The Minister of Defense of Kosovo, Ejup Macedonci, has stated that the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) can go to the north of Kosovo by coordinating with KFOR, and according to him, the non-involvement of the KSF after the last attack in the north relates to the 2013 pledge.
He said on Monday on KTV's Interactive that he is in coordination and cooperation with KFOR, until he informed that after every incident in the north he communicated with KFOR.
"Continuously, during every incident in the north, we communicated with KFOR. Even on September 24, I contacted KFOR, I expressed my readiness to support with troops and specialized units. Normally in the moments when they evaluate it... There is nothing that has stopped, but a preliminary coordination is simply required", said Maqedonci.
The Minister of Defense added that even after the last attack on the Ibër-Lepenci canal, he contacted KFOR, and he added that this was also done by Prime Minister Albin Kurti and the Minister of the Interior, Xhelal Sveçla.
"I believe that the request has been discussed with the prime minister, to support the Police and KFOR to carry out their mission in the north. KFOR is not a deterrent force, but for the security and stability of a partner force. With a NATO mandate, we don't consider the fact that we have to coordinate with them a stop. The KSF is a force designed to operate in every part of Kosovo. We intend to coordinate in advance with KFOR when there is a need to operate. KFOR has a mandate to protect the borders, to prevent the return of the Serbian occupying forces. And if KFOR continues to show seriousness in relation to the mandate", he said.
"When it is estimated that there is a need for participation, the KSF will be there (in the north) and this will be done in coordination with KFOR. I estimate that the KSF has a mandate to operate in the entire territory. The requirement for coordination is an operational issue, not a mandate. It is not in question whether the mandate should be the KSF in the north, the question is the operational aspect and the need for coordination", he added.
According to Maqedonci, in 2013, former Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi had committed to this issue "not of his own free will".
"No prime minister would make a unilateral commitment, I believe that there was an agreement by which he was asked to pledge to not engage the KSF in the north with KFOR. I do not agree that that commitment was made at that time when the KSF had a limited mandate. I appreciate that the country should respect the promise. This commitment was made in an organization where we intend to be very soon", he added.
