Commander of the Allied Joint Forces Command in Naples, Admiral George M. Wikoff, visited Kosovo this week to engage with military, civilian and local leaders, reaffirming NATO’s enduring commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment, as well as freedom of movement for all communities under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244, KFOR stated today.
“During the visit, Admiral Wikoff received operational updates from KFOR Commander Major General Özkan Ulutaş and observed initial efforts towards optimizing KFOR’s force posture based on conditions. Discussions focused on ensuring that KFOR remains agile, reliable and fully capable of fulfilling its mandate, while responsively adapting to the evolving security environment.” says the press release.
According to Admiral Wikoff, “KFOR’s optimization reflects the success of a comprehensive and conditions-based assessment of the security environment – not a reduction in NATO’s commitment.”
“Each adaptation is being implemented with the aim of ensuring that KFOR remains fully capable of fulfilling its United Nations mandate, while maintaining the flexibility to respond quickly if conditions change. The people of Kosovo should see this as a sign of confidence that NATO remains present, prepared and committed to the security of all here,” he stressed.
Admiral Wikoff also traveled to Novo Selo Camp, the Administrative Border Line, Dečani Monastery and Mitrovica, getting first-hand knowledge of KFOR’s operational activities and engagements throughout Kosovo. He also met with representatives of the Kosovo Police.
“During the engagements, Admiral Wikoff emphasized KFOR’s continued operational readiness, its visible presence in support of all communities and the importance of maintaining close cooperation with local institutions and community representatives. He also emphasized that the optimization of KFOR remains condition-based, noting NATO’s ability to respond to any changes in the security environment.says the press release.
