Post by MiG on Nov 15, 2007 16:15:19 GMT -5
EU's Bosnia force can respond to any new unrest: military advisor
(BRUSSELS) - The European Union's force in Bosnia could quickly deal with any unrest that might arise there due to political instability or tensions in Kosovo, the EU's top military advisor said Thursday.
"In 24 hours we can triple the number of soldiers in Bosnia without any problem," said General Henri Bentegeat, chairman of the EU's military committee, after talks in Brussels between the bloc's chiefs of defence.
Bosnia's tripartite presidency is struggling to agree on a way out of a political crisis sparked by the resignation of prime minister Nikola Spiric.
And ethnic Albanians in Kosovo, where elections are being held this weekend, are impatient for independence, ahead of a December 10 deadline for an end to negotiations with Serbia on the province's future status.
"We will be very attentive to the evolution of the situation, and of course we are ready, if necessary, to reinforce our forces there, being by a shift of forces between Bosnia and Kosovo if necessary," Bentegeat said.
He said the EU could also use its "strategic reserve" -- a stand-by battalion of around 600 troops stationed outside the Balkans region.
The bloc's EUFOR ALTHEA force numbers around 2,500 troops. The EU has no force stationed in Kosovo, but member countries who are also part of NATO have soldiers serving there in the alliance's 16,000-strong KFOR contingent.
NATO was not immediately available for comment.
A NATO diplomat said, on condition of anonymity: "The two forces (EUFOR and KFOR) have reserves which could be sent to the place where things are hottest."
Benegeat underlined that "the current situation is stable and there is no immediate risk" in Bosnia.
(BRUSSELS) - The European Union's force in Bosnia could quickly deal with any unrest that might arise there due to political instability or tensions in Kosovo, the EU's top military advisor said Thursday.
"In 24 hours we can triple the number of soldiers in Bosnia without any problem," said General Henri Bentegeat, chairman of the EU's military committee, after talks in Brussels between the bloc's chiefs of defence.
Bosnia's tripartite presidency is struggling to agree on a way out of a political crisis sparked by the resignation of prime minister Nikola Spiric.
And ethnic Albanians in Kosovo, where elections are being held this weekend, are impatient for independence, ahead of a December 10 deadline for an end to negotiations with Serbia on the province's future status.
"We will be very attentive to the evolution of the situation, and of course we are ready, if necessary, to reinforce our forces there, being by a shift of forces between Bosnia and Kosovo if necessary," Bentegeat said.
He said the EU could also use its "strategic reserve" -- a stand-by battalion of around 600 troops stationed outside the Balkans region.
The bloc's EUFOR ALTHEA force numbers around 2,500 troops. The EU has no force stationed in Kosovo, but member countries who are also part of NATO have soldiers serving there in the alliance's 16,000-strong KFOR contingent.
NATO was not immediately available for comment.
A NATO diplomat said, on condition of anonymity: "The two forces (EUFOR and KFOR) have reserves which could be sent to the place where things are hottest."
Benegeat underlined that "the current situation is stable and there is no immediate risk" in Bosnia.
Source: www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1195154221.86