UNMIK/FR/045/01
FEATURE RELEASE - 8 June 2001

ComKFOR Speaks to Kosovars on KFOR's Second Anniversary
UNMIK and KFOR: Partners in Rebuilding a War-Torn Kosovo

By ComKFOR Lieutenant general
Torstein Skiaker

As we reach the second anniversary of KFOR's entry into Kosovo, I though it might be useful to take stock of KFOR's achievements since it first arrived here in June 1999. KFOR and UNMIK have different, but complimentary, roles.  Working in close cooperation, UNMIK is bringing structure back to the Province.  KFOR, in its turn, is providing the safety and security necessary to allow UNMIK to complete that work.

KFOR came to a Kosovo that had been ravaged by increasing violence over the past 10 years. Ultimately the situation had degenerated into a running stand off between the VJ and the KLA.  Thousand of refugees had fled, and the results of the NATO bombing campaign were apparent for all to see.  The Province retained little infrastructure and experienced an almost complete collapse of the institutions.  Much of civilised society had broken down and criminals prospered.  The judiciary operated, at best, on ethnic lines.

KFOR very quickly had to establish stability. In those first few months you will recall that there were no effective institutions, no police, and no judiciary and KFOR, in close cooperation with UNMIK, wrestled to provide a measure of security to the population.  KFOR also provided a credible and watchful deterrence to counter the FRY in any contravention of the Military Technical Agreement.  For as long as Milosevic held sway in Belgrade, there was a very real threat from the VJ.  To all intents and purposed that threat is no longer credible, but there are new and emerging challenges to safety and security in Kosovo.

KFOR is a powerful, well organised and exceptionally capable military force, since 1999, over 200,000 soldiers have been deployed as part of KFOR, which is now composed of 44,000 soldiers from 39 different nations.  As well as armour, artillery and mechanised infantry, KFOR also has a large contingent of support elements including engineers, logisticians and medical facilities.  KFOR provides you with protection and security.  You know that we will be robust when attacked, and will use precise, focussed, proportionate and deadly force if appropriate.   But KFOR is also impartial, approachable and friendly.  KFOR soldiers regularly collect money for local charities, and contribute to the local economy.   We do not take sides, we are reliable, dependable, and we deliver on our promises.  We are firm in holding up the mandate given under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244.

KFOR provides stability and security.  Not only are soldiers deployed to keep the peace during situations of heightened tension, but also they guard patrimonial sites, thereby ensuring that Kosovo's rich cultural heritage will be available to future generations.  KFOR escorts convoys allowing minorities to live in security, which in turn reinforces an impression of normality, and incidentally contributes to the favourable impression Kosovo has earned in the International Community.  KFOR protects the enclaves - of all minorities, irrespective of ethnicity.  We provide education, medical and dental care.  Our doctors provide treatment and medicine when other doctors ignore their moral duty on the basis of the ethnicity of their patients.  KFOR has organised the clearance of minefields laid during the war, deploys bomb disposal teams to counter terrorist attacks, takes in unstable ammunition and destroys it safely, and takes illegally held weapons out of circulation. 

You will have for yourselves seen the huge programme of work we have undertaken since we have been here.  KFOR engineers are involved in numerous construction projects.  We restored power and essential supplies after the war, and have built roads and bridges, repaired schools and houses, developed facilities for children, and have provided technical assistance to UNMIK, the International Community and the local population.

But this does not come without a price. 61 KFOR personnel have died serving here, and 253 have been injured.  The International Community has expended massive effort in restoring peace and stability to Kosovo.  Last year the European
Union alone gave 360 million euros to Kosovo.   KFOR soldiers are deployed every day, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.   Our lines of communication stretch through the Balkans.  We have camps in every town in Kosovo.  KFOR monitors the region ceaselessly, and is poised to react to any incident.  In sum you have far greater security than most nations in the world.

We have come a long way in the last two years in reducing tension, enhancing safety and security, and creating the conditions whereby the democratic process can flourish.  But there is still a lot to do. Organised crime remains a concern, as do the activities of ethnic extremists, both inside and outside Kosovo.  Ethnic intolerance, appears endemic, despite every effort to expunge it, and this has a very real effect on the internal security situation.   KFOR, is here, stands by its promises and will support the people of Kosovo.  But the onus is now on you, the residents of Kosovo, to take forward the work that UNMIK and KFOR has started, if you wish to capitalise on all that we have done for you.

Contact: P. Ellwood
(038) 504 604 Ext. 5471
E-mail: ellwood@un.org