"The situation in Kosovo is unstable and can easily escalate," says KFOR Commander Angelo Michele Ristuccia, adding that KFOR is ready to respond to any events on the ground. He emphasizes that a political solution is needed for peace and stability in Kosovo and that NATO supports the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina under the auspices of the EU and with the support of the United States. KFOR, he says, remains committed to its mission - to guarantee a safe environment and freedom of movement for all people in Kosovo.
"The situation in Kosovo is unstable and can easily escalate," says KFOR Commander Angelo Michele Ristuccia, adding that KFOR is ready to respond to any events on the ground. He emphasizes that a political solution is needed for peace and stability in Kosovo and that NATO supports the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina under the auspices of the EU and with the support of the United States. KFOR, he says, remains committed to its mission - to guarantee a safe environment and freedom of movement for all people in Kosovo.
KFOR Commander, Major General Angelo Michele Ristuccia, has held this position since October 2022, and he will be handing over his duties to a new commander from Turkey in October of this year.
During a briefing with Belgrade journalists, Ristuccia discussed the current security situation, particularly in light of the incidents in northern Kosovo on May 29th when KFOR soldiers were injured.
He emphasizes that a political solution to the Kosovo issue is essential, and it requires the willingness of both sides to reach it through dialogue under the auspices of the EU and with the support of the United States.
As he states, a constructive approach from both sides is crucial to create the necessary conditions for long-term stability in Kosovo and the region for the benefit of all peoples and future generations.
He added that events that threatened to disrupt stability required significant military and diplomatic efforts to restore a calmer and more balanced situation.
"They only confirm that a political solution can bring lasting peace and stability to this area. Many events, especially those from May 29th, confirm that political solutions are necessary. This is why NATO and KFOR fully support the dialogue mediated by the EU and the U.S.," said Ristuccia.
When asked by Demostat whether there is a greater risk of new conflicts, tensions, and incidents in northern Kosovo following the failed round of dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina in Brussels, Ristuccia acknowledges that the situation is unstable and that there is significant mistrust. However, he also notes that the mere fact that negotiators from both sides returned to the negotiating table after the incidents on May 29th is a positive development.
Source: BETAPHOTO/European Council/Frederic Sierakowski
Ristuccia also states that a political solution is the only acceptable one, emphasizing that KFOR is there to facilitate an open space for negotiations to reach a solution for normalization through dialogue.
As he explains, when there is mistrust, there is a high risk of misunderstandings and misjudgments, and KFOR is there to mitigate these risks, increase trust between the two sides, and prevent escalation.
"There is a risk. Thats why we are in Kosovo; otherwise, we wouldnt be there," Ristuccia said.
Ristuccia expressed hope that authorities in Belgrade are investigating the individuals who were involved in the incident on May 29th when KFOR soldiers were injured and subsequently returned to central Serbia.
He expects the perpetrators of the attack on KFOR soldiers to be prosecuted and brought to justice on both sides.
Ristuccia also mentions that he knows Kosovo authorities are conducting an investigation, but there is no new information regarding that.
In late May, Serbs in northern Kosovo protested after Albanian mayors of municipalities in the north, elected in elections boycotted mainly by Serbs, entered municipal buildings.
The protests escalated on May 29th when dozens of KFOR soldiers were injured.
When asked whether Kosovo security forces require KFORs permission for actions by police special units in the north, Ristuccia emphasizes that any activity that can potentially affect security in Kosovo must be coordinated with the NATO mission.
Consequently, Kosovo forces are obliged to inform KFOR and seek permission if they want to fly drones over the territory of Kosovo.
As Ristuccia explains, any flights must be authorized by the entity responsible for airspace, namely the KFOR command.
Ristuccia states that he has good relations with all stakeholders in Kosovo - Serbs, Albanians, and representatives of religious communities, including the Serbian Orthodox Church.
He emphasizes that all citizens in Kosovo, whether they live north or south of the Ibar River, want to live in peace and improve security conditions.
As he explains, KFOR has played the most crucial role in ensuring security in Kosovo since 1999 and will continue to do so, with a responsibility to all citizens who should have peace, stability, and freedom of movement.
He also mentions that the cooperation with the Serbian army and the Ministry of Defense is very good and professional and that this has not changed even after the incidents on May 29th.
KFOR has been deployed in Kosovo since 1999. It is the largest and longest-running NATO mission under the mandate of the United Nations.
Ristuccia met with the Chief of the General Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces, General Milan Mojsilovic, yesterday. According to the statement, they discussed the security situation in Kosovo and the importance of effective interaction and cooperation between the KFOR commander and the Chief of Defense of Serbia.
Source: The Ministry of Defense of The Republic of Serbia
Ristuccia also held a meeting with the ambassadors of the EU and the Quint, during which it was reported that they expressed gratitude for KFORs vital work in building a secure environment and ensuring freedom of movement for all communities in Kosovo, based on the UN mandate.
Published on September 20th, 2023
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