KFOR chief criticises Kurti: For two years only steps back, no more unilateral acts

This is the reflection of Italian NATO General Angelo Michele Ristuccia, who also heads KFOR's deployed forces in Kosovo.

During a confession made in the Italian newspaper “Cerriere della”, Ristuccia clearly explains that NATO cannot be the umbrella to take refuge after unilateral actions, referring here to Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti's, with the promotion of elected mayors in four northern municipalities, to join institutional objects.

“in the first place, Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti's decision to deploy mayors with ethnic Albanian affiliations unknown to the Serb majority, regardless of the opposing councils of the entire international community. The government of Pristina's second unilateral action was to use force without consulting us, thus making it necessary to intervene to avoid a tragedy”.

That's how he followed the whole dynamic of the difficult hours, where dozens of KFOR soldiers were injured in clashes with Serbs in the north.

Furthermore, the general has explained a dilemma, between the legitimacy of the Kosovo government's action, and what needs to be done in reality.

“These are decisions taken without prior co-ordination with us and with the parties involved”.

Furthermore, the general explains that this is not the first time that happens and, above all, that it is an approach that certainly does not promote mutual trust.

“We always need to evaluate the harmful consequences that have these types of actions. When Prime Minister Kurt spoke to me, he always agreed with this approach”, he tells the journalist, who asks if the situation is now the same and if Kurt no longer followed his advice.

“Ask him himself”, quick return the response.

Yet, the journalist has ready the replica, presenting the Italian general that Kurti has said Kosovo is a sovereign state and cannot bow to violence or blackmail.

“As soldiers, we are concerned about the security, stability and freedom of movement of two ethnic groups. I do not judge political decisions, but I am obligated to worry about their consequences, which in such a delicate context can easily lead to escalation, as we've seen”.

Thus, the commander has responded, strongly stressing that without NATO, Kosovo's north would be a “detonated war”.

The situation we are facing is the result of a series of crises accumulated over the time of”, he adds. Let's call it a controlled instability, which is becoming increasingly unstable on the ground, due to the fragility of relations between the two ethnic groups and anyone representing them. Any balance achieved with great effort, the crisis after crisis, is becoming increasingly uncertain”.

Despite this, he acknowledges that the responsibility is not just one party but that both have been unable to achieve the goals set over the years.

The moment there is a deal, according to him, it should be implemented, but without dialogue, just dead “letters” remain.

The saturised rhetoric of the parties is completely counterproductive, according to the general and beyond, is both dangerous and disfunctional for the goals the international community wants to achieve in Kosovo.

key “results have been achieved in the last 20 years. Even in conditions of peaceful coexistence. But starting in 2021, we've had two steps to go. Due to extreme polarisation of some facts, exploited by all parties involved in the name of extremist policies, which have violated stability between the two ethnic groups”, it follows.

As it closes, it explains that their intervention created a short - term effect.

Through diplomatic actions, Serbia and Kosovo have again begun to talk to each other.

“Hopefully this time period will be used to start real negotiations. As it hasn't been done so far”, General Riztuccia concludes.