8 minutes agoRetired American General: KFOR Must Remain in Kosovo After 2028
Periskopi(4 years ago)
(4 years ago)Retired American General Michael Barbero says it is in the interest of Kosovo that KFOR forces, or similar, continue to be here, even after the full transformation of KSF into the military. About allowing Kosovo forces to operate in the country's north, Barbero says this should be specified in any [...]
In an interview with the Serbian media in Kosovo, “CosovoOnline”, Barbero has spoken of transforming the Kosovo Security Force into the military, which is scheduled to occur by 2028.
The American general, questioned whether KFOR can stay in Kosovo, following the transformation of the KSF into the military, says that should happen anyway.
“Absolutely, both forces can co-exist in the future, in Kosovo, and, I believe, it would be in the interest of Kosovo to welcome the same forces as KFOR in the future, to promote long-term stability in Kosovo and in the Balkans”, he has said.
There is an agreement between Kosovo and NATO, for KSF to go north of the country, with only preliminary approval of KFOR. General General says “specifics” like this going north would be defined by another agreement.
“Individuals of authorisation for KFOR's presence in the future and for freedom of action by the Kosovo Army could be specified in a formal agreement. The agreement will define the command and control report, how these forces will act together, with all other provisions. But it takes time to negotiate and finalise such a kind of agreement; the year 2028 is not far away, so a time frame for talks” must be formed, Barbero said.
