France to transform its Kosovo force

France to transform its Kosovo force

January 29, 2009 – 11:25 am

French Prime Minister Francois Fillon said that France will seek to transform the KFOR troops that are keeping peace in Kosovo into a “reassurance force”.

Fillon said that such transformation needs to occur quickly.

Fillon comments came during a parliamentary debate on the French troop reduction in Kosovo, Chad, Central African Republic and Ivory Coast.

French Prime Minister did not specify whether French will pull out of Kosovo all together.

France has 1,800 soldiers in Kosovo and 146 civilians working with the EUs EULEX mission.

The French parliament and Senate should state their view on the extension of military missions abroad by the end of the day.

Earlier this month, NATO expressed willingness to redraft the military agreement they made with Serbia in 1999 that governs NATOs presence in the region.

Yesterday, Serbian and Danish Defense Ministries announced that they will continue their successful cooperation in the field of civilian military relations.

In 2009, Denmark will provide assistance to the development of the search and rescue service in Serbia and realization of a project for the specialization of redundant military staff.