KFOR Deputy Spokesman Mark Stimmler said on Monday that all 700 troops from the 2nd battalion of the Operational Reserve Forces (OPR) had arrived in Kosovo.

Stimmler said in a statement for Tanjug that all 700 soldiers who came as reinforcements stand ready as of Tuesday to act in line with orders of KFOR Commander Major General Erhard Drews.

Stimmler could not specify where the ORF troops will be deployed.

The additional contingent comprising 700 soldiers arrived at Drews's request, after his assessment that there had been a rise in tensions on the ground.

KFOR took all measures so as to preserve law and order, so the holding of the May 6 elections should not destabilize the situation, said earlier members of the German and U.S. contingents in Kosovo.