Imeri: NATO has confidence in the Kosovo Police

The gradual withdrawal of KFOR personnel is an indication that the security situation in Kosovo has improved, university professor Dorajet Imeri and security expert Mentor Vrajolli assess.

KFOR announced yesterday that it had begun reducing its permanent presence at the main bridge over the Ibar, in line with the improved security situation in Kosovo and as part of the process of optimizing the deployment of forces of the NATO mission. At the same time, the integration of the Kosovo Police into KFOR's security architecture at the Visoki Decani Monastery also began.

Professor Dorajet Imeri told Kosova Press that the gradual withdrawal of KFOR personnel is the result of the continuous engagement of Kosovo's security institutions, particularly in combating illegal structures and other groups which, he says, operated in accordance with instructions from Serbia.

He considers this a major success and an expression of the confidence that NATO, through KFOR, has in the Kosovo Police.

"The institutions of the Republic should continue with the professional and comprehensive approach they have followed so far, continuously addressing the situation in relation to risks through patrols and other already established practices of the institutions of the Republic. The Kosovo Police has so far guaranteed the security of all citizens, regardless of ethnic differences, demonstrating that this professional approach has produced results. This is a very significant success and, above all, an expression of the confidence that NATO, through KFOR, has in the Kosovo Police. It confirms the improvement of peace and security, as well as the increased capacity of the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo, particularly its security institutions, to assume these kinds of responsibilities," Imeri said.

Security expert Mentor Vrajolli said that Kosovo is safer than ever and that this could be one of the reasons why KFOR made this decision.

"Given that KFOR officially stated that this is related to the improvement in security, this development should be viewed from a positive perspective. This does not necessarily mean that there will be a conflict in the north or in other parts of Kosovo. The Kosovo Police is doing its job properly, providing security to all communities, and Kosovo is safer than ever, among other things because of the significant progress that has now been achieved in the north. Perhaps this is precisely what influenced KFOR's decision to withdraw," Vrajolli said.