Canaj: No changes in the KFOR strategy; Ulutas did a great job

Professor of Political History in Pristina, Blerim Canaj, says that despite upcoming personnel changes, KFOR will not alter its strategy and that the current commander of the mission, Turkish General Ozkan Ulutas, has done a great job.

"KFOR has its own strategy, and the commander is just there to get the job done. We might see differences in the way command is carried out, but I don't believe there will be a change in KFOR's strategy. If a situation like the one in North Mitrovica arises again, we will likely see a greater number of soldiers, but I don't believe KFOR's strategy will change," Canaj told Kosovo Online.

At the "Film City" base in Pristina, a ceremony is planned for October 11 to mark the handover of duties between outgoing commander Ozkan Ulutas and the new KFOR commander, Italian General Enrico Barduani.

Canaj has a positive assessment of the Turkish general's one-year performance.

He says that Ulutas did his job well.

"He was good, especially when we look back at that incident. We all know what KFOR does, and I think he did his job excellently," Canaj believes.

When asked how he views the arrival of the Italian general, Canaj said it is neither good nor bad news.

"KFOR is KFOR. The arrival of an Italian at the helm is neither good nor bad news. It will be the same because it doesn't matter whether the commander is Italian, Turkish, or American. KFOR has its own command and its own strategy, like any other military," Canaj explained.

Asked to comment on the overall performance of the mission and whether citizens feel secure with KFOR's presence, the professor believes that this is evident throughout Kosovo, including the north.

"I feel that this is the case. Both here and in the north. Without KFOR, what would happen here or there? We all know that there are still extremist groups that, unfortunately, even after 30 years, have certain ambitions. That is why I think it is important that KFOR is present, not just for Albanians but also for Serbs and other people living in Kosovo. At least there is a sense of security," Canaj concluded.