KFOR Commander: Problems between Kosovo, Serbia not solved by military means

KFOR Commander General Enrico Bardoniti has said they are willing to face all security challenges, and that, following the attack on Banjska last year, they have strengthened forces, especially along the border line with Serbia. He has also talked about the Ibër Bridge issue, adding that the solution between Kosovo and Serbia to all problems is not military but political.

KFOR commander says he has accepted his task at a very complex time in terms of security, which he considers fragile.

“In general, the situation on the ground is calm, but still fragile, and numerous unilateral actions carried out by some truly interested parties do not help stabilise it. This makes us closely follow any relevant security developments”, he said.

Speaking of the opening issue of the Bridge on Iber, Major General Enrico Bardoni said KFOR's position on the bridge has been stable and clear that: any decision in this direction should be taken through dialogue and in co-ordination with the international community.

“KFOR will maintain its stable presence on the bridge and will continue to conduct regular patrols in surrounding areas. Regarding the bridge as well as some other unresolved issues, it is essential that all actors refrain from unilateral statements and actions that can create tensions. Thus, we will continue to be vigilant and to co-ordinate closely with all our partners to prevent any passage”, he said in an interview for RTK.

Major priority of Major General Enrico Bardonini, says it is to ensure that KFOR remains well placed to continue its contribution to security and stability for all people and communities in Kosovo.

“To that end, we must maintain KFOR's operational readiness to meet any security challenge that may arise. But let me add that, in addition to operational preparedness, also strong co-operation and regular and trust-based communication with our local, regional and international partners are essential for regional stability”, Bardoni claims.

The one among other things says KFOR continues to support dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade, which according to him remains the framework for addressing unresolved issues, for the benefit of all communities living in Kosovo.

Asked about solutions to Kosovo-Serbia security challenges, KFOR Commander said the solution to security challenges is not definitely military but political, because, according to him, dialogue is the key to resolving most issues.

Of course, KFOR will spare no effort to continue implementing its mission based on our mandate, at any time and impartially, for the benefit of all. But the military effort will always remain incomplete if Pristina and Belgrade do not engage constructively in dialogue, with the help of the European Union and, in a broader perspective, the international community. History has always shown that dialogue is the key to solving most issues. Conflict arises where there is no dialogue. This applies to Kosovo”, the commander of the NATO mission in Kosovo said.

Among other things, he spoke of the number of KFOR troops in Kosovo and stressed that in the event of increasing KFOR tensions, he is willing and equipped to take all the necessary actions to continue fulfilling his mandate.