France has played role in solving the issue with the status of Kosovo, and within the European Union, in reaching a consensus on the deployment of the EULEX mission. French Minister of Foreign and European AffairsBernard Kouchner has been involved in the search for an agreement. He was the first UN Special Representative of the Secretary General for Kosovo when the United Nations took over from Serbia in June 1999, in administration of the territory.[citation needed]
On the day of Kosovo's declaration of independence, France instantly recognised Kosovo.
France intends to pursue its actions promoting stability in the Balkans and the development of Kosovo. The French KFOR contingent, tasked with the country's security, will be maintained. KFOR is led by French GeneralXavier Bout de Marnhac until September 2008. France will send a large contingent of police officers, judges, judicial experts, and prison and customs staff to the EULEX mission, which will be led by one of its compatriots, Mr. Yves de Kermabon. Finally, France will continue its involvement in the International Steering Group, tasked with watching over the implementation of the provisions of the Ahtisaari plan.[citation needed]
Military
France participated in the 1999 NATO bombing of Yugoslavia, which resulted in a UN administration of Kosovo and then to eventual independence. France currently has 1,368 troops serving in Kosovo as peacekeepers in the NATO led Kosovo Force. Originally, there were 7,000 French troops in KFOR.[3] Marcel Valentin was the 6th KFOR Commander from 3 October 2001 until 4 October 2002. Yves de Kermabon was the 9th KFOR Commander from 1 September 2004 until 1 September 2005. Xavier de Marnhac was the 12th KFOR Commander from 31 August 2007 until 29 August 2008.
Emigration from Kosovo
There are a number of Kosovar Albanians living in France. Many fled there during the Kosovo War.[citation needed]
