The Ministry of Defense emphasizes that Montenegro is and will remain a reliable ally, estimating that the transatlantic region can not be stable and secure without an integrated Western Balkans.
The Ministry of Defense of Montenegro two days ago stated that this year it will not send its soldiers to Kosovo, but this ministry today announced that the Montenegrin Army continues to participate in the KFOR mission in Kosovo and that the decision to expand the mission could not be taken due to the situation caused by the coronavirus, certain budget constraints and delays in approving the 2021 Budget.
The announcement of the Ministry, which is broadcast by the media, states that for such serious activities, such as participation in international missions and military activities abroad, funds are planned in advance and it is common that the process of planning, training, preparation and deployment last a longer time.
In this regard, we emphasize that such activities can not be carried out without a quality planning process “, it is said in the press release of the Ministry of Defense, reminding that Montenegro has been present in the KFOR mission with two members since 2018 , reports Albinfo.ch.
According to the press release, the Montenegrin Army is currently participating in the KFOR mission with a staff officer as Deputy Chief of Engineering in the Department of Engineering and Planning at the Mission Command in Pristina, while the Montenegrin Ministry of Defense is participating with a civilian. as a human resources advisor to the NATO Liaison Team, to the NATO Advisory and Liaison Team (NALT).
The Ministry of Defense emphasizes that Montenegro is and will remain a reliable ally, estimating that the transatlantic region can not be stable and secure without an integrated Western Balkans.
“Given that one of our priorities is a secure and prosperous region, Montenegro will continue to play a constructive role in strengthening regional stability. “Accordingly, we will continue to support NATO efforts in Kosovo, as far as we can,” the statement said.
Last week, after a meeting with Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic in Brussels, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said sending troops to the mission in Kosovo was a national decision of Montenegro, saying the Alliance would to welcome Montenegro’s contribution to the KFOR mission.
Djukanovic said there was no reason why Montenegro should not participate in the KFOR mission. He added that this has to do with “conjectures of a political nature”.
“Doubts try to strengthen those who are against Kosovo’s independence, who still think this was a mistake and who are trying to turn the wheel of history,” Djukanovic said, recalling that the previous government’s stance was that it should increase the military presence in Kosovo.
Djukanovic said that it is also the obligation of Montenegro, as a country from the region, to give more than other countries its contribution as a NATO member, for the stability of the region.
The Ministry of Defense of Montenegro two days ago had said that the army of this country, this year will not send an infantry platoon to the KFOR mission in Kosovo.
“Due to the situation created by the coronavirus and due to budget constraints, the Montenegrin army does not plan in 2021 to carry out joint activities and exercises, training or engagement of infantry platoon in the KFOR mission in Kosovo”, told the REL by the Montenegrin Ministry of Defense when asked why they had given up sending troops to the KFOR mission.
