Ulutas: The courage of KFOR soldiers at the protests in Zvecan helped stabilize the situation

KFOR Commander Ozkan Ulutas stated that the courage of the mission's soldiers during the protests in Zvecan a year ago had helped stabilize the situation in that area and prevent further escalation of violence.

"Today, we honor the services and sacrifices of our comrades, who put their lives on the line to discharge their duties for all communities living in Kosovo, in accordance with our mission’s long-standing UN mandate. Their courage helped to stabilize the situation in the area and prevent a further escalation of violence," Major General Ulutas said.

He added that KFOR's commitment to contributing to lasting security throughout Kosovo and regional stability was steadfast.

"KFOR continues to take all necessary actions to maintain a safe and secure environment, in accordance with its mandate under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999, at all times and impartially, for the benefit of all communities living in Kosovo," Ulutas said.

KFOR reported that some of its members in Zvecan had sustained life-changing injuries.

"One year ago, peacekeepers of the NATO-led KFOR mission were attacked in the course of violent protests in the municipality of Zvecan. Ninety-three personnel were wounded, some of whom had life-changing injuries. These attacks were unprovoked and were totally unacceptable," KFOR stated in its announcement.

It added that NATO believes the facts must be established and that the perpetrators must be held accountable.

Following that event, NATO deployed nearly 1,000 additional peacekeepers and heavier armored forces to Kosovo.

"We have increased KFOR’s presence in northern Kosovo and tripled the number of patrols, including along the administrative boundary line. This has been the biggest reinforcement of our contingent in Kosovo in a decade, and it shows that NATO stands ready to preserve peace," KFOR's statement concluded.