General Kastrati comments Kurt's request for additional KFOR soldiers

The first of the Government believes that with increased presence the security situation in Kosovo would improve.

But, does Kosovo really need increased presence of NATO soldiers, speaks of Front Online, General Kadri Kastrati.

Kastrati, claims that if Prime Minister Kurti has information on threats then not only should the number of soldiers increase but additional equipment be available.

While, it says that KFOR alone must decide for that, depending on the situation.

“They would have to assess for themselves whether there is any threat from Serbia or not, and if there are then certainly those through the chain of command in Naples where they have command and in Brussels where they have political headquarters would require the number of NATO soldiers in Kosovo to increase. And, not only of soldiers but of other equipment, so that the prime minister certainly has any information, and if there are I think KFOR should be key to maintaining security, calming the citizens and borders of Kosovo”, General Kastrati has declared.

He acknowledges, however, that Serbia is willing to destabilise Kosovo.

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Kastrati, has confirmed that in the past, in terms of tensions in the north, KFOR has reacted very late and that this should not happen.

“KFOR in the past has reacted much more late because it has mission and is tasked and KFOR must be more active, not only as observers but be directly committed to maintaining calm, free movement of citizens and borders of Kosovo”, Kastrati has declared.

In late July, the situation in the country's north was tense as Kosovo imposed reciprocity with Serbia for license plates and IDs.

As a result, KFOR had reacted, saying it would take any necessary measures to maintain a safe and secure environment in Kosovo at all times, in line with its UN mandate.

Following the tense situation at the request of the United States, the Government of Kosovo decided to postpone reciprocity measures (by September 1st) for a month.