Wrote: Festim Rizanaj
The United States of America (US) on Thursday (August 15th) officially delivered 50 armored security vehicles (ASVs) to the Government of Kosovo, under the Excess Defense Items (EDA) Program.
In the Serbian media, the event was presented as an act of arms directed against Serbs in Kosovo and Serbia, linking it to their displacement through intimidation and repression. (here)
Serbian narratives about the donation of 50 armored vehicles are political and speculative, while the facts show that the vehicles were donated by the US to strengthen the defensive and operational capacities of the KSF and do not have an offensive character against Serbs, as claimed in the Serbian media.
What is known about the 50 armored cars?
The US delivered 50 armored vehicles to the Government of Kosovo, which according to the US Embassy will strengthen the defensive and operational capacities of the KSF.
"Kosovo, utilizing its defense resources, will bring these assets to full operational capability. This is another significant step in our joint commitment to strengthening the defense capabilities of the KSF and enhancing the security of our two nations.", the Embassy statement said. (here)
Acting Minister of Defense, Ejup Maqedonci, said that the delivery of 50 armored vehicles shows commitment to Western values and the progressive establishment of the KSF according to NATO standards. (here)
Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti said that the supply of 50 armored vehicles demonstrates the unwavering partnership with the US and represents an important step in strengthening Kosovo's defense capabilities. (here)
The Excess Defense Items (EDA) program, under which these 50 armored vehicles were delivered, is a US initiative that transfers military equipment unnecessary for the US military to allied countries, with the aim of strengthening defense, regional security and cooperation, where the beneficiary country covers the costs of transportation and maintenance.
The narratives of Serbian media and analysts versus the facts
Serbian media presented the event as an act of arming against Serbs, inciting their displacement through intimidation and repression.
The media built a narrative that this is a direct threat to peace and security, not only in Serbia but also in the entire region.
Analyst Nemanja Zavisic told "Novosti" that arming the KSF is another step towards destabilizing the Balkans. (here)
Retired Lieutenant Colonel Ljuban Karan said that the arming of the KSF poses a threat primarily to Serbs in Kosovo, inciting intimidation, displacement and repression. According to him, the armored vehicles are intended to be ready for activation during possible Serb protests, thus inciting a “silent exodus” and highlighting the lack of response of the international forces, which are entrusted with the security of Serbs in Kosovo.
Serbian narratives about the donation of 50 armored vehicles are completely political and speculative, not based on objective facts. They present this action as a direct threat to Serbs in Kosovo and Serbia, while the real facts show that: the vehicles were donated by the US to strengthen the defense and operational capacities of the KSF, under the EDA Program, and are not offensive in nature.
This was announced by the US Embassy in Kosovo, the acting Prime Minister, Kurti, and the acting Minister of Defense, Makedonci.