Thoughts about Successful NATO Efforts in Kosovo

Flying home through bumpy weather from Pristina, Kosovo after a very full day visiting our Kosovo Force (KFOR) troops. Along with me are the Ambassadors of the United States, Germany, and Turkey to NATO. We spent a rainy, muddy day alongside 13,000 soldiers from over 30 countries -- all deeply involved in the vital mission of maintaining a safe and secure environment in Kosovo.

I am greeted by the NATO Kosovo Forces (KFOR) honor guard when I arrived at the Allied forces forces base. (NATO photo by MC2 Stefanie Antosh)

The NATO effort in Kosovo has a long, successful history since 1999, and while the KFOR force will undergo changes, the mission will not change. I recommended earlier this year that we reduce our overall force down to 10,000 troops by the end of January, and that has been approved by the North Atlantic Council, the supreme political decision making body of NATO. I made that recommendation after careful study of the security situation, and progress by the international community in advancing positive civil-military cooperation.

One important indicator to me of improving security and safety was the recent successful elections, which had a robust turnout including a sizeable portion of the minority Serbian population. This is a clear sign of the growing trust the citizens of Kosovo have in their own future.

NATO allied forces in Kosovo perform a crowd and riot control exercise during my visit. (NATO photo by MC2 Stefanie Antosh)

Today, I climbed to the top of the high tower at Gazimestan to watch a KFOR, EULEX (EU Rule of Law Mission), and Kosovo Police exercise repelling a violent demonstration. The combined forces included Slovaks, Swedes, Spanish, Italian, German, American, and Irish. It was a spirited and realistic exercise, complete with over a hundred "demonstrators" who were role-playing. I walked away very confident in the NATO, EU, Kosovo Police Force ability to handle the current and future security situation, providing for a safe and security environment in Kosovo. I am encouraged in Kosovo by the teamwork between the UN, EU, NATO, and other organizations both public and private. This kind of "comprehensive approach" is the absolute key to security in this 21st century.

Over a cup of coffee, I spoke with the dynamic German Lieutenant General in command, Markus Bentler. His assessment tallies with mine about Kosovo: though challenges remain, capabilities are postured for success to fulfill our mission of providing a safe and secure environment. At the core of this success are our KFOR servicemen and women. At this time of year, it is important to remember that our servicemen are NATO, the EU, and the Kosovo Police Force ‘on watch’ for the people of Kosovo. Their service is exceptional, duty exemplary, and contribution vital to the security and stability we enjoy.

Adm. James Stavridis
Commander, U.S. European Command and
Supreme Allied Commander, Europe