NATO said it cut the alliance's peacekeeping contingent in Kosovo to 10,000 troops.

"Ten thousand soldiers from 32 nations will provide security and stability for the people in Kosovo," the statement said adding that the remaining contingent will have "a much leaner and more flexible structure."

Some 14,000 NATO troops were deployed in Kosovo, which on February 17 celebrates two years of its unilateral declaration of independence from Serbia.

The NATO military contingent in Kosovo (KFOR) has been deployed under UN Security Council Resolution 1244 since 1999.

Over 60 countries, including major Western powers, have recognized the independence of Kosovo. The rest of the world, including Russia, China and India, considers Kosovo to be part of Serbia.

SARAJEVO, January 31 (RIA Novosti)