KFOR commander: Security situation in Kosovo and Metohija is calm but fragile

Ulutaş stated in an interview with Kosovo Online that the reasons for the current security situation are numerous, including unresolved issues, at times irresponsible rhetoric, and the ongoing use of disinformation.&ldquo;Above all, there are challenges related to the progress of the normalization process between Belgrade and Pristina within the EU-mediated dialogue, which NATO fully supports. This is the framework in which open issues can be resolved and solutions found that respect the rights of all communities, which is crucial for lasting security in Kosovo and regional stability,&rdquo; Ulutaş said.He emphasized that KFOR is prepared to respond to any developments that could affect security in Kosovo and Metohija and regional stability.Regarding alleged incidents along the administrative line, Ulutaş said that so far KFOR has not observed any significant changes in the security deployment, nor any serious incidents in the area that could threaten regional stability.&ldquo;We remain vigilant and maintain a visible presence to ensure a safe environment for all local communities. KFOR continues to carefully monitor the situation along the administrative line, including regular patrols on the Kosovo side of the line,&rdquo; he said.Ulutaş added that over the years, KFOR has developed a good level of cooperation with the Serbian Armed Forces.&ldquo;This is reflected in multiple ways&mdash;we conduct regular, coordinated patrols with Serbian Armed Forces personnel along both sides of the administrative line, and I am in constant contact with the Chief of the General Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces, General Milan Mojsilović. All of this contributes to better situational awareness, increased transparency and trust, and a reduction in the risk of incidents or misunderstandings,&rdquo; he added.He noted that all relevant security developments are regularly monitored, including in northern Kosovo and Metohija, through visible and flexible presence on the ground, particularly via regular patrols, contacts with local communities, and continuous training to maintain the highest level of operational readiness.Answering a question about the importance of KFOR&rsquo;s role in Kosovo and Metohija, Ulutaş said that the presence and role of the mission have been and remain crucial for ensuring a safe and secure environment for everyone living in Kosovo and Metohija.&ldquo;That applies today as well. That is why, as I said, we are fully focused on the daily implementation of our mandate through various activities on the ground. Undoubtedly, there is a direct connection between security in Kosovo and regional stability. It can be said that KFOR, together with the international community, has managed to establish a security framework that has allowed people in Kosovo to continue with their lives and look to the future after a long period of violence,&rdquo; Ulutaş said.Speaking about the procurement of military equipment for the so-called Kosovo Security Forces (KSF) and its impact on security, Ulutaş said that KFOR cooperates with the KSF within their original civil protection mandate, and that the main counterpart for the KSF is the NATO Liaison Team (NALT), a separate NATO structure, although since 2016 it has been within the same command.&ldquo;NALT provides support to the development of the KSF through capacity building, education, and training coordination. KFOR maintains regular contact with all regional security actors, including the Serbian Armed Forces, to ensure transparency and prevent potential misunderstandings. Our priority remains maintaining peace and preventing any escalation that could threaten security in Kosovo and regional stability,&rdquo; Ulutaş said.He emphasized that airspace management over Kosovo and Metohija falls under the responsibility of the KFOR commander, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1244, and that the use of all categories of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is subject to strict rules and restricted zones.&ldquo;Every UAV operation requires prior notification and explicit KFOR approval. Regarding the Kosovo Security Forces, in accordance with existing obligations between NATO and Pristina, the KSF may operate in northern Kosovo only with the prior consent of the KFOR commander,&rdquo; Ulutaş stressed.When asked whether KFOR will continue to provide security for the Visoki Dečani Monastery and maintain a presence on the main bridge over the Ibar River in Mitrovica, Ulutaş said that KFOR carefully monitors all relevant security developments and continuously assesses the security situation.&ldquo;We remain vigilant and maintain visible and flexible presence across Kosovo to efficiently and impartially carry out our longstanding UN mandate at all times. KFOR currently maintains a permanent presence on the main bridge over the Ibar River in Mitrovica, as well as at the Visoki Dečani Monastery,&rdquo; Ulutaş said.

KFOR commander: Security situation in Kosovo and Metohija is calm but fragile

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