“We remove soldiers from KFOR, we are informal mediators in Kosovo- Serbia”

Switzerland's “position is that KFOR remains important for security and stability. Currently, 215 Swiss soldiers are deployed to the Swiss mission, which is our contribution to this joint international venture. The mandate lasts until December 31st 2026”, he said in an interview for the newspaper Blic, broadcast kp. Switzerland's Federal Council “has filed a request to the Swiss Parliament that Swisscoy remain active in Kosovo until 2029. Parliament is expected to set up” soon.

Parmelin also talked about relations between Kosovo and Serbia, what he said the two countries should dialogue, while acknowledging that his country, in a way, is a mediator between them, in an informal negotiation process.

Switzerland's long-term stance is that the solution lies in dialogue, normalisation and practical progress that improves the everyday life of people on both sides”, he said. “To support the dialogue process under the European Union's mediation, my country offers the two sides an informal joint mediation process. By creating such opportunities for dialogue, Switzerland can contribute to finding solutions. The stability of this region and European integration are our foreign policy priority”.

As for the wider situation in the region, Parmelin praised the economic progress of Western Balkan countries over the past two decades, but stressed that stability remains an ongoing process requiring mutual will. He called for more caution and rational access from all, in what he said, “a time of challenges for international order and geopolitical crises”.