Uluta: KFOR committed to prevent any risk of escalation

KFOR Commander General Ozkan Ulutas said the Kosovo armed peacekeeping forces have good resources and are committed to preventing any risk of escalation.

Ulutash, in an interview for <x0ovo Online”, said NATO members and partners fully support KFOR's daily efforts to ensure a safe environment for all communities living in Kosovo and freedom of movement at any time.

And this is to ensure a safe and secure environment for all people living in Kosovo and freedom of movement at any time and impartially. Therefore, we constantly monitor all relevant developments that can affect security throughout Kosovo and regional stability. We are committed to preventing any risk of escalation. KFOR has good resources and is designed to face all the challenges that can affect the security environment, in line with our UN mandate”, Ulutash said, broadcast Klankosova.tv.

Asked whether there is any possibility that in the event of worsening the security situation in northern Kosovo, KFOR will be the first to react to Kosovo Police and EULEX, Ulutas said he never engages in any speculation about the future.

I and KFOR staff under my command are focused on our mission. KFOR continues to act as the third security response, in close co-operation with the Kosovo Police and the EU Mission for Rule of Law (EULEX), which are the first and second security responders. From May of last year, we have deployed 1,000 additional soldiers in Kosovo, increased the presence of KFOR in northern Kosovo, and tripled the number of patrols, including along the administrative border”, he said.

As KFOR Commander said, this was the biggest reinforcement of the NATO mission in the last decade to ensure that the mission has the forces and capabilities it needs to continue to effectively fulfil its mandate.

He said the Serbian Army's recent exercise in Peshter, in which he participated as an observer, reflects effective relations between KFOR and the Serbian Army over the years, which is confirmed by KFOR's observations on past exercises and regular contacts with the chief of General Staff of the Serbian Army.

“Regular and transparent communication, even with security organisations in Kosovo, is crucial to the security of all people living in Kosovo and for regional stability”, Ulutash stressed.

When asked whether the number of KFOR members is scheduled to increase by the end of 2017, Ulutash said he had recently informed senior NATO officials in Brussels of the latest security trends throughout Kosovo and the Western Balkans region and of KFOR priorities in the coming weeks and months.

Meanwhile, KFOR commander also talked about the effect of false news. He said this phenomenon is on the rise.

“We continue to see the spread of false news, through videos, photos or postings on social networks. This is irresponsible and dangerous and negatively affects the welfare and security of all communities. It is important that everyone look carefully at the facts and check their resources. KFOR will continue to play its role”, he said. /Klankosova. tv