Defense Minister calls for de-escalation
Vienna (OTS) – There are currently 273 Austrian soldiers deployed in Kosovo, although no Austrian soldiers have been injured in the unrest in recent days. The Austrian contingent has increased troop protection and is using armored vehicles and corresponding personal protective equipment to monitor new developments in the affected regions. The top priority for KFOR soldiers is to de-escalate the situation in order to create a safe environment and freedom of movement for all communities in Kosovo.
“Due to its geographical proximity, Austria has a special interest in the peaceful and stable development of the entire Balkan region. Austria has set itself the objective of accompanying the Western Balkan countries on their path to the EU and, if possible, neutralizing all negative influences. In Kosovo, in particular, increasing security policy stability is absolutely important and I therefore call on all sides to de-escalate,” said Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner.
The Austrian Armed Forces have been active in Kosovo since 2 July 1999. The basis for this is the mandate of UN Resolution 1244 of 1999 and the resolution of the Federal Government. The main task of the “Kosovo Force” (KFOR) is to ensure a safe environment and freedom of movement for all communities in Kosovo. The Austrian Armed Forces contribute to the maintenance of public order and security, support international organizations and help with the reconstruction of the region. The deployment of peacekeepers in Kosovo is under NATO leadership.
army abroad
There are currently more than 1,800 troops deployed in Germany and abroad – nearly 800 of them in twelve peacekeeping missions. Austria’s three main foreign missions are under the direction of the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina, under NATO leadership in the Kosovo mission and in the UN peacekeepers mission in Lebanon.
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