17 minutes agoKAS: We will not hesitate to protect American troops in Kosovo in case of escalation
Periskopi(2 years ago)
(2 years ago)As tensions in Kosovo mount to reopen the Mitrovica bridge, the US State Department is under mounting pressure to protect American soldiers stationed in the region as part of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). Earlier this week, the State Department has expressed deep concerns that any action [...]
Earlier this week, the State Department has voiced deep concerns that any unilateral action by the Kosovo government to open the bridge for vehicle traffic could increase the potential for violence, putting both the local population and the lives of American soldiers at risk.
Despite these warnings, Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti remains challenging, insisting that the bridge's reopening is “non-negotiable”.
EU spokesman Peter Stano echoed international concerns in an interview for the N1, saying: the past <x0van, the European Union, the whole QUINT, all of Kosovo's friends, the United States, the key European countries and the European Union went to Prime Minister Kurti and said: Don't do it, don't do unilateral action, don't open the bridge. But it seems that he is determined to do so. ”
Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani added diplomatic tension Thursday, August 15th 2024, rejecting these warnings as <x0racist” and listing with Kurti in rejecting further talks in Brussels on the bridge. “I am against any discussion of opening Ibrit Bridge in Brussels”She said.
Osman's statement followed a security conference that underlined the risks for American soldiers if the situation deteriorates.
While the issue is gaining attention in the US, there are questions about how the State Department plans to protect American soldiers in KFOR if the Kosovo government continues with unilateral, uncoordinated and scaling actions.
State Department Deputy spokesman Vedant Patel, about opening the bridge in Iber, said the US will not hesitate to protect Americans in Kosovo.
Asked today by Pavlovic how the State Department will protect the lives of American soldiers in Kosovo from the unilateral actions of the Kosovo government, Patel replied that he had not seen all the statements and comments of Kosovo officials.
I have not seen the comments and statements, but we certainly will not hesitate to do everything necessary for American personnel and all our citizens in Kosovo to keep our team safe,” answered Patel. /Sinjali
