PRISTINA, June 12 (Hina) - International peace-keeping forces in Kosovo (KFOR) marked the fourth year of their presence in Kosovo at a ceremony in Pristina on Thursday.
PRISTINA, June 12 (Hina) - International peace-keeping forces in
Kosovo (KFOR) marked the fourth year of their presence in Kosovo at
a ceremony in Pristina on Thursday. #L#
The KFOR commander, Italian General Fabio Mini, the commander of
NATO forces in South-East Europe, Admiral Gregory Jonston, UN Civil
Administrator Michael Steiner and Kosovo President Ibrahim Rugova
said in their speeches the KFOR mission had proven successful so
far, however, it still faced various challenges, including the
building of a multiethnic Kosovo.
UN Civil Administrator Steiner said that the presence of
international peace forces in Kosovo was still needed despite
changes.
Similar estimates were given by Admiral Jonston and Kosovo
President Rugova.
The KFOR, which at the start of the mission consisted of 50,000
soldiers, should be reduced to 29,000 by the end of the year because
of the improvement of the overall security situation.
(hina) rml