Kfor commander: Security situation has improved, dialogue the only path to peace

PRISTINA - Kfor Commander Ozkan Ulutas said on Friday that, following an escalation of tensions in recent months, the security situation in Kosovo-Metohija had improved and that NATO had promptly responded to recent violence by deploying 1,000 more troops and additional armoured vehicles.

In an interview to Tanjug, the Turkish general said Kfor presence in the north of Kosovo had been quadrupled while the number of patrols, including along administrative crossings, had been tripled.

He said these were prudent moves to ensure Kfor continued to fulfil its UN mandate of ensuring a safe and secure environment to all communities living in Kosovo and freedom of movement based on UNSCR 1244 at all times and in an unbiased manner.

He said NATO was strongly committed to security in Kosovo-Metohija and that Kfor would stay there as long as necessary, in keeping with its UN mandate.

He said Kfor also continued to create the security framework necessary for the EU-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina dialogue to progress, and noted that this was the only path to lasting peace and stability.

Ulutas also said he was unable to comment on the Turkish government's military aid to Pristina as it was a bilateral initiative, and noted that Kfor was focused on daily and unbiased performance of its mission based on UNSCR 1244.