Former KSF Commander interview with Periscope: Soldiers are abandoning uniform for a better visa or salary

Former KSF Commander Kadri Kastrati in an interview for Periscope has shown the reasons why the country's military uniform is recently being abandoned by its members, since only last year, there were 70 soldiers who surrendered from the mission.

According to Kastrati, wages and poor working conditions are due to KLAC members choosing a working visa abroad, or even a more profitable job.

Kastrati has also been asked about the presence scandal of the KSF Guard near the memorial of Serb soldiers killed in 1912-18.

The former commander also told us about KSF's capacities and readiness to defend sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Total interview:

Periscope: We're seeing resignations from KSF. Only today were two members who abandoned their uniforms. Why is it happening?

Kadri Kastrati: The number one reason KSF members leave the KSF is because the conditions are not good, their salaries are very low, and conditions have to be improved at KSF, but I have said even earlier that the government should urgently sit down and analyze why it is happening, and increase the salaries of KSF members. Because with 400 euros of inflation too big, they can't support their family or themselves. Of course, they require better conditions and better jobs, and yet I think there is no other reason because Albanians love uniform and want to serve their homeland, but the main one must meet the minimum conditions for them to be at the most reliable institution in Kosovo and deal with the issue of protecting Kosovo's state.

Periscope: In addition to low wages, can the pressure of labor and intensive commitment be a reason, such as being a soldier or a member of the army?

Kadri Kastrati: No, I don't believe it's the pressure, because they have nine weeks of basic training and there they've faced it, the main thing is that they find a way to get a visa outside or another job that pays more and that's the main reason they're out of uniform.

Periscope: A few days ago, the KSF Guard was located near a monument to Serb soldiers killed in 1912-18 in Dragodan. It was considered scandalous. What is your comment?

Kadri Kastrati: That's where the Commander and Defense Minister must respond. Security Force and its members are obliged to carry out any government order and decision unless it is contrary to the Constitution and the Law. It is not contrary to the Law and the Constitution, ask them why they have done it. I don't have to deal with it.

Periscope: You led earlier. KSF. What is the capacity of the Kosovo Army to ensure peace and security in the country?

Kadri Kastrati: I don't know the weapon, I'm not a commander or a force. The mission that the Security Force has is to protect sovereignty and territorial integrity. I think it also needs a time KSF to establish its own capacity and human capacities, and equipment to be ready and capable of bringing all these obligations out of the mission.

Interviewed: Missini Horseyard