Italian Army Major General Enrico Barduani, in his farewell speech as KFOR commander in Kosovo, said that the security situation has improved significantly, but he emphasized that concerns still exist due to some unresolved issues.
According to him, the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia provides a framework for resolving the open issues.
“Of course, the security situation has improved significantly since the beginning of KFOR, and tangible evidence of this is the fact that today KFOR forces have been reduced to less than 10% of what they were in 1999, an important achievement. Nevertheless, concerns still exist about security gaps due to some unresolved issues, and this is why KFOR’s role remains critical, and why it is essential that KFOR is seen as an integral part of the international community’s ongoing engagement. NATO continues to fully support the EU-facilitated dialogue for normalizing relations between Belgrade and Pristina, and KFOR is playing its role in this regard. This dialogue is a framework for resolving the open issues and achieving solutions that respect the rights of all communities. This is essential for long-term stability,” he said.
According to him, moving forward requires Kosovo and Serbia to implement existing agreements and for both sides to show flexibility to make the necessary compromises.
“But to move forward, as NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has consistently emphasized, it is important for Belgrade and Pristina to implement existing agreements, and for both sides to show flexibility to make the necessary compromises. But wise politicians must take care of the well-being of their people and the future of their countries. Therefore, they must be willing to compromise. If we look at the international security scenario today, I am convinced that now, more than ever, we need political leadership to pursue long-term solutions for the many unresolved issues that still affect Kosovo and the region,” he stressed.
At the KFOR camp, Film City, the Change of Command ceremony was held today. Italian Army Major General Enrico Barduani handed over the command of KFOR to Turkish Army Major General Özkan Ulutas.
