From Safet Kabashaj, Southeast European Times:  Kosovo authorities plan to transform the lightly-armed Kosovo Security Force into an army this year. The force, which was established in January 2009 according to the Ahtisaari Plan, is comprised of 2,500 active and 800 reserve multi-ethnic members. It is primarily responsible for crisis response.

In the last four years, the force operated under KFOR supervision to become a professional structure. KFOR mentored and supervised its development, reporting its achievements to NATO, which will make the final decision on the future of the force.

Alexander Willing, KFOR spokesman, told SETimes that the security force has made great progress, but its full operational capability will be determined by NATO.

"NATO nations are considering the right time for the KSF final endorsement," Willing said. "The North Atlantic Council, NATO’s highest decision-making body, will make a political decision based on the assessment of NATO’s military authorities."

The council is expected to decide on the force’s status at its June meeting.

Kosovo officials are optimistic. . . .

KSF Minister Agim Ceku told parliament last month that "2013 is going to be the year of the Kosovo Army."  (photo: Ministry for the Kosovo Security Forces)