KFOR decreases force to 10,000
NATO-led troops in Kosovo, KFOR, have formally decreased its size to 10,000 soldiers, stating that the move will not endanger security in the province.
(KosovoCompromise Staff) Monday, February 01, 2010
KFOR added that the newly-formed multi-national combat groups are "a powerful tool" for the security of people.
"With a new, significantly effective and flexible structure, 10,000 soldiers from 32 nations will secure the safety and stability of the people of Kosovo."
"KFOR has accommodated its structure and course to the current security demands in order to fully use its key advantages such as helicopters and reserves forces. This reconfiguration will not endanger security," KFOR claims.
It was stated that the security plan is still "carefully thought out in order to enable the KFOR forces to continue to successfully conduct their mission with small changes."
The final result will be the same: a secure and safe environment for all people in Kosovo, the statement claims, adding that KFOR's transition into its new structure is a result of the trust of NATO in its partner countries for achieving progress.
The new concept decreases the number of troops in Kosovo, while the "Over-the-Horizon" reserve forces are kept in the participating countries and are ready to offer support to KFOR, the statement adds.
NATO will remain dedicated to peace, stability, prosperity and the respect of human rights in the region, it states.
"NATO passed the decision for the reconfiguration of KFOR in July 2009, based on the all-encompassing evaluation of the security situation in the entire region," the statement concludes.
