US criticizes Spain for KFOR withdrawal

Commenting on Spain's desicion to withdraw all of its 632 troops from Kosovo, US state department spokesman Robert Wood said: "We are deeply disappointed by this decision taken by Spain." The US says the mission is far from over.

Spanish prime minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero defended the decision by pointing out how the stability in Kosovo had increased. A spokesman for Spain's socialist party said the decision is tied to Kosovo's declaration of independence in February of 2008. Spain does not recognize Kosovo.

Spain will increase its contingent of 780 troops serving with the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.