Mojsilovic: Serbian Armed Forces capable of protecting Kosovo-Metohija Serbs

BELGRADE - The security situation in Serbia is stable but there are indicators of potential destabilisation in the Autonomous Province of Kosovo-Metohija, says Serbian Armed Forces (SAF) Chief of General Staff Gen Milan Mojsilovic.

In an interview for Vecernje novosti, Mojsilovic said the SAF was monitoring potential forms of security threats to Serbia and was capable of protecting Kosovo-Metohija Serbs in case Albin Kurti's regime tried to complete Pristina's so-called "sovereignty" across the territory of the province by military means.

"The SAF has the capabilities to protect the Serbs and other non-Albanians in the territory of our southern province, but I am deeply convinced that it is in the interest of both the Kosovo-Metohija Serbs and our state that we fight for Kosovo-Metohija as a part of the Republic of Serbia by diplomatic means," he said.

Asked if a recent denial of Kurti's request for permission to send so-called Kosovo Security Force troops to the north of the province in the wake of an attack on the Ibar-Lepenac canal suggested that international forces in the province were returning to their mandate, Mojsilovic said that, under UNSCR 1244, the Military Technical Agreement and all other signed agreements, Serbia saw KFOR as the only legitimate armed formation in Kosovo-Metohija.

"As a credible and dependable partner, the SAF consistently complies with the Military Technical Agreement and maintains professional cooperation with KFOR at all levels to monitor the situation on the ground, reduce tensions and avert the emergence and escalation of crises," Mojsilovic said.

Serbia firmly maintains the position of military neutrality and is open to cooperation with partners in both the East and the West as it is aware the cooperation helps maintain stability and security in the region, he also said.