The Federal Council wants to send more Swisscoy soldiers in the Kosovo

The Federal Council wants to prolong the Swisscoy mission in Kosovo until the end of 2023 and the maximum stock level of the Swisscoy restocking. The security situation in Kosovo and in the Western Balkans had deteriorated, he to his decision.

Nato was therefore forced to abandon the planned reduction of one-half of the multi-national Kfor troops, wrote to the Federal Council on Wednesday. Since the Parliament is to decide on the deployment of Swisscoy, adopted by the state government on Wednesday in the Embassy.

added-value of the female soldier

in 2017, the councils approved the most recent extension for the deployment of Swisscoy until the end of 2020. The stock of Swiss army personnel should be reduced in April 2018 from 235 to 190 and last October, on still 165 heads. The new message now contains in addition to the renewal in the years 2021 to 2023, increasing to 195 in April 2021. The approval by the councils is necessary, because of the use of the Swisscoy lasts longer than three weeks, and over 100 members of the army, as the defense Department (VBS) wrote.

As of today, the Swiss quota in the event of an increased threat for a maximum of four months may be reinforced with up to 20 persons. For any logistics and maintenance work, it can also be during up to eight months to 50 persons, increased.

The Swisscoy is to support the Kfor freedom of movement – it comes with a special impromptu road vehicles clear away locks. More points, news-gathering, as well as the appointment of staff officer functions. To have these tasks, the Swisscoy done earlier posts, writes the VBS .

In intelligence gathering, in conversation with the Locals of almost 20 percent, a relatively high proportion of women of Swisscoy is an advantage. "We employ women, because citizens of Kosovo are ready to talk with women," said army chief Philippe Rebord in Bern in front of the media. "This is a value of our soldiers."

stability

in The aftermath of the war in Kosovo weighed on the country and also had an impact on its relations with Serbia, said Minister of defence Viola Amherd . During a visit to the Swisscoy in the spring have confirmed your impression that the presence of the international security assistance force is still necessary. The risk that Kosovo once again an armed conflict breaks out, it will be assessed according to the information of the VBS as a low. But the Kfor should remain in place to ensure stability and safety.

This is not least in the interest of Switzerland, stressed Amherd and referred to the approximately half a Million people from South-Eastern Europe in Switzerland, of which around 200'000 of them from Kosovo. The army could pull out of the Swisscoy in addition, useful Lessons, for example, for the recruitment of volunteers for military peace support. The defense Minister referred, but also to the international solidarity. "It would be understood by our partner countries if Switzerland were to withdraw," she said.

For 20 years in Kosovo

The Swisscoy (Swiss Company) for 20 years in Kosovo present. In October 1999, the first 160 Swisscoy soldiers began their work in Kosovo, first of all, unarmed. You had to rely on the military protection of the Austrian and German comrades. Since an adjustment of the military service act of 2002, you carry weapons.

Since then, provided more than 650 women and around 8500 men a use for the Swisscoy. From 2005 to 2017, the Federal government gave for the Swisscoy an average of 38.7 million per year, the cost rose continuously up to the peak of 43.7 million CHF in the year 2017, prior to the reduction.

The question of when the use of the Swisscoy could be stopped, could not answer Amherd on Wednesday. "There are daily provocations and events that could lead to an escalation," she said. To avoid this, should a neutral be able to spot and quickly intervene to be. (step/sda)

Created: 27.11.2019, 15:16 PM