Haradinaj: A decade for Kosovo to become fully army

Those comments Haradinaj made during a speech he delivered to students of a private college in Kosovo. He said that it is not only Kosovo that will benefit from the transformation of the KSF.

Not only Kosovo, but our region will benefit from the KSF transition, as the development of a small multiethnic and professional army will boost regional security and stability. It avoids the possibility of any security vacuum in Kosovo and contributes to bringing our country together with Euro-Atlantic values, facilitates the transition of our Republic from a security consumer to a provider, representing and supporting all Kosovo communities, allows greater commitment and co-operation with KFOR and NATO, but also strengthens our economy. This initiative will create 2500 new jobs”, Prime Minister Haradinaj said.

According to him, transformation of the KSF, through the three bills that were voted by the Assembly of Kosovo last week, represents a process and not an isolated decision.

This transparent process prepares Kosovo for its path towards NATO membership and paves the way for further contributing to peace and stability through peace maintenance operations”, Haradinaj said.

Prime Minister Haradinaj said Kosovo will fully respect the mandate of KFOR's mission, while the KSF will continue to remain a partner institution in KFOR.

The Kosovo Assembly last week voted three bills on transforming the KSF, which envision the establishment of the Ministry of Defence. / REL