2 hours agoNATO wants KSF turned into military, following constitutional changes
Periskopi(8 years ago)
(8 years ago)The transformation of the Kosovo Security Force into the Kosovo Army should be in accordance with constitutional reforms, NATO Joint Allied Forces Commander in Naples James Foggo has said. According to him, all Kosovo leaders are aware that without constitutional changes, the KSF cannot become the military. “Aleance [...]
The transformation of the Kosovo Security Force into the Kosovo Army should be in accordance with constitutional reforms, NATO Joint Allied Forces Commander in Naples James Foggo has said.
According to him, all Kosovo leaders are aware that without constitutional changes, the KSF cannot become the military.
The NATO Alliance and the North Atlantic Council were here a few months ago and they made it very clear that for NATO, if the transformation of KSF into the Kosovo Army is made, must take place after constitutional changes”, Foggo has said.
He made these comments during a press conference at KFOR headquarters in Pristina.
The establishment of the Kosovo Army through constitutional changes has been consistently rejected by the Serbian List, which is supported by Belgrade. Without the Serbian List votes, there can be no constitutional changes.
Following numerous obstacles last year, Kosovo President Hashim Thaci had attempted to transform the KSF through a bill that would enable the transformation of KSF into a force of defence, military competence.
Thaci's initiative was rejected by NATO, the European Union and the US.
The Kosovo Security Force is a multiethnic, lightly armed and uniformed force, which is currently tasked with implementing crisis operations in Kosovo and abroad, operations on civil protection in Kosovo and helping civil authorities in case of elementary disasters and other extraordinary cases.
Commander Foggo has also spoken of possible threats that could come from Serbia and Russia's influence in the Balkans, particularly Kosovo. Despite good reports between Serbia and Russia, Foggo has said there is no room for concern.
“There were arms sales, aircraft sales, some planes that were sold to Serbia, I wouldn't buy, there are MIIG 29, who are old and don't pose threats to”, Foggo said.
NATO preserves its presence in Kosovo through peacekeeping force, KFOR, which has in its mandate ensuring security, peace and stability. / REL
