“KSF means remilitarization of Kosovo”

Moscow considers NATO’s decision to form the Kosovo Security Forces (KSF) illegal and against international law, says Russian Ambassador Aleksandr Konuzin. The Russian ambassador in Belgrade explained Moscow’s opinion to daily Danas, stating that only the UN Security Council could regulate the organization of the system in Kosovo, including security. “KSF means remilitarization of Kosovo” “Russia isn’t prepared to support these moves by NATO, since they are unacceptable to Serbia,” said Konuzin. He expects the Security Council “to discuss the so-called Kosovo Security Forces when considering the UN secretary general’s next declaration on Kosovo’s status,” adding that Russia would judge the formation of these forces very negatively. “Forming these forces is a remilitarization of Kosovo and, in itself, runs counter to Resolution 1244. We’re talking about the gradual formation of an army as one of the most important hallmarks of a country. Kosovo is not an independent country, which means that it cannot have its own national army,” Konuzin told Danas. Aleksandr Konuzin (Tanjug, archive)

“KSF means remilitarization of Kosovo”

“Russia isn’t prepared to support these moves by NATO, since they are unacceptable to Serbia,” said Konuzin.

He expects the Security Council “to discuss the so-called Kosovo Security Forces when considering the UN secretary general’s next declaration on Kosovo’s status,” adding that Russia would judge the formation of these forces very negatively.

“Forming these forces is a remilitarization of Kosovo and, in itself, runs counter to Resolution 1244. We’re talking about the gradual formation of an army as one of the most important hallmarks of a country. Kosovo is not an independent country, which means that it cannot have its own national army,” Konuzin told Danas.