Ulutas: The security situation in Kosovo is now calmer, but still fragile

The security situation is now calmer but still fragile. KFOR has always demonstrated its ability to tackle any challenge and continue to implement its UN mandate fully and impartially, Major General Ozkan Ulutas, the KFOR Commander, says in an interview with Kosovo online. He also recalls the recent statement by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, emphasizing that "the Alliance expects timely consultations on any action by the Kosovo Security Forces or the Kosovo Police that could affect regional security".

When asked about his assessment of the current security situation, the KFOR Commander states, “Following a rise of tensions in the past months, NATO has deployed 1,000 additional troops and heavier armor".

“We have quadrupled KFOR’s presence in northern Kosovo and tripled the number of patrols, including along the Administrative Boundary Line. Overall, the security situation is calmer now, but it remains fragile. These are prudent steps to ensure that the KFOR mission continues to fulfill its UN mandate - based on the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999 - to provide a safe and secure environment for all communities living in Kosovo and freedom of movement; at all times and impartially. KFOR continues to operate as the third responder in Kosovo, after the Kosovo Police and the EU Rule of Law (EULEX) mission, respectively. NATO is strongly committed to security in Kosovo and KFOR will remain as long as it is needed, in line with our UN mandate. KFOR continues to create the security framework necessary for the EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina to move forward, which is the only way to lasting peace and stability for the benefit of all communities and to regional stability“, General Ulutas says.

Is the agreement still valid that KFOR Commander permission is required for the eventual arrival of the KSF in the north?

The NATO Secretary General was very clear on this point during his recent visit to Pristina. He reiterated that: “any deployment of the Kosovo Security Force to northern Kosovo requires the concurrence of KFOR”. We welcome the Institutions in Kosovo’s continued respect for this commitment. The NATO Secretary General also highlighted that “We expect timely consultations on any action of the Kosovo Security Force or Kosovo Police that could impact regional security”. I am in regular contact with representatives of the Kosovo security organisations and the Chief of Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces. I count on their continued cooperation.

How do you evaluate your cooperation with the Serbian Army, both with the Kosovo Police, but also with the local population, including the Serbian community?

I have made it my priority to foster trust-based communication and coordination. KFOR communicates regularly and transparently with all international and local stakeholders. We are in close communication with the Serbian Chief of Defence, as well as with the Institutions in Kosovo. This is important to ensure timely information-sharing and to avoid misunderstandings, especially in times of crisis and when tensions are high. We know that all communities want and deserve lasting peace and security. This is a key driver of our daily activities across Kosovo. That is why, as KFOR, we continue to do all we can to ensure a safe and secure environment for all people in Kosovo; daily and impartially.

How do you view the announcements (President of Ukraine Zelenskyy, among others) that the Balkans could become the next hotspot? Is there a danger that a similar conflict, such as the one in Banjska, will be repeated in the coming period?

I will not speculate on any future scenario. We are closely monitoring any relevant security developments in the region. KFOR has an agile, flexible, and visible presence across Kosovo. We remain vigilant and laser-focused on the daily implementation of our UN-mandated mission; and we remain ready to tackle any situation that may affect the security environment, in line with our UN mandate. Top of Form

Was 2023 the most challenging for KFOR in Kosovo since 2004?

KFOR is currently the longest and biggest NATO-led mission. KFOR has been present in Kosovo for more than twenty years. Each year has had its own challenges and in this respect 2023 was no different, considering the tensions earlier this year. KFOR has always proven its ability to tackle any challenge and to continue implementing its UN mandate, fully and impartially. This is the mindset through which we will continue to operate.

How do you feel about being the first general from Turkey to head the KFOR Mission?

I am honored to represent my country as the new KFOR Commander. This is yet another demonstration of Turkey’s long-standing commitment to the KFOR mission and stability in the region. My focus now is to lead this NATO mission and to carry out the tasks assigned to me and to the KFOR personnel by NATO’s chain of command. We will spare no effort to ensure that KFOR continues to fulfill its UN mandate, fully and impartially, and continues to contribute to lasting security in Kosovo and across the region.