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International Support for Kosovo

The United States welcomes the considerable progress in Kosovo since it declared independence February 17, 2008, and continues to support the development of a stable, European-oriented, multi-ethnic democracy. We are committed to working with the Government of Kosovo and our European and international partners through the following organizations on continued growth and development to the benefit of all of Kosovo's citizens.

International Steering Group (ISG)

Following Kosovo's declaration of independence, upon the request of Kosovo's leaders, a group of States formed the International Steering Group (ISG) on February 28, 2008. The ISG is comprised of the EU, European Commission, NATO, the United States and 20 European countries that have recognized Kosovo's independence. The mission of the ISG is to support full implementation of the Comprehensive Proposal for the Kosovo Status Settlement of UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari of 26 March 2007.

International Civilian Office (ICO)

The International Civilian Office (ICO) supervises the Government of Kosovo's implementation of the Comprehensive Settlement Proposal, commonly know as the Ahtisaari Plan. The ICO is led by the International Civilian Representative (ICR), Peter Feith, who also serves as the European Union Special Representative (EUSR). Mr. Feith was appointed by the International Steering Group. There are approximately 200 international staff at the ICO.

NATO's Kosovo Force (KFOR)

UN Security Council Resolution 1244 mandated that an international security presence be deployed in Kosovo to deter renewed hostilities, maintain and where necessary enforce a ceasefire, and provide for a safe and secure environment. This presence was provided by the "Kosovo Force" (KFOR) composed of over twenty national military contingents under the command of NATO. Today, KFOR continues to provide a safe and secure environment, while standing down the Kosovo Protection Corps (KPC) and standing up the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) and its Ministry. There are approximately 15,000 soldiers in KFOR, including approximately 1,500 U.S. National Guard troops.

EU Rule of Law Mission (EULEX)

The European Union's Rule of Law Mission (EULEX) formally deployed throughout Kosovo on December 9, 2008. The mission works with the Government of Kosovo to supervise Kosovo police, justice, and customs, according to the Ahtisaari Plan. EULEX is responsible to the European Union Council Secretariat. At full strength, EULEX will have approximately 1,900 international staff and 1,100 local employees. The United States is participating in the mission with approximately 80 police officers, judges, and prosecutors.

OSCE Mission in Kosovo (OMIK)

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Mission in Kosovo (OMiK) presently has approximately 177 international staff and 664 local staff. OMiK's mandate of promoting democratization and institution building is presently reviewed on monthly basis as a result of a motion by Russian and Serbian representatives to the OSCE in January 2008.

UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMiK)

The United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMiK) administered Kosovo from 1999 until June 15, 2008, when Kosovo's constitution came into force. During that nine year period, UNMiK worked to create "substantial autonomy and self-governance" in Kosovo, gradually transferring competencies to the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government (PISG).

In June 2008, UN Secretary General Ban appointed Italian diplomat Lamberto Zannier to be the new SRSG. In December 2009, Zannier transferred rule of law authorities to the European Union's rule of law mission (EULEX) and ordered a significant downsizing and reconfiguration of UNMIK in line with Secretary-General Ban's report to the Security Council of significantly "changed realities on the ground" in Kosovo. The UN will continue to retain some limited, residual responsibilities, including dialogue with Belgrade, monitoring and reporting, and representing Kosovo in some organizations where it has not yet been recognized.