Germany and Austria increase troops in Kosovo
Germany has decided to increase the number of troops in Kosovo, after the recent incidents in North and on the verge of the Serbian elections, which have increased tensions.
The news was confirmed by the German daily “Der Spiegel”, stating that 550 troops will be deployed with the KFOR mission before May 6th.
Austria will also deploy 150 troops, since the Kosovo situation could deteriorate.
Der Spiegel adds that the new military units will be deployed on may 1st.
There are 5800 NATO soldiers in Kosovo, most of whom are German.
After the new incidents that took place in northern Kosovo, KFOR has increased the control in the area, in cooperation with EULEX.
A few days ago, the KFOR commander, Erhard Drews, asked the Kosovo Authorities to not take any action like those on 5 July 2011.
Reminding the consequences of this operation, Drews appealed the Prishtina institutions to act with maturity.
As for the local elections, official Belgrade held no clear stance. Some of their representatives have declared that they will respect the UNMIK decision, and some that Prishtina cannot stop the electoral process.
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