Ulutash: KFOR troops will be increased if security is threatened

KFOR Commander, Major General Oezkan Ulutas, told the leader of the Serbian List, Zlatan Elek, that the reduction of KFOR's presence in Kosovo will be gradual, will be based on security conditions, and that troops may be returned if relevant developments affect sustainable security in Kosovo and regional stability. 

Ulutash made these statements during a meeting with Elek, on Tuesday at the KFOR headquarters in Pristina, following the request of the leader of the Serbian List for a meeting.

At the meeting, according to KFOR, views were exchanged on a number of issues, including the security situation in the north and the implementation of the announced process for optimizing KFOR's posture.

Ulutash emphasized that this process was initiated as a result of the improvement of the security situation in Kosovo. 

He reiterated that the process will develop gradually and that it may be resumed if required by relevant developments that may affect sustainable security in Kosovo and regional stability.

Ulutash also emphasized that KFOR remains the first responder for the security of the Deçan Monastery and that it is committed to its security.

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Regarding the main bridge in Mitrovica, he said that the gradual transition of KFOR presence to Kosovo Police from the bridge is in the initial phase. After the completion of this process, KFOR will maintain a strong presence in North Mitrovica and northern Kosovo, for the benefit of all communities, according to the announcement.

The meeting with Elek was also attended by the deputy leader of the Serbian List, Igor Simić, the member of the Serbian List in the Kosovo Assembly, Jovana Radosavljević, and the mayor of North Mitrovica, Milan Radojević.