Switzerland had a vital interest in peace and stability in southeastern Europe, according to a defence ministry statement on Wednesday.
The new mandate is subject to approval by parliament and includes the possibility of stocking up the 220-strong contingent at short notice by 80 additional troops for 12 months.
Swisscoy has been part of the multinational Kfor troops in Kosovo since 1999. About 4,200 Swiss soldiers have participated in missions so far.
The troops are armed for self-defence but do not join peace enforcement operations.
The rightwing Swiss People’s Party has criticised the cabinet decision saying it was in breach of Swiss neutrality and went against a general trend of withdrawing international troops from the former Serbian province.
Kosovo declared independence in 2008.
There is a sizeable ethnic Albanian community from Kosovo in Switzerland.
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Swisscoy changes its focus
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It said in a statement that the numbers of staff involved in liaison and monitoring would be increased instead to reflect a change in duties. The Swisscoy unit, which comprises up to 220 people, is part of the multinational Kosovo peacekeeping force (Kfor) and has been in the region since 1999. Its infantry company has…
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The 220-strong unit, part of the multinational Kosovo force (Kfor), has been in the region since 1999. The Senate on Wednesday unanimously backed the House of Representatives in supporting the continuation of the mission in Kosovo which declared independence from Serbia in February. Speakers pointed out that stability in the Balkan region was in the…
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For some experts and politicians there are political and diplomatic reasons why Swisscoy should not remain in the former Serbian province, which proclaimed itself independent on Sunday. Swisscoy, part of the multinational Kosovo force (Kfor), has been present in Kosovo since 1999. The unit’s 220 members are mostly stationed in Suva Reka and their main…
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In the capital Pristina, as in the rest of the province, there is much evidence of the close relations between Kosovo and Switzerland. (Photos: Luigi Jorio)
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here. Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.