Government supports the continued participation of National Armed Forces in the international peace-support operation in Kosovo
On Tuesday, 4 July, Cabinet of Ministers supported the continued participation of National Armed Forces in NATO’s international peace-support operation in Kosovo until 31 December 2025.
Decision of the Cabinet of Ministers will now need to go through the approval process in the parliament, Saeima.
Previous decisions ensured participation of National Armed Forces in NATO’s international peace-support operation in Kosovo until 31 December 2023. However, growing tensions on the European borders and need to manage the situation, Latvia’s international commitments towards NATO and bilateral partners, have led to Latvia’s decision to extend the participation of Latvian troops in this NATO operation.
Latvia is contributing an infantry company to NATO’s international peace-support operation in Kosovo. It is integrated in the US-led multinational battalion, which is responsible for patrolling, protection of battalion, maintaining of combat capabilities and other rapid reaction tasks.
Following the adoption of UN Security Council resolution in 1999, to end the prolonged ethnic conflict in the Balkans, NATO international peace-support operation in Kosovo began in June 1999. The main objective of the operation was to create and maintain safe environment and provide freedom of movement throughout the Kosovo territory for all citizens irrespective of their ethnic background. It also supports and coordinates international humanitarian efforts, development of Kosovo Force and peaceful, stable development of Kosovo as a democratic and multi-ethnic state.
Latvia previously contributed units and troops of various specialities to the operation also between February 2000 and August 2009. Latvia decided to return to operation in 2020 upon invitation of deputy commander of the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe.
Contact information:
Roberts Skraučs
Head of the Media Relations Section
Military Public Affairs Department
Tel.: 67335393
E-mail: roberts.skraucs@mod.gov.lv