Situation Stable in Russian Peacekeepers' Area of Responsibility in Kosovo

The situation in Russian peacekeepers' area of responsibility in Kosovo is stable, Russian Contingent Commander Nikolai Kriventsov and the newly appointed Commander of the NATO-led KFOR peacekeeping force, Lieutenant General Fabio Mini of Italy, said in a statement Tuesday. Mini was visiting the Russian troops as part of a tour of all the contingents making up the peacekeeping force in Kosovo.

He said he was satisfied with the performance of the Russian military and with its willingness to provide comprehensive assistance in day-to-day affairs. The international military leader also appreciated the work of the Russian military hospital near the Kosovo center of Pristina, which he said was a great asset to the local health service.

As things in Kosovo are gradually coming back to normal, Russia has along with other nations pared its troops in the province. The total KFOR strength currently stands at 30,000 from 30 states, with the Russian contingent accounting for about 650 servicemen.