Tensions north: KFOR's number two says last year was one of the most challenging in mission history

I want to stress that last year was one of the most challenging in KFOR's history. Because we found ourselves reacting to a post-crisis crisis caused by the resignation of Kosovo Serbs from all institutions in Kosovo last year on November 5th, beginning blocking the 90-day road in December. This resignation has later influenced the course of elections, sparking a series of events that culminated with additional tensions from May 29th, and recently, on September 24th, it is necessary to admit that these interrelated events were deeply influenced by the Kosovo Serb incident”, he said.

Federico Bernacca, who took over the command of NATO's peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, said his predecessor's professional legacy will be the compass that will run his mandate, the KP reports.

Meanwhile, KFOR Commander Ozkan Ulitaş said that Szplyjek has served with honour in NATO and that he has made great steps in fulfilling KFOR's mandate in Kosovo.

I know this year has been challenging. However, you have made remarkable steps and progress to help fulfill KFOR's mandate, offering nothing but the best of our Kosovo country's economic partners. You have often mentioned that your aim was to improve your mission. As far as I've observed, you are leaving KFOR and NATO in a much better position. In the past year your focus areas were: Kosovo Airspace Management, Forces Protection Supervision, Interconnection and Monitoring Teams ( LMTsey), and the Staff Support Group and Camp Novo Selo. Moreover, you have represented the commander of KFOR at the Kosovo Executive Commanders meeting and you have been linked to Kosovo Police General Director”, the new KFOR commander said.