NATO to Gradually Reduce Peacekeeping Forces in Kosovo, Citing Stability

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) said on Wednesday it will gradually reduce the size of its peacekeeping force deployed in Kosovo since 1999 over the next year, citing the continued stability of the security situation. U.S. General Alexus G. Grynkewich, commander of U.S. European Command and NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, said in a statement that NATO and the Kosovo Force (KFOR) "remain committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all people in Kosovo." "It is this commitment that has enabled the current level of stability and the continued development of the Kosovo Security Force's capabilities. The current conditions provide an opportunity to further optimize the size and posture of the KFOR force," the statement said. NATO said the reduction would be moderate and based on individual nations' rotation and deployment plans over the next year. The alliance emphasized that the adjustment would be gradual and conditions-based, and that forces could be redeployed if necessary.