The Free Press, Mankato, MN

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February 19, 2008

Local troops calm Kosovo tensions

Tanner Kent

Vitina, KOSOVO — Tensions have surged but the situation remains under control in a southeastern Kosovo city where hundreds of Minnesota troops are stationed.

Lt. Col. Michael Funk said during a Monday morning conference call that the atmosphere is non-violent in the city of Vitina, where he commands more than 400 troops from Mankato, Rochester, Austin and St. Paul.

Political activity surged around the country after Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia on Sunday. Some riots did break out in the capital city of Belgrade while Funk said there were skirmishes in a few northern Kosovo cities and outside the United States and Slovenian embassies.

“In Vitina, we did have some isolated incidents of people firing weapons into the air, which is a form of celebration,” Funk said. “But we have had no physically motivated incidents. ... The atmosphere is tense but calm.”

Already today, Britain, France, Germany and Italy have recognized the fledgling nation with the United States offering unofficial support. Russia and Serbia have called Kosovo’s act of independence illegal.

Funk said his troops have built relationships with both the Albanian majority and Serbian minority in Vitina through concentrated outreach efforts. Those relationships, Funk said, helped foster peaceful independence celebrations on Sunday.

But Funk did recognize the potential for a breakdown if the United States extends official diplomatic recognition to Kosovo.

“I tell my troops, ‘Expect the best, but prepare for the worst,’” Funk said. “And we are expecting tense times for the next month or two.”

For complete story, see Tuesday, Feb. 19 print edition or access the full story by registering for the e-edition by clicking here



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