Commander Ulutash repeats to the Government on the opening of the Ibër Bridge: Decision must be made through dialogue and in co-ordination

“generally, the situation on the ground is calm, but remains fragile. KFOR is monitoring the situation. He is alert and well-equipped to respond to any further relevant development, in line with the UN's long mandate to contribute to a safe and secure environment for all people and communities living in Kosovo and freedom of movement at any time and impartially”, he highlights in the written interview for our agency.

At the end of his mandate, Ulutash also speaks of the opening of the Ibër Bridge, which he says KFOR maintains a transparent and consistent approach, stressing that any decision should be made through dialogue with the international community. Express NATO's readiness to maintain peace.

KFOR continues to monitor the situation.

“We are well committed to addressing every security scenario and to continue effective implementation of our UN mandate. We constantly monitor all relevant developments that can affect security throughout Kosovo and the region... KFOR has good resources and positions to prevent escalation and address any security scenarios, in line with our UN mandate. ”

In an anniversary of the terrorist attack on Zvecan Banjska, where police sergeant Africa Bulnjaku was killed, KFOR commander says they expect the authors to give responsibility.

“We have condemned the unacceptable violent attacks in Banjska and will continue to insist that the authors be held accountable and brought to justice”, Ulutash says.

How do you assess the security situation in Kosovo?

Generally, the situation on the ground is calm, but it remains fragile. KFOR is monitoring the situation. He is alert and well-equipped to respond to any further relevant development, in line with the UN's long mandate to contribute to a safe and secure environment for all people and communities living in Kosovo and freedom of movement at any time and impartially.

KFOR continues to act as the third security reacter, in close co-ordination with the Kosovo Police and the EU's mission for the Rule of Law (EULEX), which are the first and second security responder, respectively.

I would like to add that throughout my mandate as KFOR commander, I have clearly felt the desire for lasting peace and security among all communities.

Why is KFOR against opening Ibër Bridge?

Under Brussels' agreements, the bridge was expected to open in 2019, while Kosovo police say there are no indicators for increasing tensions in the event of opening the Ibri Bridge?

What will be KFOR's position if required by Kosovo Police to remove troops over the Iber River? How's the current co-operation with the police in the north?

KFOR's stance on the Ibri Bridge has been transparent and consistent all the time, and has recently been reiterated by KFOR spokesman

The NATO-led KFOR mission is fully focused on implementing its UN mandate based on UN Security Council Resolution 1244.

By contributing to a safe and secure environment for all people and communities living in Kosovo and for freedom of movement, at any time and impartially.

On the issue of the possible opening of the Iber River bridge in Mitrovica for vehicles, our attitude has been transparent and consistent all the time.

Any decision in this direction should be made through dialogue and in timely and effective co-ordination with the International Community.

Meanwhile, KFOR will maintain its fixed presence on the bridge and will continue to conduct regular patrols in surrounding areas.

Recently, several training activities have been conducted by KFOR personnel on the bridge. These were part of our regular activities designed to test long-term operational procedures and maintain the highest standard of readiness of our troops.

KFOR continues to monitor the situation.

We are well committed to addressing every security scenario and to continue the effective implementation of our UN mandate.

How do you see the danger of military assault from Serbia to Kosovo, when it is known that Serbia has put military forces around the border on alert?

Over the years, KFOR has developed good co-operation with Serbia's Armed Forces, as evidenced by KFOR's observations on past exercises and regular contacts we have with our Serbian counterparts. I remain in close contact with Serbia's Chief of Defence, as well as with Kosovo institutions and security organisations. Regular and transparent communications and interactions help boost mutual awareness of the situation, avoid misunderstandings, and contribute to regional stability.

We constantly monitor all relevant developments that can affect security throughout Kosovo and the region. KFOR has good resources and positions to prevent escalation and address any security scenarios, in line with our UN mandate.

Still no responsibility for the terrorist attack in Banjska?

NATO and KFOR have been very clear at this point all the time. The facts must be confirmed and we expect the authors to take responsibility.

In the continuation of the violence of past years, we have deployed about 1,000 additional peacekeepers and heavier equipment in Kosovo. We have stepped up KFOR's position in northern Kosovo and tripled the number of patrols, including along the administrative border line. They were careful steps to ensure that KFOR has the forces, capabilities and flexibility to continue fulfilling its UN mandate effectively. This has also been the biggest reinforcement of our contingent in Kosovo in a decade; and this shows that NATO is willing to maintain peace.

What is your opinion about Serbia's involvement in the September 24th attack?

I will not interfere with any speculation. We have condemned the violent attacks unacceptable in Banjska and will continue to insist that the authors be held accountable and brought to justice.

Has KFOR taken additional measures to raise the security level in Serb-run populated areas in Kosovo?

Our current mission's power consists of about 4600 troops from 29 contributing countries, including NATO allies and partners. Such a powerful and visible presence allows us to effectively monitor the situation and take all necessary measures to continue fulfilling our UN mandate, all over Kosovo, at any time and impartially.