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Online Economy
- 3 October 2025 11:44
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Italian Army Major General Enrico Barduani, in his final speech as KFOR commander, while emphasizing that the security situation in Kosovo has improved significantly since 1999, added that there are concerns about the sustainability of security due to several unresolved issues.
He said that the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia is a framework for resolving open issues.
“Of course, the security situation has improved significantly since the launch of KFOR, and the most tangible evidence of this is the fact that today KFOR forces have been reduced to less than 10% of what they were in 1999. And this is by no means a small achievement. However, there are still concerns about the sustainability of security due to several unresolved issues, and it is precisely for this reason that KFOR's role remains critical, as well as essential to be seen as an integral part of the ongoing engagement of the wider international community. NATO continues to fully support the EU-facilitated dialogue for the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina, and KFOR is playing its role in this regard. The EU-facilitated dialogue is a framework for resolving outstanding issues and for achieving solutions that respect the rights of all communities”, he said, among other things.
Major General Barduani completed his mandate as Commander of KFOR, handing over the task to Major General of the Turkish Army, Özkan Ulutaş.
The change of command ceremony at KFOR Headquarters is being attended by the President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, the acting Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, and several of the acting ministers.
Ulutash returns to KFOR command: My priority is security for all communities
Turkish Army Major General Özkan Ulutaş has returned to the head of KFOR command.
In his speech, Ulutash pledged commitment and emphasized the importance of continuing the mission to ensure a safe environment and freedom of movement for all communities in Kosovo.
"KFOR has served Kosovo very well and is ready for any security challenge that may arise. I also want to thank KFOR for the respect and support given to its partners and the community it serves. As part of KFOR, my priorities during this mission have always been to ensure a safe and stable environment and to protect the security of all communities in Kosovo," he stated.