Ulutas: KFOR continues efforts to prevent any escalation, ready to respond to any challenge

2024-03-16 21:18:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

The commander of the NATO peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, KFOR, Ozkan Ulutas, assesses the security situation as calm but still fragile after last year's tensions in the north of Kosovo. In an interview with the Voice of America, Mr. Ulutas said that KFOR is continuing its efforts to prevent any escalation while remaining ready to respond to any challenge that may occur. He said the May 29 attack on KFOR troops and the September 24 violent attack in the north were unprovoked and unacceptable, calling for the perpetrators of such violence to be held accountable.

Voice of America: Mr. Ulutas, first of all, thank you for your time and the opportunity to conduct this interview. I would first like to ask you about your assessment of the security situation in Kosovo and what are the main challenges for the KFOR mission this year?

Ozkan Ulutas: In general, the situation on the ground is calm, but remains fragile. We are closely following any significant security developments, including in northern Kosovo and especially in some municipalities there, through a visible and flexible presence, which includes regular patrols and engagement with local communities. After rising tensions last year, NATO has deployed hundreds of additional troops. We have quadrupled the presence of KFOR in the north of Kosovo and tripled the number of patrols, including the area along the administrative border line. Our mission currently numbers around 4,600 troops, from 28 contributing countries, including NATO allies and partners. These are prudent steps to ensure that KFOR's mission continues to fulfill its mandate based on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999, to provide a safe environment for all communities that live in Kosovo and freedom of movement, at any time and impartially. One of our priorities is to build relationships and try to understand the concerns of local residents and their perception on security. This is key to maintaining a safe environment and contributing to the sustainability of the region. KFOR also continues to create the necessary security framework for the EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina to move forward. This is the only path to long-term peace and stability. We will continue our efforts to prevent escalation and are ready to respond to potential challenges, adjusting our presence as needed, consistent with our mandate. We continue to act as a third security responder, after the Kosovo Police and the European Mission for the Rule of Law - EULEX, with whom we cooperate and coordinate regularly.

Voice of America: Mr. Ulutas, many leaders and experts from the region are talking about the danger from the escalation of relations between Kosovo and Serbia. How do you comment on these concerns?

Ozkan Ulutas: As KFOR commander, I take their concerns very seriously. We are closely monitoring any security developments in the region. KFOR continues to implement its mandate based on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244, to ensure a safe environment for all people living in Kosovo and freedom of movement at all times and in an impartial manner. We have a long relationship already with all the communities living in this area. We engage with them on a regular basis. We know that all people living in Kosovo want and deserve lasting peace and security. As the Secretary General of NATO said during his visit to the Western Balkans last November, "stability in the region depends on all parties who must choose diplomacy over violence." NATO strongly supports the EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. Both parties must engage in good faith. This is the only way to reach solutions that respect the rights of all communities".

VOA: NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg warned in December of last year that the alliance is considering adding a permanent troop presence to Kosovo. How do you see this, do you recommend a permanent increase in the number of troops and what would be their purpose?

Ozkan Ulutas: Our mission currently consists of about 4,600 troops from 28 countries, including NATO allies and partners. However, we constantly review our presence and are always willing to change it as needed or as appropriate. After tensions last year, NATO deployed about a thousand additional troops to Kosovo. The deployment of these additional troops was a prudent step taken to ensure that we can continue to implement our mandate to provide a safe environment for all communities living in Kosovo.

Voice of America: As you mentioned, last year there were many tensions, especially in the northern part of Kosovo. What is your assessment of what happened in Banjska last September and what was the aim of this attack according to KFOR's point of view?

Ozkan Ulutas: First of all, the May 29 attack on KFOR troops and the September 24 violent attack in the north of Kosovo against the Kosovo Police were unprovoked and unacceptable. The perpetrators of such violence must be held accountable. We have asked the relevant authorities in Pristina and Belgrade to carry out the necessary legal investigations to establish the facts and bring those responsible to justice. All these attitudes were also expressed very clearly by the Secretary General of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, during his trip to the region last November. Under the shadow of violence, NATO deployed about a thousand additional peacekeepers and heavier weaponry to Kosovo. This has been the biggest reinforcement of our contingent in Kosovo in a decade and it shows that NATO is ready to keep the peace.

Voice of America: Commander Ulutas, in October of last year there was a gathering of Serbian troops near the border with Kosovo, which provoked many reactions. You are in constant communication with the Serbian military, what was their response and what is the likelihood of a new escalation?

Ozkan Ulutas: I have made it my priority to foster trust-based communication and coordination. As the commander of KFOR, I have regular meetings with many people, including representatives of Kosovo institutions and Kosovo security organizations, the Chief of Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces, the Chief of Mission of the European Union for the Rule of Law and representatives of the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the diplomatic community. I will not speculate on any future scenario, but what I can say is that we are fully focused on our mission, under a clear mandate of the United Nations. Our efforts are essential for sustainable security in Kosovo and for regional stability. We are committed to continuing to work closely with all international and domestic actors involved to reduce the likelihood of a further escalation of tensions. As Secretary General Stoltenberg said when he visited the region last November, “sustainability depends on all parties having to choose diplomacy over conflict. We will continue to support the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue by providing the necessary security framework for diplomacy to move forward. This is the only path to long-term peace and stability, for the benefit of all communities living in Kosovo. Belgrade and Pristina must take concrete steps to de-escalate the situation and refrain from further irresponsible behavior. EU-facilitated dialogue is the only way to resolve outstanding issues and reach a solution that respects the rights of all communities. This is the key to sustainable security in Kosovo and stability in the region.

Voice of America: Mr. Ulutas, what is your opinion on Serbia's involvement in the September 24 attack?

Ozkan Ulutas: Serbia is a long-term partner of NATO, through political dialogue and practical cooperation, fully respecting the policy declared by Serbia for military neutrality. Cooperation extends in particular to various fields, including military and scientific. Moreover, NATO and Serbia have conducted joint military exercises in the past. We look forward to further strengthening our cooperation. From my point of view, as KFOR commander, I would like to single out the regular channel of communication that I have with the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Serbia, General Mojsilovic. This is key to ensuring mutual transparency, situational awareness and identifying early warnings that allow us to avoid potential tensions. We are closely monitoring any significant security developments in the region. KFOR has a nimble, flexible and visible presence throughout Kosovo. We remain transparent and focused on the day-to-day and impartial implementation of our mandate. We are well equipped and ready to deal with any situation that may affect the security environment and we continue to operate as a third security responder, after the Kosovo Police and the European Union Rule of Law mission, (EULEX) .

Voice of America: Mr. Ulutas, American intelligence agencies have warned in the latest report that this year may bring new inter-ethnic clashes in Kosovo. What is your assessment of the inter-ethnic tensions and has KFOR taken additional measures to increase the level of security in areas inhabited by Serb majority in Kosovo?

Ozkan Ulutas: As you said, we can adapt to any development of the situation on the ground, but our main goal is to prevent any risk of renewed violence, as well as to consolidate a security framework favorable to dialogue and peaceful coexistence between all communities. In this regard, the daily activities carried out by our patrol units, our Liaison Monitoring teams and our civil-military cooperation personnel are essential. After the violent incident of September 24 against the Kosovo Police, tensions have increased in the region and as a result NATO has deployed reserve forces with additional capacities. Now we are developing more activities, especially in the north of Kosovo. These are prudent steps to ensure that KFOR has the forces it needs to continue fulfilling its mandate, at all times and in an impartial manner.

Voice of America: How do you see the military preparation in Serbia and the purchases made recently by Kosovo? Are you worried that this might put KFOR troops in the middle?

Ozkan Ulutas: We closely monitor any developments that may affect Kosovo-wide security and regional stability. I and all troops serving under the NATO-led KFOR mission are focused on fulfilling our United Nations mandate, ensuring a safe environment for all people living in Kosovo and freedom of movement. at any time and impartially. We will continue our efforts to prevent any escalation and are ready to respond to any challenges that may arise, adjusting our presence as necessary and continuing close cooperation with the Kosovo Police and EULEX, who are first and second security responder./ VOA