America backs military, but with limited mandate of territorial self-defense

The world's military superpower has given strong support to the formation of the Kosovo Army a day after the Kosovo Assembly has adopted in principle the three bills for transforming the Kosovo Security Force (FSK).

US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Palmer, following a meeting yesterday with President Aleksandar Vuciq in Belgrade, has declared that the United States of America supports the Kosovo Army.

For a long time, the United States has supported the founding of the Kosovo Army. It is a process that will take a long time and we are working with our partners in Pristina. We're working on making sure this process goes smoothly”, Palmer said in Belgrade.

His statement has been commented by Serbia's President Aleksandar Vuciq, who has said such a US stance towards the Republic of Kosovo is not new and should not be surprised.

Even officials from the American Embassy in Pristina have stated yesterday to the newspaper “Voice” that they support the transformation of the KSF. “The United States continues to support the disciplined and transparent transition of KSF to a professional, multiethnic army and that is interoperable with the NATO Army and with limited mandate of territorial self-defense”, the US Embassy's response to “Zer” says.

They have added that they encourage Kosovo's political leaders to ensure that the process continues in an inclusive and very cautious manner, which represents all Kosovo citizens and is closely co-ordinated with NATO allies.