![]() This is an integral part of Germany’s foreign policy. We all agree in this House that military intervention can only ever be the last resort in international politics. We’re confident that renewed reductions will soon be possible. The mandate I’m presenting to the Bundestag today together with the Federal Defence Minister provides for a reduction in the ceiling on Bundeswehr forces from 3500 to 2500. Precisely because KFOR was successful, we can now greatly reduce the mission together with our Allies. Precisely because KFOR was successful, the soldiers have been able to focus more on training security forces in Kosovo since last year. The mission’s success is also reflected in the new tasks performed by KFOR. This improvement in the security situation is due to the long standing efforts of KFOR. Two years after the declaration of independence, the situation in Kosovo is stable. ![]() That has to be said again, ladies and gentlemen, especially at this current point in time. ![]() This experience in the nineties, when war and destruction came to our own continent, is a reminder that European integration most certainly hasn’t had its day as a peace project. In the 1990s, we were forced to accept that Europe wasn’t able to prevent the return of war and destruction to its own soil. Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, Members of this House,ĭuring the last 20 years, the Western Balkans have reminded us in a most painful manner that peace in Europe cannot be taken for granted. ![]()
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