NATO official: The US has a key role in supporting long-term security in Kosovo

A group of American congressmen and senators sent a letter to Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, expressing concern over reports that the administration of Donald Trump could reduce the presence of US troops in KFOR, while NATO told Kosovo Online that significant changes to the mission in Kosovo are not currently being considered.

A NATO official told our portal that KFOR’s strength and deployment are regularly reviewed in line with developments in the security situation in order to ensure the mission remains effective.

As he stressed, KFOR continues to carry out its mandate in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244, with the aim of maintaining a safe and secure environment for all people in Kosovo, as well as freedom of movement.

The KFOR mission, he added, operates in close coordination with the Kosovo Police and the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), within their respective mandates as security actors.

The NATO official said that KFOR’s presence and daily activities throughout Kosovo create space for political dialogue.

“Stability in the region ultimately depends on all sides choosing diplomacy instead of violence. The path to lasting peace is political,” the official said, adding that NATO strongly supports the dialogue facilitated by the European Union as a framework for resolving outstanding issues, with respect for the rights of all communities.

He also stressed that the United States has a key role in supporting long-term security in Kosovo and stability in the region, including within the framework of the KFOR mission.

The US has around 600 soldiers deployed within KFOR and also leads Regional Command East, headquartered at Camp Bondsteel.

“Regional Command East participates in the mission’s daily activities, including patrols, military exercises, contacts with representatives of all local communities, as well as support for reconstruction and economic development projects. For additional comments on the contribution of the United States to the KFOR mission, I refer you to the US authorities,” the NATO official said.