U.S. "disappointed" with Spain's decision

Official Washington says it is very disappointed with Madrid's decision to withdraw its troops from NATO-led KFOR peacekeeping force in Kosovo. U.S. State Department Spokesman Robert Wood told a news conference in Washington on Friday that "in 1999, NATO allies agreed on several principles", which include that they would "go in together, and exit together". U.S. "disappointed" with Spain's decision "We are, therefore, surprised with this decision by Spain," Wood was quoted as saying by the news agencies. The United States was notified of Madrid's decision "immediately before" it was announced to the public, this spokesman explained. The reason for the withdrawal of Spanish soldiers from KFOR is the fact that Spain does not recognize Kosovo Albanians' unilateral proclamation of independence, the Spanish media reported on Friday. Spanish Defense Minister Carmen Chacon announced on Thursday, during the visit to Spanish troops in Kosovo, that the contingent of 620 Spanish soldiers would pull out by the end of the summer this year. "Although Chacon did not explicitly say so, the motif for the withdrawal is Kosovo's independence," Madrid daily El Pais writes. Spain is one of five members of NATO and EU which consider Kosovo to be part of Serbia, the daily reminds. NATO and partner countries currently have under 16,000 troops deployed in the province.

U.S. "disappointed" with Spain's decision

"We are, therefore, surprised with this decision by Spain," Wood was quoted as saying by the news agencies.

The United States was notified of Madrid's decision "immediately before" it was announced to the public, this spokesman explained.

The reason for the withdrawal of Spanish soldiers from KFOR is the fact that Spain does not recognize Kosovo Albanians' unilateral proclamation of independence, the Spanish media reported on Friday.

Spanish Defense Minister Carmen Chacon announced on Thursday, during the visit to Spanish troops in Kosovo, that the contingent of 620 Spanish soldiers would pull out by the end of the summer this year.

"Although Chacon did not explicitly say so, the motif for the withdrawal is Kosovo's independence," Madrid daily El Pais writes.

Spain is one of five members of NATO and EU which consider Kosovo to be part of Serbia, the daily reminds.

NATO and partner countries currently have under 16,000 troops deployed in the province.