KFOR suspends training of Kosovo Security Force
KFOR Commander General Markus Bentler has decided to suspend the training of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) until further notice because its members appeared in the form of an armed formation in Pristina.
(KosovoCompromise Staff) Monday, March 08, 2010
This was announced on Sunday evening in Pristina by the NATO-led force's HQ in Kosovo.
The statement said that the measure was taken after "KSF's guard of honor" on March 5 in Pristina "appeared in the form of an armed formation during an event dedicated to the former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA)".
"This is not in line with the position of the KSF, which does not have a military status. Besides, the NATO flag was displayed during the festivities, which is unacceptable, as KFOR is status-neutral," Beta news agency quoted the statement as saying.
For this reason, KFOR's command decided to immediately suspend its support and training of KSF, with the developments depending on possible future talks. However, according to its representatives, KFOR has "lost trust" in the organization that was put together after the disbanding of the Kosovo Protection Corps.
Hashim Thaci's deputy, Hajredin Kuci, said that the situation "should be clarified", but added that "nobody should expect Kosovo not to behave like a sovereign state".
KSF is trained under NATO's command, and its mandate is to deal with elementary disasters. NATO has executive authority over the force until it reaches full operational capability.
