Jens Stoltenberg
NATO is concerned about the intention to transform Kosovo security force the country into a full-fledged army. This was stated by Secretary General of the Alliance, a press release published on the organization’s website.
Stoltenberg held talks with President of the unrecognized Republic of Hashim Thaci and Prime Minister ISA Mustafa to convey to them the serious concerns of the allies about the recent proposals of the authorities to transform the safety Force of Kosovo in the armed forces without proper constitutional changes. “I gave them to understand that such unilateral steps are useless, and advised the authorities to remain in close contact with Belgrade”.
The Secretary General stressed that the functions of the security forces are determined by the Constitution of Kosovo, however, in the event of changes NATO will reserve the right to reconsider the level of support for Pristina.
The Kosovo security force is mainly engaged in search and rescue operations, fire fighting, mine clearance and neutralization of chemical substances. At their disposal they have only light weapons. The authorities are discussing plans to convert them into full-fledged army.
The Republic of Kosovo, a partially recognized state on the Balkan Peninsula. Most of the population are Albanians, but in the North, and a few enclaves in the South live about 120 thousand Serbs. Serbia is the Autonomous province of Kosovo and Metohija, what is the region in the national Constitution, part of its territory.