KFOR tests Freedom of Movement Master

Independent Films, Documentaries, Politics

KFOR convoy today for the first time managed to deliver fuel and water supplies to the north of Kosovo. The convoy was part of KFOR’s ongoing efforts to test the freedom of movement, after Serbs began dismantling roadblocks in the area.

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Transcripts / Production notes / Scripts

AUDIO TRANSCRIPT

These KFOR troops near Mitrovica in northern Kosovo are accompanying a convoy to a remote crossing point on the Serbian border called gate one.
0.10
Their task is to deliver fuel, fresh water and a crane to a KFOR camp there.
0.18
By sending the convoy the Commander of the more than 6000-strong KFOR force, Major General Erhard Drews, is testing the freedom of movement in northern Kosovo.
0.30
SOT: Major General Erhard Drews
“Since the 16th of September when EULEX together with the institutions in Kosovo established a border regime at the respective gates, we faced a big number of roadblocks isolating the north of Kosovo territory from the mainland of Kosovo and at the same time preventing KFOR as well as EULEX from freedom of movement in that area.”
0.57
EULEX is the EU’s rule of law mission assisting Kosovo’s police, judiciary and customs. They man the border crossings in the north where these convoy is headed.
1.15



Ethnic Serbs in northern Kosovo don’t recognize Kosovo’s 2008 declaration of independence. They have been setting up road blocks – like this one here on the outskirts of Mitrovica –in an attempt to prevent the authorities in Pristina from seizing control of the border crossings.
1.35
On our journey with KFOR we still see several Serb checkpoints, but are able to pass without difficulty.
Just days ago the Serb minority here began dismantling road blocks. The result of local consultations says the Commander.
2.00
SOT: Major General Erhard Drews
“The mayors and the representatives of the northern people have been forced to be more compliant and to come to an agreement which is just in a very fluid phase. So at present we are testing to what extent they are compliant with regard to freedom of movement.”
2.16
The dismantling of many roadblocks by Serbs has helped deescalate tensions in the region.
The move also follows a recent EU-brokered agreement between Kosovo and Serbia to jointly manage their border controls.

2.30

SOT: Major General Erhard Drews
“Why are we assisting on freedom of movement? First because it is our core mission, second because as long as there is no freedom of movement in Kosovo, Eulex and the institutions in Kosovo are prevented from realizing the rule of law in this part of the country. There are no legal institutions, no working police and other institutions.”
2.58
As the convoy heads north it passes a former Serb roadblock at Jagnjenica near the town of Zubin Potok, where Serb demonstrators recently clashed with KFOR forces.
On the 28th of November, when KFOR moved to clear the barricade here they faced violent demonstrators. The soldiers used rubber bullets, tear gas and pepper spray in self defence. The clashes left scores injured on both sides. But the violence used against KFOR soldiers reached a new level.
3.32
SOT: Major General Erhard Drews, Commander of KFOR
“So far they were not that violent, so the use of lethal means like AK47s, hand grenades and Molotov cocktails that was the first time since three months since I took over command. And that inflicted heavy losses on KFOR, as a total of 30 soldiers have been wounded, fortunately only one soldier severely wounded, but other soldiers being shot at with wounds by firearms, by Molotov cocktails and by hand grenades.”
4.05
The Commander hopes that through dialogue and consultations these scenes will not be repeated.
Today’s convoy reaches the remote camp without incident. But we’re told the trucks have taken a detour to avoid a remaining roadblock.
The camp commander is happy to have the fresh supplies and the crane he has been waiting for up here for months.
4.25
SOT: Captain Brooks Askew, US Commander of Camp
“We’re here to keep the gate, the entry here into Serbia open. Here to provide security for the EULEX down there conducting customs and provide a safe and secure environment.”
4.439
The gate is open and as far as we can see the Serbs have cleard a roadblock further down this road.
4.47
SOT: Major John, Danish Army
“The change is that they have cleared it themselves on the Serbian part and we have had it clear here for a longer period. And now it’s totally open, but far ahead inside Serbia they had closed some of the road for the time being, we don’t know what the situation is right now but that’s in the Serbian part.”
5.03
KFOR’s test today has been successful. But
for EULEX vehicles it’s still a different story, they’re still unable to pass the remaining Serb checkpoints.
KFOR’s task to stay neutral but ensure freedom of movement remains a difficult but important mission.
5.20
SOT: Major General Erhard Drews, Commander of KFOR
“In pursuing our mission of pursuing freedom of movement we have to oppose those who prevent us from freedom of movement.”
5.30
I’m Mike Muehlberger reporting for the NATO Channel from northern Kosovo.
5.40

Tags

• NATO
• KFOR tests Freedom of Movement
• Kosovo
• Serbia
• bosnia