For the last 12 years, the mission of the NATO-led Kosovo Force
– KFOR – has been to maintain a safe and secure environment for
all the people in Kosovo. NATO is also training the Kosovo
Security Force to deal with civil emergencies, explosive
ordnance disposal or search and rescue operations and it is
protecting sites with a particular religious and cultural value.
More importantly, KFOR is maintaining a military presence to
create a climate of confidence and quell tensions when they
arise. Basically, the Alliance’s role is helping to create the
conditions for security and stability throughout Kosovo. It has
also helped to build the conditions necessary for other
international organisations, such as the European Union Rule of
Law Mission (EULEX), to do their job. However, this process is
long and gradual. Over 12 years after the creation of KFOR in
June 1999 under UN Security Council Resolution 1244, tensions
remain and KFOR’s presence is still required. For instance, only
recently, the situation deteriorate