Barduani: Resolving open issues through dialogue is key to lasting security in Kosovo

Enriko Barduani
Source: Kosovo online/Ilustracija

Commander of KFOR, Major General Enrico Barduani, in an interview with Radio K4, pointed out that we live in a world where the security situation is rapidly evolving and deteriorating, and that the Western Balkans region is not exempt from such developments. In this regard, KFOR has already adapted its presence throughout Kosovo. Commenting on the relationship between Belgrade and Pristina, he stated that resolving open issues through dialogue is crucial for ensuring lasting security across Kosovo and for maintaining regional stability.

Can you share with our listeners your initial impressions of Kosovo and your new role as the commander of KFOR?

I want to emphasize that I am not new to Kosovo, as I have already served here twice, in 2001 and from 2015 to 2016. I must admit that during those engagements, I was always so impressed by Kosovo's rich history and its cultural diversity; something truly exceptional for me.

As the newly appointed commander of KFOR, it is an honor and a privilege for me to lead this mission, which is – and I want to highlight this – NATO's longest and currently largest mission. I am fully aware of KFOR's important role in contributing to lasting security, not only for all the people and communities living in Kosovo but also for regional stability. In this regard, I must remind you that KFOR also has the task of providing reserve units for the EU mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, should the security situation require it.

What are your main priorities for KFOR under your command, and how do you plan to address the current security situation in Kosovo?

I can say that my priority is to ensure that KFOR continues to have a good posture of forces to contribute to a safe and secure environment for all people and communities in Kosovo, as well as freedom of movement, at all times and impartially in accordance with our mandate. In this regard, I emphasize that KFOR's mandate is under the auspices of the United Nations and is based on UN Security Council Resolution 1244 from June 1999. In short, my priority is to guarantee that KFOR is prepared to deal with any security challenges that may arise, in accordance with our UN mandate and our role as the third line of security response in Kosovo, after the Kosovo Police and EULEX, the EU rule of law mission. Regarding security, based on my previous experiences, I can say that the security situation in Kosovo is actually better than in the past. That is why KFOR has reduced its presence over time. I remember that the KFOR contingent was initially composed of about 50,000 soldiers, while today the number of soldiers is around 4,500.

However, and unfortunately, today we live in a world where the security situation is rapidly evolving and deteriorating, and the Western Balkans region is not exempt from such developments. In this regard, KFOR has already adapted its presence throughout Kosovo, including the recent deployment of NATO reserve forces, in order to continue effectively carrying out its tasks and acquiring all the necessary capabilities that the situation on the ground requires.

KFOR has had a strong presence in Kosovo for more than two decades. How do you view the development of its role in the near future?

As I mentioned, KFOR is NATO's longest and currently largest mission, involving 29 countries, not only NATO allies but also partner countries. Its role is equally relevant today as it was from the first deployment of our peacekeeping forces in 1999. Although the security landscape in Kosovo has changed over time, KFOR's commitment to maintaining peace and stability is firm and enduring.

Looking to the future, but I wouldn’t speculate on any hypothetical scenarios, I assure you that KFOR will continue to play its role in maintaining a safe and secure environment, as well as freedom of movement. At the same time, KFOR will support the efforts of the international community to create conditions for a better future for all people and communities living in Kosovo and to protect open communication and dialogue.

KFOR will remain an integral part of the collective efforts undertaken by the broader international community. Thus, I can foresee that in the foreseeable future, KFOR will closely cooperate with a large number of different partners, from the United Nations to the European Union, from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe to the diplomatic corps in Pristina and Belgrade, from Kosovo’s security organizations to the Chief of Staff of the Serbian Army.

In short: transparency, impartiality, commitment, and unity of effort will remain at the core of KFOR's mission and the basis of our daily activities, as is the case today.

Commander, while you are at the helm of KFOR during your one-year mission in Kosovo, how do you interpret and plan to embody the mission's slogan? What significance does it hold for you, and how do you see operations and engagement with the local community being guided by it during your mandate?

I truly appreciate this question, as it gives me the opportunity to speak about an element that is not known to everyone. At the beginning of each KFOR commander’s mandate, they are required to define a motto for their one-year mission. When I was appointed as the new commander of KFOR, I asked myself what the most important element of the KFOR mission is for me. That’s when I chose the motto 'Unitas Omnia Vincit'. It is in Latin and can be translated as 'Unity conquers all' or, better yet, 'Unity among people conquers all'. I am indeed fully convinced that the success of the KFOR mission can only be achieved through connection and unity, not only within KFOR but also among all actors on the ground, from representatives of the international community, through institutions in Kosovo, to the citizens. At the same time, it also signifies KFOR's unwavering commitment to peace, security, and cooperation through engagement, dialogue, openness, impartiality, and mutual respect.

Such a vision must inspire our activities every day of our mission.

As the new commander, what message would you like to convey to the citizens of Kosovo and the KFOR staff under your command?

KFOR will spare no effort to continue implementing its mission based on our long-standing United Nations mandate, at all times and impartially, for the benefit of all. I take all security concerns very seriously; KFOR will act promptly and in coordination with all other security response entities. I also urge both sides, the institutions in Kosovo and the Government of Serbia, to engage in political dialogue. The solution to security challenges is ultimately not military, but political. Resolving open issues through dialogue is crucial for ensuring lasting security across Kosovo and for maintaining regional stability.

I deeply thank my colleagues, KFOR soldiers, and staff for their tireless work and unwavering dedication. The professionalism of KFOR soldiers is key to the success of the mission, whose goal is the well-being and security of all people and communities living in Kosovo.

Finally, allow me to pay tribute to the fallen and injured soldiers of KFOR. Over time, their sacrifice has contributed to establishing peace, stabilizing the situation, and ensuring better living conditions for all people in Kosovo. I believe we should all be grateful to them.