the commander. The KPC is divided into six regional "Protection Zones," each with a regional commander. By 2001, each had an explosive ordnance disposal team, and there was a further centrally controlled team, making a total of seven teams. Allegations of misconduct and discipline violations have dogged the KPC since its formation. In June 2001, several senior officers in the KPC were removed for suspicion of aiding the ethnic Albanian insurgency in the Republic of North Macedonia. The province is the subject of a long-running political and territorial dispute between the Serbian (and previously, the Yugoslav) government and Kosovo's ethnic Albanians. Most Albanians consider the KPC a potential nucleus of a future army should Kosovo win independence. International negotiations began in 2006 to determine the final status of Kosovo (see Kosovo status process) which led in 2007 to proposals for 'supervised independence' which did not gain approval from the UN Security Council. Those proposals called for the disbanding of the KPC within one year and the establishment of a new and lightly armed Kosovo Security Force (KSF). In 2008 the KPC is standing down, with the simultaneous formation of the KSF. Their role will include explosive ordnance disposal as well as response to civil emergencies. The KSF has required that all prospective members apply, and that having served in the KPC does not guarantee a position with the KSF. The KPC had 5,052 members, and a budget of €17.6 million (US$25.4 million) representing ca. 0.79% of GDP. Notes and references Notes: References: External links , September 20, 1999. Structure of the Kosovo Protection Corps Government of Kosovo Emergency services in Kosovo 2000s in Kosovo 1999 establishments in Kosovo 2009 disestablishments in Kosovo