Swiss troops to remain in Kosovo

Switzerland intends to keep its troops in Kosovo, even in the event of a unilateral declaration of independence. “Even if the new government of Hashim Thaci declares independence unilaterally, UN Resolution 1244 remains in force,” Swiss Ministry of Defense spokesman Sebastian Hueber told the SDA agency. Swiss troops to remain in Kosovo Hueber added that Switzerland could keep its forces there on the basis of a UN mandate as well. It means that Switzerland has changed its previous position on its military presence in Kosovo, as at the end of August, following Swiss President Samuel Schmid’s visit to Pristina, the media reported his announcement that Swiss soldiers would be withdrawing from the KFOR contingent in the event of the Kosovo Albanians unilaterally declaring independence. Hueber explained that Schmid’s intentions had been based on “initial forecasts”. However, “detailed analysis of the situation” had shown that a new UN resolution was unnecessary. Switzerland, together with ten other NATO member-states, has taken part in the Kosovo mission since 1999, with a maximum of 220 soldiers. Along with Austrian troops, they comprise the Dulje Manoeuvre Battalion.

Swiss troops to remain in Kosovo

Hueber added that Switzerland could keep its forces there on the basis of a UN mandate as well.

It means that Switzerland has changed its previous position on its military presence in Kosovo, as at the end of August, following Swiss President Samuel Schmid’s visit to Priština, the media reported his announcement that Swiss soldiers would be withdrawing from the KFOR contingent in the event of the Kosovo Albanians unilaterally declaring independence.

Hueber explained that Schmid’s intentions had been based on “initial forecasts”. However, “detailed analysis of the situation” had shown that a new UN resolution was unnecessary.

Switzerland, together with ten other NATO member-states, has taken part in the Kosovo mission since 1999, with a maximum of 220 soldiers. Along with Austrian troops, they comprise the Dulje Manoeuvre Battalion.