Mojsilovic speaks with Ulutas, protests Turkey's arming of "Kosovo Security Force"

BELGRADE - In response to continued arming of the so-called Kosovo Security Force, this time with Turkish Skydagger RTF 15 UAVs, Serbian Armed Forces Chief of General Staff Gen Milan Mojsilovic had an urgent telephone call with KFOR Commander Maj Gen Ozkan Ulutas on Thursday.

"During the conversation with General Ulutas, an officer of the Turkish Armed Forces whose second term as commander of the NATO-led international security force in Kosovo-Metohija began several days ago, General Mojsilovic strongly protested over the continued arming of the so-called Kosovo Security Force and the blatant violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1244 and the Military Technical Agreement," the Serbian MoD said in a statement.

"The Chief of the General Staff noted that such actions act as a very negative signal and pose a threat to the security situation both in Kosovo-Metohija and throughout the Western Balkans.

He reiterated that, in line with international law, the UN resolution, and all other signed agreements, the Republic of Serbia regards KFOR as the sole legitimate armed formation operating in Kosovo-Metohija. He once again urged the international force to implement its mandate in a consistent and impartial manner, ensuring a safe environment and freedom of movement for all, particularly for the Serbian community in our southern province," it also said.

Earlier on Thursday, Pristina announced an acquisition of Turkish-made Skydagger UAVs and its PM Albin Kurti said the shipment consisted of "thousands" of UAVs.

In the past, Pristina has also purchased TB2 Bayraktar UAVs from Turkey as well as US-made Puma UAVs.

Under UNSCR 1244, Kfor is the only armed force in Kosovo-Metohija, and the document also envisioned full demilitarisation of the so-called "Kosovo Liberation Army" and other armed groups of ethnic Albanians.

However, in 2009, Pristina established the so-called "Kosovo Security Force" from the Kosovo Protection Corps and former "KLA" members and, in 2018 - at a session that was not attended by Serb representatives - its assembly passed a law on transforming the so-called "KSF" into an army.