Council) Resolution 1244, as well as that KFOR is the third security system, in close cooperation with the Kosovo police and the EU Rule of Law Mission (EULEX).

"KFOR has a visible and flexible presence and closely monitors the situation. We continue to fulfill the UN mandate - based on Resolution 1244 of the United Nations Security Council from 1999, to contribute to maintaining a peaceful and safe environment for all people and communities living in Kosovo, at any time and in an impartial way," it is stated in KFOR's reply.

It is added that "the commander of KFOR remains in close contact with all his key colleagues, including representatives of the security organizations of Kosovo and the Chief of the Joint Staff of Serbian Army."

"It is the key to guarantee stable security in the whole of Kosovo and to maintain regional stability," KFOR said.

The day before, Kurti asked NATO to restore the ground security zone to a perimeter of five kilometers along the administrative line, because of the alleged activities of the Serbian Army, which the Ministry of Defense has denied.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)