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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

French soldiers in Kosovo will do everything to prevent province’s destabilisation

Paris/Belgrade, 5 December 2007

Serbian Minister of Defence Dragan Sutanovac got assurances today from French officials that this country will do everything to prevent possible destabilisation of Kosovo-Metohija after December 10.

Herve Morin, left, and Dragan Sutanovac

Author: Fonet

Sutanovac met today with French Minister of Defence Herve Morin, who offered assurances and guarantees that the French troops of KFOR, disposed at one of the most risky places between Serbs and Albanians, will react if anyone tries to destabilise that part of Serbia.

French troops will do everything to prevent conflict as well as those who wish to destabilise the region, the Serbian Minister said after meeting with his French colleague with whom he discussed security situation in Kosovo, military and economic cooperation as well as cooperation in the field of military training.

According to him, the security situation in the south of Serbia, western Macedonia and the whole region was described as relatively safe, but is under question mark following December 10.

Any attempt to destabilise the situation in Kosovo must not surprise France or NATO, Sutanovac stressed and added that he was assured that the violence of March 17, 2004 must not be repeated in Kosovo-Metohija.

The Minister also recalled that last week top NATO representatives promised him that 16,000 KFOR members will intervene in case of an attempt to destabilise Kosovo-Metohija or if any activities against non-ethnic Albanian populations in the province should begin.

As for political issues concerning Kosovo-Metohija, the French Defence Minister stressed it is the interest of France and its army that nothing unexpected should transpire in that part of Serbia.

Speaking about military and economic cooperation, Sutanovac recalled that Serbia is about to conclude the tender for procuring telecommunications equipment and that there is a possibility to buy this equipment from the French army.

According to Sutanovac, Serbia will need a licence of the French government for that, and Morin voiced belief that this matter will be solved.

During the one-day visit to France, Sutanovac will talk with Deputy Director-General of Political Affairs and Security at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs Gerrard Areaux.