The potential for conflict in the North, Germany: We do not leave Kosovo, KFOR mission extends

In addition to the ruling coalition of the three parties -- the SPD, the green and the liberal -- opposition Christian Democrats supported the German government's proposal for extending the mandate of the Bundesvehr mission as part of KFOR in Kosovo.

“We need a KFOR capable of action to reduce continuing potential for conflict and escalation in northern Kosovo and at the border with Serbia”, Florian Hahn said.

The continuation of Germany's participation in the EU mission EUFOR Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina was also approved by representatives of the European Alternative for Germany. The final decision on the German government's proposal for the extension of both mandates should be made next week.

Secretary of State for Defence Siemje Möller from the SPD said the Western Balkans is the closest neighbor, so preserving peace in the region was their responsibility.

Government proposal says the basis for KFOR mission “is still Resolution 1244 of the UN Security Council” and stresses that “Both Kosovo and Serbia have always made clear they want KFOR presence continued”.

Mission NATO in Kosovo, which has been continuing since 25 years, is the German Army's longest engagement (Bundeswehr) abroad. The maximum number of members of German fast action units will remain at 400. /a2cn