CNN Indonesia
Sunday, 01 Oct 2023 05:30 WIB
NATO is ready to increase its peacekeeping forces in Kosovo after clashes in the region. (AFP/STRINGER)
Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) said it was ready to increase its peacekeeping force in Kosovo after clashes occurred in the area.
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday (28/9) local time that he had authorized additional troops to deal with the situation. There are no details about the steps that will be taken.
However, the British Ministry of Defense said it had provided a battalion of between 500 and 650 troops known as KFOR.
The British Ministry of Defense added that the battalion had just arrived in Kosovo for an exercise that had been planned for a long time.
“We will always take all necessary measures to maintain a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all people living in Kosovo,” said Stoltenberg, quoted by AFP on Saturday (30/9).
Another NATO official said KFOR had decided to increase its presence and activities in northern Kosovo.
KFOR is said to have increased its presence in Kosovo since last May by deploying around 500 Turkish troops, who were later replaced by Bulgarian and Greek troops.
He added KFOR was ready to make “further adjustments” if necessary to fulfill its peacekeeping mandate.
Meanwhile, the White House on Friday (29/9), detected a large buildup of Serbian troops on the Kosovo border and urged Belgrade to withdraw them to avoid destabilizing the situation.
A shootout and murder of a Kosovo police officer occurred in a monastery located in a village near the Serbian border on Sunday (24/9).
The situation marks one of the most serious escalations in the former breakaway province in years.
(fby/chri)
2023-09-30 22:30:00
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