KFOR Commander: We have fourfold presence north.

KFOR Commander Major General Ozkan Ulutas said that the security situation in Kosovo, following increasing tensions in recent months, has improved and said NATO responded quickly to recent violence by placing 1,000 soldiers and additional armoured vehicles.

Ulutash has said in an interview for the Serbian media “Tanjug” that KFOR's presence in northern Kosovo has fourfold, and the number of patrols, including border points, has tripled.

“These are careful steps to ensure that our mission continues to fulfil its UN mandate to provide a safe environment for all communities living in Kosovo and freedom of movement, based on UN Security Council Resolution 1244, at any moment and impartially”, he said, broadcast Klanosova.tv.

He said NATO is strongly committed to Kosovo's security and added that KFOR will stay as long as necessary, in line with the UN mandate.

“KFOR also continues to create the security framework needed for the progress of the EU-mediated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, which is the only way towards lasting peace and stability”, he said.

Ulutash also said he cannot comment on the Turkish government's military assistance to Kosovo.

It is not up to me to comment on bilateral initiatives. As commander of the NATO-led KFOR mission, I work through NATO military command chain”, he said.

KFOR commander said that with his arrival in Kosovo, he has mostly impressed people and that he has realised that the desire of all communities is to live in lasting peace and security.

Asked whether he has spoken with representatives of the Serb community in northern Kosovo, but also south of Ibër, Ulutash said his priority was to promote trust-based communication and co-ordination.

“KFOR regularly and transparently communicates with all international and local actors. So far, as KFOR commander, I have had meetings with many co-operatives, including representatives of Kosovo institutions and Kosovo security organisations, chief of the Serbian Army's General Staff, Lieutenant General Mojsilovic, Bishop Teodosije, abat Sava Janjiq, EULEX chief, General Barbano and representatives of the United Nations, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSBE) and the diplomatic community”, KFOR Commander General Ozkanash said.