On Thursday, 3 September, the Saeima adopted a decision on the participation of the troops of the National Armed Forces (NAF) in the international mission in Kosovo (KFOR), lead by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), until 31 December 2023.

As stated in the summary of the draft decision, Latvia already participated in the KFOR mission from February 2000 to August 2009 with units of various sizes and specialisation, but now, upon the call of NATO’s Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe and the subsequent assessment of the possible opportunities and risks, it was concluded that Latvia could contribute one light infantry company to the U.S.-lead multinational battalion of the RC-E.

According to the summary, the contingent shall not exceed 160 troops, and their main tasks will include patrol, company defence, maintaining combat capabilities (self-training) and acting as a quick response task force. Participation in KFOR would enable the Latvian NAF to continue improving its strategic cooperation and compatibility with NATO and the armed forces of allied countries within the region, as well as to build its military capabilities by completing tasks in various regions of the mission.

The summary states that, by participating in this mission, the NAF would take part in an international peacekeeping mission which aims to restore and maintain peace in the conflict zones; according to the rules of engagement, the troops are only allowed to use military force in self defence.

The decision of the Saeima shall enter into force at the time of its adoption.

Saeima Press Service