KFOR Commander Seeks Responsibilities for Banjska Attack, Him to Soldiers

KFOR commander in Kosovo Ozkan Ulutash has described the attack on KFOR in the north 29 May and the September 24th attack on Kosovo Police in Zvecan Banjska, unacceptable.

He on TV Dukaagjini said such attacks should not be repeated until he added that their authors should be held accountable and brought to justice.

Asked whether Banjska's case with Serbian military command could be discussed, which was charged with releasing military assets for training the terrorist group, Ulutas said “K FOR regularly and transparently communicates with all international and local actors. We are discussing all relevant security developments in the region”.

KFOR commander stressed that they have asked Kosovo and Serbia to conduct the necessary investigations in order to verify all facts.

“Pics first, the May 29th attack on KFOR troops and the September 24th violent attack in northern Kosovo were unacceptable and should not be repeated. The authors of this violence must be held accountable. We have called on relevant authorities in Pristina and Belgrade to conduct the legal investigations needed to confirm the facts and bring those responsible to justice. All these points were also made very clear by the secretary - general NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, during his visit to the region last November. In the continuation of violence, NATO landed about 1,000 additional peacekeepers and the worst armoured forces in Kosovo. This has been the largest reinforcement of our contingent in Kosovo over a decade. This shows that NATO is ready to maintain peace”, he said.

Ulutash said KFOR's peacekeeping forces in Kosovo are willing to face any situation.

“KFOR has a fast, flexible and visible presence throughout Kosovo. We remain vigilant and focused on the daily and impartial implementation of our UN mandated mission. We are well equipped and willing to face any situation that can affect the security environment and continue to operate in close co-operation and co-ordination with the Kosovo Police and EULEX”, he said.

KSF and North

Among other things, KFOR commander also talked about co-operation with the Kosovo Defence Ministry and the Security Force (FSK).

“NATO, which is divided by KFOR, has a mandate to work side-by-side with the Kosovo Security Force, in line with the original KSF mandate, as a civil defence force”, he said.

Ulutash quoted the NATO secretary-general, who had said the KSF landing in the north requires KFOR's consent.

“NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, was very clear at this point during his visit to Pristina in November. He stressed that “any landing of the Kosovo Security Force in northern Kosovo requires KFOR's consent”. We welcome the continued respect of this pledge by institutions in Kosovo. Secretary - General NATO also stressed that “We are awaiting consultations on any action of the Kosovo Security Force or the Kosovo Police that may have an impact on regional security”, he said.

He stressed that he is in regular contact with “representatives of Kosovo security organisations and with the Chief of Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces”.

I account for their continued co-operation, as these communication channels remain key to supporting sustainable security throughout Kosovo and preserving stability in the region”, Ulutash concluded.