- NATO allied forces in Kosovo perform a crowd and riot control exercise to show interoperability of the allied troops of NATO Kosovo Forces (KFOR) and the local police force to protect property. (NATO photo by MC2 Stefanie Antosh. SHAPE PAO)
Flying home through bumpy weather from Pristina, Kosovo after a very full day visiting our Kosovo Force (KFOR) troops. Along with me are the Ambassadors of the United States, Germany, and Turkey to NATO. We spent a rainy, muddy day alongside 13,000 soldiers from over 30 countries — all deeply involved in the vital mission of maintaining a safe and secure environment in Kosovo.
The NATO effort in Kosovo has a long, successful history since 1999, and while the KFOR force will undergo changes, the mission will not change. I recommended earlier this year that we reduce our overall force down to 10,000 troops by the end of January, and that has been approved by the North Atlantic Council, the supreme political decision making body of NATO. I made that recommendation after careful study of the security situation, and progress by the international community in advancing positive civil-military cooperation.
Admiral Stavridis meets with Ambassador Christopher Dell, the United States Ambassador to Kosovo, at Headquarters NATO Kosovo Forces (KFOR) "Film City". (NATO photo by MC2 Stefanie Antosh. SHAPE PAO)
One important indicator to me of improving security and safety was the recent successful elections, which had a robust turnout including a sizeable portion of the minority Serbian population. This is a clear sign of the growing trust the citizens of Kosovo have in their own future.
Today, I climbed to the top of the high tower at Gazimestan to watch a KFOR, EULEX (EU Rule of Law Mission), and Kosovo Police exercise repelling a violent demonstration. The combined forces included Slovaks, Swedes, Spanish, Italian, German, American, and Irish. It was a spirited and realistic exercise, complete with over a hundred “demonstrators” who were role-playing. I walked away very confident in the NATO, EU, Kosovo Police Force ability to handle the current and future security situation, providing for a safe and security environment in Kosovo. I am encouraged in Kosovo by the teamwork between the UN, EU, NATO, and other organizations both public and private. This kind of “comprehensive approach” is the absolute key to security in this 21st century.
Admiral Stavridis is greeted by the NATO Kosovo Forces (KFOR) honor guard during an official visit to the Headquarters KFOR "Film City" in Pristina, Kosovo.(NATO photo by MC2 Stefanie Antosh. SHAPE PAO)
Over a cup of coffee, I spoke with the dynamic German Lieutenant General in command, Markus Bentler. His assessment tallies with mine about Kosovo: though challenges remain, capabilities are postured for success to fulfill our mission of providing a safe and secure environment. At the core of this success are our KFOR servicemen and women. At this time of year, it is important to remember that our servicemen are NATO, the EU, and the Kosovo Police Force ‘on watch’ for the people of Kosovo. Their service is exceptional, duty exemplary, and contribution vital to the security and stability we enjoy.
Adm. James Stavridis
SACEUR and Commander EUCOM
Friday, 11. December 2009
Kosovo will never be peacefull. As Macedonian I know that quate well (remeber the 2001, the Framework agreement is good but the appetite of the Albanians is rising as we speak). Kosovo problem have started in the 80s when a mighty country as ex Yugoslavia could not stop the ethnic Albanians to form a new country. I remember that Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, Macedonia, Bosnia and Hercegovina had policemen in Kosovo to stop the violence, but the idea of Great Albania was, still is and it will be strong. You can reduce the number of KFOR troops, but there will be a time when you will need more troops in Kosovo just to keep the peace among the ethnic groups, because Serbs and Albanians will never live together. One good thing about Kosovo is that it is in Europe and close to the NATO member states that have armies. Ask the Greek MOD what is their consern about the so called Albanian Army for Chemeria which want to take a piece of Northwest Greece.
Saturday, 12. December 2009
Dear Admiral Stavridis,
As TV KFOR Journalist I was paying attention to your statements during your stay in Kosovo, and I highly value your recommendations for reducing the KFOR troops in Kosovo based on your careful study of the security situation and progress achieved in Kosovo.
As a LCH KFOR employee, citizen of Kosovo, I still believe that security situation in some parts of Kosovo remains fragile and require attention; therefore I believe NATO/KFOR should be careful with the process of shaping its structure “reducing its troops in Kosovo”.
I personally find TV KFOR messages/video clips/KFOR promotions broadcasted Kosovo wide as a vital contribution to the security and stability in Kosovo. As such I think we should continue to promote KFOR activities as best as we can to reach a point where all communities including the minority Serbian population trust KFOR and its service for improving security and safety for them and for all Kosovars.
Adm. James Stavridis, thank you for your visit and for your efforts during your time as SACEUR and Commander EUCOM. You and your troops in Kosovo are improving our life.
I am proud to be serving as a TV KFOR Journalist in KFOR.
Regards, Benet Kaci
Tuesday, 15. December 2009
Adm. Stavridis,
Thank you very much for this update. I am sure you are quite proud of your troops – they are doing a fantastic job over there!
To put it very bluntly, we do not hear very much about Kosovo or the region any more. To me that is a very positive sign that a lot of progress has been made. The area is not the hotspot in the world it once was. It is fantastic that you are able to recommend bringing troops home from this region! Without our troops, a plan, and leadership, this success story could not be told.
Please pass on to your troops that we continue to be very proud of them and their sacrifices and accomplishments.
Merry Christmas to you, your staff and all of our troops abroad.
Frank Sides
LCDR, USN, Ret.