PRACTICAL REDUCTION OF ALLIANCE’S MILITARY PRESENCE IN KOSOVO AND METOHIJA BEGINS

BRUSSELS, AUGUST 12 /SRNA/ – NATO has begun practically reducing its military presence in Kosovo and Metohija, Alliance spokeswoman Allison Hart said.

Hart said the changes concern the peacekeeping mission /KFOR/ and that the “improved security situation in Kosovo and Metohija” enables changes in the size and configuration of the forces, but that the process could be reversed if the situation deteriorates. “We have begun the process of adjusting our military presence in close coordination with all relevant authorities and stakeholders,” Hart added. In June, NATO announced its intention to gradually adjust the size and structure of KFOR throughout the year. In the spring, KFOR had approximately 4,600 troops from 31 NATO member states and partner countries. The mission has been operating in Kosovo since June 1999, based on UN Security Council Resolution 1244.