KSF transition challenged by US tax reports

The KSF transition from a civilian emergency force in the Army was a long process that was finalised at the end of 2018 following the support Kosovo received from the United States.

But, just a month later, this transition is being challenged by the indifference Kosovo is showing towards the American requirement for suspending the customs tax on Serbia and Bosnia as a condition for continuing dialogue with Serbia in Brussels.

In a letter American officials have sent to Kosovo institutions' leaders, they have expressed their disappointment over the failure to perform customs duties to goods from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

American officials on paper have written that “is unbelievable” that Kosovo is ignoring the United States' advice on suspending the customs tax.

Following continued US demands for the suspension of the fee, the US has decided to take steps “to express our concern, including our partnership in the field of security”, it says on paper.

But Deputy Defence Minister at the Government of Kosovo Burim Ramadani believes these differences will not affect the support the United States has given and continue to give development to the Kosovo Army.

I confirm two things. First, Kosovo's special strategic relationship with the United States in general, but especially in security and defence policy, it is really advanced and as such it never comes to question. Second, I can also confirm that public situations and debates do not reflect and reflect the truth because it is very clear that this strategic, special relationship will continue further and, with our dedication, will further deepen”, Ramadani said.

The KSF's own commander, General Nundman Rama, has warned Kosovo President Hashim Thaci of the fact that at least 12m euros of US support for KSF is being seized.

On the other hand, security affairs expert Nuredin Ibishi considers that Kosovo authorities should take very seriously the American demand for the suspension of the customs fee for products from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

With this rejection of US demand, we entered a very sensitive or dangerous phase of freezing reports that I think could have unforeseen consequences for the country. I think we should be very careful here. It's very necessary to support even the rise of FKS capabilities from the US in this phase of transformation”, Ibishi said.

The US government has recently made a decision to cancel American General of the National Guard of Iowas, Timothy Orr in Kosovo, in recognition of the Kosovo government's decision to impose a tax on Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina products.

Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj has expressed surprise at the fact that the annulment of General Orr's visit has received great publicity in the opinion.

Calls are not meant to be cancelled, visits are often frequented, but I understand the logic of why they're getting so loud, I understand why they think friendship is safe. They are damaging friendship this way”, Haradinaj has indicated.

Meanwhile, it is also reported on the possibility of the US halting even logistical and financial support for the KSF, until the Kosovo government implements the requirement for suspension of the tax.

However, the Ministry of Defence in the Government of Kosovo has already started working with the opening of the competition for the admission of new recruits, which after completing the basic training will receive the soldier's degree.

Deputy Defence Minister in the Government of Kosovo Burim Ramadani told Radio Free Europe, that interest by young people without excluding their ethnicity has been observed since the first day of the competition.

“We are extremely encouraged with the great trust that the KSF has in public opinion in Kosovo and with the strong interest of Kosovo's youth serving homeland through service at KSF”, Ramadani said.

The KSF has recently faced the absence of members of the Serb community in its ranks. Tens of them have released KSF ranks following reports of pressure and violence against them, which according to Kosovo authorities, has been exercised on the part of Serbia's authorities, which disagree with the formation of the Kosovo Army.

Of all communities absolutely concerned and we expect this interest to be continued”, Ramadani said.

Deputy Prime Minister Ramadani also said the opening of the campaign for recruiting new KSF recruits is within the framework of the annual planning the Defence Ministry has.

Of course, the transition plan " 10-year plan," so there is a certain time period in which it will develop. This part is extremely important for us and, as well as the increasing number of KSF members, Kosovo soldiers, is part of the transition plan”, Ramadani said.

And the security expert, Nuredin Ibishi, told Radio Free Europe, that the Kosovo Security Force, gradually even with the Inquisition of new generations, new recruits, is taking the form of an army.

“KSF, in three stages. It is now in the first phase when the Kosovo Security Force will have 2500 more members, and that will happen within 10 years in these three stages with active parts. And by 1800, there will be 3,000 active members of the reserve”, Ibishi said.

The Kosovo Security Force was established in 2009 under the Ahtisaari Plan, a document leading to Kosovo's independence. This force has been established under NATO supervision, but its mission and capacities did not coincide with the ambition of institutions, for Kosovo to have its Army.

After the end of the 1999 armed conflict, the Kosovo Protection Corps had been formed as an emergency force. This body was later transformed into the Kosovo Security Force.

The KSF currently numbers 2,500 regular members and 800 reserve. This number after the change of mandate will double. In the new mandate, there are 5,000 active soldiers and 3,000 reserve members.