Situated: North remains calm but still sensitive

KFOR stresses that the level of violence marked during 2023 has not been repeated, yet vigilance remains necessary.

KFOR Commander Ozgan Ulutasch, in an interview for Serbian media he has declared that although the situation in the north is calm, it cannot be considered fully stable.

The security situation in northern Kosovo is also currently calm. However, it is not completely stable. From our point of view, the transition process from outgoing mayors to incoming ones has evolved smoothly. KFOR continues to play its role, offering a security and space framework for political dialogue to move forward. This is essential for achieving sustainable solutions that benefit all communities. The road to long-term stability is political. Stability in Kosovo and the region depends on choosing diplomacy on violence on all sides”, Ulutash said.

He underlined that long-term solutions cannot be achieved without a functional political process. Stability, according to him, depends on the commitment of the parties to diplomacy and the avoidance of violence.

Furthermore, Ulutash indicated that KFOR is implementing its UN mandate fully and impartially, with the focus on ensuring a safe environment for all communities in Kosovo, including the Serb one.

This is always our focus. Our commitment to the mission is steadfast. In response to unjustified violence in 2023, we have increased the number of activities and patrols in northern Kosovo. We have a regular presence there and maintain contact with all our partners to ensure exchange in time of mutual information and transparency. In general, we have a visible and flexible presence throughout Kosovo”.

Ulutash concluded that, while KFOR plays a key role in maintaining security, the region's stable future depends on constructive dialogue and political co-operation between Pristina and Belgrade. /Periscope