Minority Rights Protection and Human Rights Policies in ... - IFSH

aised the tensions between the populations of the different ethnicities. Miller answered that
there is a totally different structure now than before the war. This leads to tension, but all
leaders are speaking to the KFOR Command on a weekly basis. Facing the enormous
problems in the area of Mitrovica, KFOR deployed an operational reserve force with 600
soldiers. The incident in March 2004 also left many questioning if KFOR is able and willing
to interfere if riots broke out or a real threat occured, especially in the aftermath of the status
negotiations in 2007. Lieutenant Colonel Miller pointed out that the German batallion did not
move because there was no mandate given by the Italian general, who was in charge when the
March riots broke out. But still KFOR and the MNTF S improved their readiness, worked out
new Rules of Engagement and received new non-lethal weapons. Any uprising in the future
can be countered with good equipment, good structures and skilled soldiers. The uncertainty
over the status of Kosovo is a reason for the worsening of the situation.
General Hans-Joachim Fröhlich, Commander MNTF South
The Commander of the MNTF S General Fröhlich took some time to
answer some questions though his schedule was packed. He has been
the Commander of MNTF S for 40 days. The question of how long
the foreign troops will have stay in Kosovo was answered by pointing
at the process of what was going on in Kosovo at the moment. The
next step is the decision over the status question, after which a new
process of development will start, the general said. The interest of a
stable Kosovo is a German and an European interest, therefore the
troops will stay as long as it is necessary. Being asked if there is a
tendency for a new war in Kosovo after the status solution, the general
just announced that KFOR is ready to face every threat – if necessary
with the use of force. Another question stressed the relationship
between the civilians and the military. This relationship is a very good one, according to the
general, but the biggest threat is the organized crime. The concern of the Bundeswehr's
capability for all out-of-area missions in the future was not shared by the general. By 2010 the
Bundeswehr will be able to match all challenges that a modern army is facing – worldwide.
Field trip with KFOR to Orahovac and Sanovac
Minutes taken by Hilary Bown
General Fröhlich made it very clear that in his
opinion Kosovo is on the way to developing into
a region that is able to provide a hopeful future
for its youth. However, the current status is calm
but not stable.
After a short photography session, the group was divided into various vehicles to take turns
visiting the regional projects of the CIMIC COY (CIvil-MIlitary Cooperation COmpanY).
Each group visited both the small office in Orahovac and the elementary school in Sanovac.
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