Ulutas: KFOR will continue to support Belgrade-Pristina dialogue

Outgoing KFOR Commander Ozkan Ulutas said that the security situation in Kosovo was significantly better today than it had been in 1999, but that the path toward lasting security lay in political rather than military solutions. He stressed that KFOR would continue to contribute to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all communities and to support the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue.

“Twenty-seven years ago, in June 1999, NATO forces were deployed to Kosovo under a United Nations mandate, pursuant to UN Security Council Resolution 1244. Around 55,000 troops from 36 countries came to establish peace for the benefit of all communities,” Ulutas said in a farewell letter sent to the media.

He stressed that, over the years, thousands of KFOR personnel had contributed through their daily engagement, professionalism and dedication to creating conditions for stability, as well as economic and social development, in cooperation with other international organizations.

“KFOR has remained faithful to the principles on which it was founded: impartiality, balance, credibility and transparency, coupled with determination and firmness in carrying out its mission,” Ulutas said.

According to him, the security situation in Kosovo today is significantly better than it was in 1999, while security organizations have developed their capacities in the meantime.

“Security organizations in Kosovo have developed and become more capable. Kosovo Police, together with EULEX, provides public security for all communities on a daily basis,” he said.

Ulutas stressed that KFOR remained the third security responder, present throughout Kosovo and ready to intervene should the situation deteriorate.

Speaking about the announced adjustment of KFOR’s presence, Ulutas recalled that NATO had announced in June a gradual optimization of its force posture in response to the improved security situation.

“This process of optimizing the presence is being implemented gradually, in full coordination with Kosovo Police and EULEX, and in accordance with the mandate established by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244,” Ulutas said.

He added that the adjustment of the force posture reflected the Alliance’s continued commitment to safeguarding the security of all people living in Kosovo.

“It reflects the Alliance’s continued commitment, through KFOR, to contributing to a safe and secure environment for all people living in Kosovo and to freedom of movement,” he stressed.
Ulutas emphasized that lasting security in Kosovo could not be achieved through military means alone and that a political solution was essential.

“That is why KFOR will continue to make its contribution, including by supporting the EU-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina dialogue,” Ulutas said.

He assessed that the dialogue represented a framework for resolving outstanding issues and finding solutions that respected the rights of all communities.

At the end of his mandate, Ulutas thanked KFOR personnel from numerous countries, including NATO members and partners, who serve far from their homes and families.

“They serve professionally, with discipline and humanity, with one goal—to contribute to the security of all people living in Kosovo. What they have been doing here day after day is the true story of KFOR,” he said.

He also thanked the institutions in Kosovo, Kosovo Police, security organizations, EULEX, the European Union, UNMIK, the OSCE Mission and international partners for their cooperation with KFOR.

“I would also like to thank the Chief of the General Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces for the professional and constructive communication and cooperation,” Ulutas said.

He also thanked the people of Kosovo for the trust they had placed in the mission.

“Above all, I thank all the people living in Kosovo for the trust they have placed in KFOR. It has been an honor to serve among them,” the outgoing Commander said.

Command of KFOR will be assumed by Italian Major General Roberto Vergori, who has previously served in Kosovo. Ulutas wished him success, saying that the mission would continue under the same principles and with the same commitment.

“The mission will continue under new leadership, represented by Major General Roberto Vergori of Italy, who has already served in Kosovo, with the same principles and the same commitment. I wish my successor every success. KFOR is a success story because, stronger together, we act as one team,” Ulutas concluded.