KFOR commander discusses tensions with Kosovo minister

KFOR Jarinje Kosovo
Tanjug/AP/Visar Kryeziu

KFOR commander Major General Angelo Michele Ristuccia discussed tensions following the outcome of Monday’s top-level talks in Brussels with Kosovo Internal Affairs Minister Xhelal Svecla, a press release said.

It said that the general appealed to all parties to avoid any actions or statements that could lead to a worsening of the situation and called them to act responsibly and take an active part in maintaining security adding that this is important to avoid any renewed escalation.

Svecla said in a Facebook post that the Kosovo Police is “committed and ready to provide order and security throughout the Republic of Kosovo in close coordination with our international partners and allies”. “The safety of all, without distinction, is our constitutional and legal mission, duty and mandate that we will execute meticulously and decisively,” he added.

The KFOR press release said that General Ristuccia “remains in close contact with all the main interlocutors” including the EULEX chief, representatives of Kosovo institutions and security services, and the Serbian Armed Forces Chief.

“KFOR remains vigilant and continues to enforce its UN mandate, with all its available capacities, for a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all people of Kosovo, under UN Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999,” the press release said.