NATO-led peacekeeping forces (KFOR) started Tuesday a military exercise in Serb-dominated area of northern Kosovo.

KFOR peacekeepers were engaged in the two-day exercise at the Gazivoda Lake vicinity, close to Zubin Potok, said Etienne du Fayet, KFOR spokesperson, adding that the international military forces were exercising the deployment of personal and equipment intense areas.

"It also permits the KFOR troops to be able to react swiftly all over Kosovo if the situation needs it," said du Fayet.

Other military armored vehicles and helicopters will join the exercise from central Kosovo.

The area of the exercise is calm, said military authorities, but it remains tense. Heavily KFOR military personnel and equipment is based in northern Kosovo after the unilateral declaration of independence on February 17. Only two days later, angry Serbs set on fire two crossing points between Kosovo and Serbia. One of them is in the area of Tuesday's military exercise.

KFOR commander Xavier de Marnhac said earlier that peacekeeping forces are acting in conformity with UN Security Council Resolution 1244, securing safe environment for all Kosovo citizens. KFOR has no plans for additional troops in area, except normal rotation, said de Marnhac.

Kosovo's Deputy Prime Minister Hajredin Kuqi said Tuesday Kosovo needs a unique decision-making center regarding the border protection.

"We asked from our international partners to have an international security center, to extend its authority in all Kosovo territory," said Kuqi.

Foreign Ministers of some EU members proposed Monday in Brussels that UNMIK authority may secure northern Kosovo borders.

Kuqi said that Pristina government still does not have a final position if UNMIK may protect Kosovo borders.

Borders protection in the north remains a serious challenge for Kosovo. Last Saturday, almost three weeks after the declaration of independence, Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci was able to unveil the first border sign with "Welcome to Republic of Kosovo" inscription in Albanian-dominated area. Two more signs were unveiled by Kosovo authorities on Tuesday.

In northern parts, local Serbs strongly oppose any sign of Kosovo statehood. They consider it illegal and false.

(Xinhua News Agency March 12, 2008)