Spain to withdraw troops from Kosovo

Scheffer said through a spokeswoman that significant changes in the NATO-led KFOR force "should take place as a result of a decision within the alliance when there is agreement that the political and the security conditions are in place."

NATO was caught somewhat off guard by the announcement Thursday that Spain was withdrawing the 630 troops it has been contributing to the Balkans peacekeeping mission.

Spain is one of five European Union countries that does not recognize Kosovo's independence from Serbia; however, Defense Minister Carme Chacon did not mention that fact in Madrid's decision.

Chacon congratulated Spanish troops during Thursday's visit for accomplishing their mission and told them" "It is time to go home. We are going home."

On Sunday, Spain announced it was flexible about the withdrawal.

"Defence Minister Carmen Chacon will meet NATO's secretary general next week to explain the reasons for the withdrawal and to reach a joint decision on a timetable," the spokesman said.

"The decision to leave has been made, but we can be flexible over the timetable, be it one year, 18 months or eight months."

The spokesman's comment marked a shift from the remark by Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero on Friday that the troops would leave Kosovo within the next four or five months.

Zapatero had been confirming Chacon's announcement of the withdrawal plan on Thursday.

The United States said it was "deeply disappointed" by the Spanish decision.