Swisscoy changes its focus
The infantry division of the Swisscoy soldiers in Kosovo is to be reduced from 120 to 50, the defence ministry has announced.
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 been carrying out patrol services, security and guard tasks in rotation with other countries.
As requirements have changed, Swiss troops will now be divided into three eight-strong Liaison and Monitoring Teams, which will be stationed in Malischevo, Prizren and Camp Novo Selo in northern Kosovo.
The announcement was made as around 200 men and women arrived in Stans in central Switzerland to start their eight to twelve-week training ahead of their six-month peacekeeping stint with Swisscoy.
Last month, the International Court of Justice in The Hague ruled that Kosovo’s declaration of independence from Serbia – which Switzerland recognises – did not breach international law.
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