NATO has reacted two days after KFOR announced the start of the gradual withdrawal from the permanent presence at the Ibri Bridge in Mitrovica.
In a reaction on the “X” platform, the NATO spokesperson, Allison Hart, said that the Alliance is adapting the positioning of the KFOR peacekeeping mission to the current security developments in Kosovo.
“NATO is working to ensure that our peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, KFOR, is adapted to the current circumstances, taking into account the improvement of the security situation. Under the steady leadership of the KFOR commander, Major General Özkan Ulutaş, we have begun to adapt our positioning, in close coordination with all relevant authorities and parties,” writes Hart.
NATO assesses that these changes reflect the progress made in creating a safe and peaceful environment for all citizens in Kosovo, as well as guaranteeing freedom of movement.
The alliance emphasizes that the change in positioning is based on conditions on the ground, while underlining that the process can be reversed if the security situation requires it.
“These adaptations demonstrate concrete progress in supporting a safe and peaceful environment for all people living in Kosovo, as well as freedom of movement, in accordance with the mandate of UN Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999. This process is based on conditions on the ground and can be reversed, if necessary,” she writes.
Two days ago, KFOR started the gradual process of leaving the permanent presence on the Main Bridge of Mitrovica, gradually handing over responsibility for security to the Kosovo Police.
The process will be developed gradually and in coordination with Kosovo institutions, Kosovo Police, EULEX and other security actors. KFOR emphasizes that it will continue to have a visible presence in South and North Mitrovica, as well as in the northern part of Kosovo, maintaining the capacities to respond to any situation.
