American congressmen and senators of paper Rubios: Do not reduce American troops' presence in Kosovo

In the letter to Rubio, American lawmakers warn that an early reduction of American forces could destabilise not only Kosovo, but also the Western Balkan region, particularly Bosnia and Herzegovina.

According to them, at a time when the region faces political tensions and external influences, preserving current levels of American troops is essential to protecting the security interests of the United States.

Lawmakers stress that since its establishment in 1999 through UN Security Council Resolution 1244, KFOR has played a key role in preserving peace between Kosovo and Serbia, as well as in preventing ethnic violence and foreign interventions.

Currently, the US contributes about 500 soldiers to a mission of nearly 5,000 troops in total, a presence that according to them has great strategic impact and serves as a significant preventative factor to possible escalation of tensions in the region.

The letter also says that a reduction of the American presence could weaken KFOR's political and military role and encourage actors who see the withdrawal of the West as opportunities to promote destabilisation.

Lawmakers also express concern about the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where entity leader Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, has continued with separatist rhetoric and challenges to the country's constitutional order.

They warn that even the perception of an American withdrawal from KFOR could encourage nationalist agendas in the region and increase the risk of political and security crises.

The letter also mentions Russia's destabilising role in the Western Balkans, which is said to have repeatedly attempted to exploit divisions in the region and weaken the influence of NATO and the European Union.

Lawmakers ask the State Department to clarify possible security implications from such reductions and call for any decision to change the American military presence in Kosovo to be closely co-ordinated with the American Congress.

The letter was signed by several American lawmakers, including Michael R. Turner, Brendan F. Boyle, Gregory W. Meks, Rick Larsen, Jeanne Shaheen, Charles Grasley, Thom Tillis, Roger Wuecker, Ann Wagner, Chris Van Hollen, Joni Ernst and Peter Welch. /Telegraphy.