Russia does not plan so far a further reduction of number of its peacekeeping forces in the Balkans

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov stated that Russia did not plan so far a further reduction of the number of its peacekeeping forces in the Balkans. This statement was made by Sergei Ivanov on Monday, answering the questions of reporters.

The Russian Defence Minister underscored that Russia had already cut the number of its peacekeepers - for instance in Bosnia there are now only 350 servicemen. According to Sergei Ivanov, these measures were taken, because Russia "does not see now a direct threat to itself from the territory of the Balkans." However, as the Russian Defence Minister emphasised, if the United Nations "takes some other decisions, we shall proceed from a new situation."