Pristina, Kosovo - Kosovo's new multi-ethnic security force will be launched next week, almost a year after Kosovo declared independence from Serbia, the government in Pristina announced Friday.

The Kosovo Security Force (KSF) will replace the civilian Kosovo Protection Crops (KPC) and begin its operations on January 21.

"I can confirm that the KSF will officially start its mission on January 21, after the process of deactivation of the KPC ends on January
20," Kosovo Security Minister Fehmi Mujota told reporters in Pristina.

The KSF is a locally recruited multi-ethnic force of 2,500 people and 500 reservists, which will be trained by NATO and will replace the KPC consisting mainly of former Albanian rebels who fought Serb forces during the 1998-99 war.

Kosovo's Albanian majority declared independence from Serbia in February 2008 and was recognized by more than 50 countries including most European Union members and the United States. Serbia opposes it.

The KSF will not be an army and will have no heavy artillery, but is expected to have police duties such as riot control. Recruitment of the KST members will start on January 21.

Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu has named KPC commander Sylejman Selimi to head the new force. (dpa)