KFOR, EULEX step up their presence in northern Kosovo
Following the latest incidents in the north of Kosovo, the NATO peacekeeping force - KFOR and the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) have decided to step up their presence in that region, a joint statement said
(KosovoCompromise Staff) Monday, January 05, 2009
"KFOR and EULEX will not allow any kind of violence in Kosovo and will prevent all kinds of incidents, and will step up their presence in northern Kosovo to show their determination", it was said in the statement.
"KFOR and EULEX call on all citizens of Mitrovica and other parts of Kosovo to remain calm and to stop every violent activity ... KFOR and EULEX are ready to strongly respond to any kind of threat to the safe and secure environment and freedom of movement," the document added.
EULEX spokesman Victor Reuter said that his mission now has 600 policemen ready to deploy anywhere in Kosovo.
Meanwhile, Reacting to the series of incidents, UNMIK spokesman Russell Giki said that since December 9, the UNMIK police had not been operational and that the Kosovo Police Force, Kfor and Eulex are now in charge of security.
Giki did not want to speculate about who could have initiated the most recent violence in northern Mitrovica.
"I believe that it is not the time to play the blame game", Giki set out.
