Czechs and Slovaks to withdraw from Kosovo

The Czech Republic is seriously reducing its presence in Kosovo. By October, its 270 troops will pull out. A total of 90 soldiers will stay in Kosovo who will be in charge of the Czech Sajkovac base.

"If the situation keeps developing like now, I presume that the end may come by next summer," Vondra said.

Nevertheless, the Czech Republic is not "fleeing" Kosovo, Vondra said.

It will set aside a reserve battalion that may return within 14 days in the event of serious problems in Kosovo. As a result, the Czech Republic will keep maintaining its base there, he added.

Vondra said there was not so much to be done in Kosovo for a large Czech contingent to be present.
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his year, the Czech Republic approved the Kosovo mission of up to 550 soldiers. However, due to the continual pullout, about 300 soldiers have been there.

From October on, they will only be replaced with 90 troops, Vondra said, adding that the reduction of the mission was connected with the Czech Republic's plan to strengthen its presence in Afghanistan by 200 troops.

Budget constraints have played a role as well, he added.

Slovakia approved on Wednesday a complete withdrawal of the country's troops from Kosovo by the end of the year, allowing upped deployment of its forces in Afghanistan, the defence ministry said.

"Slovakia will withdraw all 140 troops currently operating in Kosovo by the end of the year," ministry spokesman Richard Sumeghy told AFP.

"The withdrawal will enable Slovakia to strengthen its presence in the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan," he added.

But he did not say how many troops would be added to the 300 Slovak soldiers currently operating in Afghanistan, most of them guarding the air base in Kandahar, the traditional stronghold of Taliban insurgents.

According to Sumeghy, Slovakia's centre-right government, in power since July, will reconsider the pledge made by the previous government to double the country's troops in Afghanistan to around 500.