Press release
09 November 2011
Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Defence
Continued Swedish KFOR participation in Kosovo
The Government has today decided to present a Bill to the Riksdag on continued Swedish participation in the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). The Government is seeking the approval of the Riksdag for an extended mandate until the end of December 2013.
It is proposed that up to April 2012, Swedish forces in KFOR comprise no more than 70 people, to be subsequently reduced by the end of December 2013, when the current contribution ends. In 2009, Sweden began a reduction of its contribution in connection with NATO's gradual reduction.
"As Kosovo's own ability to maintain law and order in the country is strengthened and more and more security functions are handed over to the Kosovo authorities, the importance of a military presence is reduced. It is therefore reasonable that the Swedish contribution reflects the general reduction," says Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt.
"Military commitments within the framework of KFOR will continue in 2012 and 2013, with the primary focus on the military Liaison and Observation Teams to which Sweden has contributed for more than a year. The Swedish reduction will take place under the condition that the positive developments in Kosovo continue," says Minister for Defence Sten Tolgfors.
Teleconference
Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt will comment on the Bill during a teleconference from Kosovo/Serbia, today, Wednesday 9 November, at 15.30.
To participate in the teleconference, please contact Press Secretary Anna Charlotta Johansson on telephone: +46 70 356 30 32.
Contact
Anna Charlotta Johansson(journalists only) Press Secretary to Carl Bildt
+46 8 405 54 73
+46 70 356 30 32
email to Anna Charlotta Johansson Mikael Östlund
+46 8 405 10 00
