Czech army ends Kosovo mission
The main force of the Czech Army serving in the NATO operation in Kosovo has returned home to the Czech Republic, ending a peacekeeping mission of eleven years. Only a small group of soldiers now remains there to maintain the isolated Czech base at Šajkovac in the northeast of the country until the very last troops leave at the end of next year. The withdrawal also meant the end of an eight-month tour of duty for the 16th Contingent of the Czech Army. Earlier today we spoke with the contingent’s press spokeswoman, Captain Magdalena Dvořáková.
Do you feel like the Czech force was doing an important job in Kosovo in practical terms, or was it more a case of simply maintaining a presence?
“I believe it was both. The 16th Contingent was fulfilling operational tasks like all the other contingents since 1999, but there were also new tasks we had to do, because we were the last contingent, like handing over the security of the Gazimestan Monument, which is one of the most important historical sites in Kosovo. We also participated in monitoring the security situation in Kosovska Mitrovica as part of the tactical reserve force of KFOR command.”
And that security situation has now been calm for the most part?
“Yes, right now the situation in Kosovo is stable and calm for the long-term, probably the only location where we still expect some problems is in Kosovska Mitrovica, in the North of Kosovo.”
The Defence Minister says that forces could return within 14 days if needed, under what circumstances could that happen?
There is still a reserve battalion of 92 soldiers there, so you’re not really the last troops out; what are those soldiers going to be doing before they are withdrawn?
“Those soldiers are also combat soldiers but their main task will be to secure the base and take care of the facility. So they will be coming home in July of next year.”
