Defence Minister on Kosovo trip to explain force reduction

Czech Defence Minister Alexandr Vondra visited Czech soldiers serving in Kosovo on Monday and talked with members of the local government from the former Serbian province. Mr. Vondra outlined Czech plans for reducing its peacekeeping force in Kosovo from the current 270 to around 90 in October. If the current security situation there does not worsen the full force could be withdrawn by next summer, Mr. Vondra said. Cost savings are the main reason for the reduction. At the same time Prague has outlined plans to boost its presence in Afghanistan by sending around 200 extra troops.

Author: Chris Johnstone