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At the moment, we have not seen any indication of possible riots or violent disturbances in Kosovo, says the new KFOR commander, General Franco Federici, in the first interview for the Serbian media. He came to Kosovo from the ranks of the Italian army and, when he took office, especially noted that he was proud to serve as the 25th commander of KFOR. He previously participated in numerous peacekeeping missions around the world, where he also met with Serbian soldiers, of whom, he says, he has a high opinion.
Will anything change now that you’ve taken command of KFOR? How many soldiers are currently on this NATO mission in Kosovo?
– KFOR, a NATO mission, currently consists of some 3,500 soldiers from 27 countries, including NATO members (19) and partners (8). This mission is conditioned by circumstances. Any future changes will depend on conditions and will be made by decision of the North Atlantic Council, NATO’s decision-making body. KFOR continues to fulfill its mandate in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999, which is to provide a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all communities in Kosovo. KFOR is doing its job successfully, thanks to the Alliance and our partners. KFOR’s mission has contributed and helped make Kosovo a safer place for 21 years.
Do the Kosovo Serbs have reason to worry about security?
– The security situation is stable. We continue to closely monitor all developments and are ready to adjust our position, in accordance with the UN mandate. At the moment, we have not seen any indication of possible riots or violent disturbances. KFOR has established good official communication with its Serbian colleagues and interlocutors, and I have an open channel of communication and dialogue with the Chief of the General Staff, General Milan Mojsilovic. This has helped maintain a peaceful and positive atmosphere in the region in recent years, and I am sure it will continue to do so as long as I am the commander of KFOR. Serbs are the largest minority in Kosovo. KFOR has established excellent and effective cooperation with them, as well as with all other communities, at the institutional and community level. Many of our liaison and follow-up teams (my eyes and ears on the ground) are located in Serbian municipalities and are in daily contact with the authorities and citizens. This is essential for coexistence and dialogue in a multi-ethnic environment. Security is based on cooperation, which is why KFOR works closely with all security partners. We count on everyone to be measured and we support all efforts to avoid tension.
How exactly does KFOR work in Kosovo?
– Currently in Kosovo, local and international security organizations act according to the concept of “first, second and third in the response line”, with the Kosovo police reacting first, who are responsible for maintaining security throughout Kosovo day to day. day. If the security situation deteriorates, the Kosovo police may seek the support of EULEX, the EU’s rule of law mission in Kosovo, which is second in line. If the situation worsens, KFOR can be asked to step in, third in the line of reaction. KFOR continues to be the first line of response when it comes to protecting the Decani monastery.
You mentioned Decani. Did you have the opportunity to visit Kosovo, especially the Serbian communities and the monasteries of the Serbian Orthodox Church?
– I met with local authorities and representatives of the international community. I also had a video call with Bishop Teodosije Šibalić and Father Sava Janjić. I have not yet met with the Serbian communities. My plan is to visit the most important cities and interesting places in Kosovo, such as the Peja Patriarchate. In that regard, I would like to emphasize that KFOR cares for all religious and cultural heritage sites, as well as that all must contribute to their preservation. In this sense, the security situation has improved significantly over the years. As I said, KFOR is first in the line of reaction to protect Visoki Decani monastery, while all other religious heritage sites in Kosovo are guarded by the Kosovo police and there have been no incidents. This is a good change that benefits all communities.
Serbia is a valuable partner
Serbian officers contribute to a good image
As far as I know, he has previously met with Serbian soldiers on peacekeeping missions around the world. What are your experiences with members of our forces?
– I am impressed by the contribution of Serbia to international peacekeeping operations. Serbian officers participating in peacekeeping missions around the world have a positive effect on the image of Serbia. Serbian officers are an example of how Serbia, through commitment and professionalism, has become a valuable partner in contributing to international peace and stability. I believe this is a joint success, as NATO is the one that provides capacity building activities that have enabled Serbia to achieve the level of interoperability necessary to participate in UN and EU peacekeeping missions throughout the world, in the Central African Republic, Lebanon and elsewhere. The Serbian army has been deploying its platoon for the protection of forces in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon since 2014. I was privileged to have a contingent of Serbian soldiers while serving as a sector commander in Lebanon. They were responsible for the security of the base where the UN forces are located. I really appreciate your dedication and professionalism.
Kurir.rs/Boban Karović
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