Situation in Kosovo-Metohija calm but fragile - Kfor commander

BELGRADE - Kfor Commander Maj Gen Ozkan Ulutas said on Friday the situation in Kosovo-Metohija was calm overall but remained "fragile following a rise of tensions in the past months."

"NATO has deployed hundreds of additional troops. We have quadrupled Kfor's presence in north Kosovo and tripled the number of patrols, including along the administrative boundary line. Our mission's strength is currently approximately 5,000 troops, with contributions from 28 countries from NATO allies and partners. These are prudent steps to ensure that the Kfor mission continues to fulfill its UN mandate based on UNSCR 1244/1999 to provide a safe and secure environment for all communities living in Kosovo and freedom of movement, at all times and impartially," Ulutas said in an interview to Tanjug.

"We will continue our efforts to prevent any escalation and are ready to respond to any challenge by continuing to adjust our posture as required. As the third security responder, we will continue to cooperate closely with the Kosovo police and the EU rule of law mission (EULEX) as the first and second responders, respectively. As the NATO secretary general said in his recent visit to the Western Balkans in November, stability in the region depends on all sides choosing diplomacy over violence. NATO strongly supports the EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina and both sides must engage in good faith," he said.

Asked to comment on Pristina's claims that Serbia is preparing to attack the north of Kosovo-Metohija - which Belgrade has quashed as untrue and unfounded - Ulutas declined to speculate "on any future scenario."

"We are closely monitoring any relevant security developments in the region," Ulutas said, reiterating that Kfor remained focused on implementing its UN mandate based on UNSCR 1244/1999 "to ensure a safe and secure environment for all people living in Kosovo and freedom of movement, impartially and at all times."

"We are in close contact with the chief of staff of the Serbian Armed Forces, the institutions in Kosovo and Kosovo security organisations, as well as other stakeholders, including the EU rule of law mission (EULEX), the OSCE and UNMIK," he said.

Commenting on statements by Pristina's representatives that the so-called Kosovo Security Force would go into the north of Kosovo-Metohija as required, Ulutas said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg had been "very clear on this point during his recent visit to Pristina."