UNMIK/PR/1688
PRISTINA – After holding discussions today with Kosovo Protection Corps (KPC) commanders, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Kosovo (SRSG) Joachim Rücker commended the KPC for “the very positive and constructive way it has been contributing and continues to contribute to Kosovo society.”
“I think the KPC plays a very important role when we go to the next stage of Kosovo’s development, which is final status,” Mr. Rücker said this afternoon at Batllavë/Batlava lake, where he reviewed a KPC water rescue demonstration drill. Earlier in the day, the SRSG visited KPC headquarters and held discussions with KPC Commander, Lt.-Gen. Sylejman Selimi, and with KPC commanders.
“We discussed the Ahtisaari Plan, which foresees a Kosovo Security Force [KSF] and the drawing down of the KPC,” Mr. Rücker said. “We agreed that such a draw down must be done with dignity and honour and with the greatest respect for the sacrifices and for the contribution that the KPC is making for this society.”
The SRSG praised the KPC for providing civil protection and emergency services. “I was very impressed with this field visit today and with the demonstration of the civil protection capabilities,” he said. “It contributed once again to the high respect that I have for the KPC. I congratulate Gen. Selimi and his commanders. They have my support.”
As recommended by UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari’s Comprehensive Proposal, the new security force, the KSF, will be primarily responsible for crisis response, explosive ordnance disposal and civil protection. It shall also be prepared to fulfill other security functions that are not within the mandate of the police or other law enforcement agencies. All KPC members will be eligible to apply to join the KSF.
