The authorities of the self-proclaimed republic decided in October to change the mandate of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) and transform it into a national army, despite criticism from NATO.
Kosovo's parliament has adopted three separate laws providing for the creation of a Kosovar army.
“A total of 105 lawmakers present today have voted for [adopting the set of laws]”, Kadri Veseli, the speaker of the Kosovar legislature, said.
The session of the parliament was boycotted by the MPs that represent Serbian minority.
Commenting on the vote, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg warned that the alliance to “re-examine” its role due to the reform, adding that Kosovo And Serbia should evade any further escalation of tensions.
“I regret that this decision was made despite the concerns expressed by NATO. While the transition of the Kosovo Security Force is in principle a matter for Kosovo to decide, we have made clear that this move is ill-timed. NATO supports the development of the Kosovo Security Force under its current mandate. With the change of mandate, the North Atlantic Council will now have to re-examine the level of NATO's engagement with the Kosovo Security Force”, Stoltenberg said in a statement, published on NATO official website.
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He voiced NATO commitment to “safe and secure” environment in Western Balkans.
“All…
