The United States are concerned by Kosovo’s announced intention “to change the mandate of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) without a constitutional amendment.”

The U.S. Embassy in Pristina, said Wednesday in a statement that they support the gradual, transparent transformation of the Kosovo Security Force into a multi ethnic force in line with NATO standards. 

“However, this transformation should be done in accordance with the Kosovo Constitution and through an inclusive and representative political process that reflects Kosovo’s multi-ethnic democracy,” the embassy said.

The embassy said that the adoption of the current proposed law would force us to re-evaluate our bilateral cooperation with and longstanding assistance to Kosovo’s security forces.

“We stand ready to engage in a consultative process with all stakeholders to achieve our shared goal of transforming the Kosovo Security Force in a manner that enhances Kosovo’s security, contributes to regional stability, and supports Kosovo on its path to Euro-Atlantic integration.” 

Kosovo President Hashim Thaci asked the parliament on Tuesday to transform Kosovo Security Force into Army of Kosovo. Thaci handed over to the President of the Assembly, Kadri Veseli, the draft law foreseeing the controversial change, stongly opposed by Belgrade, which does not recognize Kosovo’s independence.

“Kosovo is finally creating its army”, Thaci said. “Personally I feel very good with the name of the Kosovo Security Force and I think that this name is very appropriate for the army of Kosovo, because the citizens already have it in their hearts”, added President Thaçi.

Referring to the transformation process of the KSF, President Thaçi said that he would like that this transformation would happen just as we have attempted during the three years that passed, but such a thing was not achieved to be done because the parliamentarians representing the Serb community in Kosovo have made it clear dozens of times that they will never vote for the necessary constitutional amendments which enable the establishment of the Kosovo Armed Forces.

According to the Kosovo Constitution, the transformation of Kosovo Security Force into army needs a constitution amendment. But, for any change in constitution are needed the votes of at least 2/3 of 120 seated Parliament and 2/3 of Serbian ethnic MPs. But the Serb minority representatives are not willing to vote for the change as Belgrade strongly opposes the move./tvklan.al