The new head of KFOR is expected to be Italian, who will replace the general from Turkey, Ozkan Ulutaş.

NATO has confirmed media reports on who will replace the current KFOR commander when his term ends.

Major General Ozkan Ulutaş will leave his post on October 11, 2024. He will be succeeded by Major General Enrico Barduani from Italy, the announcement said.

Barduan’s name was mentioned as early as July, when Serbian Defense Minister Bratislav Gashić met with the Chief of General Staff of the Italian Armed Forces, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone.

“He expressed the desire that Major-General Enrico Barduani, upon assuming the post of KFOR commander, has excellent cooperation and communication with the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Serbia, General Milan Mojsilović”, announced the media in Belgrade.

The announcement states that KFOR makes a key contribution to stability in Kosovo and the Western Balkans, providing “a peaceful and safe environment for all communities and freedom of movement in an impartial manner.”

“During his mandate, Major General Ulutaş established close relations with the representatives of the institutions in Kosovo, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Serbia and the international community, including EU, OSCE and UN missions”, said the statement.