NATO Military Committee visited Kosovo
On Tuesday, 29 September 2009, the NATO Military Committee led by its Chairman, Admiral Giampaolo Di Paola, and Joint Force Command Naples (JFC-N) Commander, Admiral Mark Fitzgerald visited Kosovo. Following the arrival to Slatina Military Airport, the NATO Military Committee delegation arrived at the KFOR Headquarters, Camp Film City. During his briefing, COM KFOR presented the guests the latest update of KFOR posture and security situation in Kosovo. The briefing took place with participation of Mr. Fletcher Burton, Deputy European Union Special Representative; Mr. Lamberto Zannier, Special Representative of United Nations Secretary General, and Mr. Yves de Kermabon, Head of EULEX mission.
After the Chairman, Admiral Giampaolo Di Paola, Joint Force Command Naples Commander, Admiral Mark Fitzgerald and COM KFOR, Lieutenant General Markus Bentler started the joint press conference. In his welcome statement, COM KFOR underlined KFOR is committed deeply to the safe and secure environment in Kosovo. Admiral Giampaolo Di Paola announced during his speech, Kosovo remains an important mission for NATO, and visit of the NATO Military Committee delegation confirms it. The joint efforts of International Community, including United Nations, European Union and International civil organization along with KFOR are aimed to guarantee the bright future for Kosovo.
Following the press conference, the NATO Military Committee delegation accompanied by COM KFOR was transported by helicopters to Multinational Task Force North (MNTF-N). They visited Kroi-i-Vitakut in Mitrovica North to become familiar with the situation in field conditions. There, the committee was welcomed by Brigadier General Arnaud Sainte-Claire Deville, Commander of MNTF-N, and received a brief by Colonel Ollier, Commander of the French Battalion. The next stops were Visoki Decani Monastery in the area of responsibility of Multinational Task Force West. Here the MC was familiarized by the Commander’s of Task Force West with the measures taken to protect this cultural heritage.
In the following visit to the Kosovo Security Force in Ferizaj/Urosevac, the members of the MC had the opportunity to get a first hand impression about the stand up of this organization. A demonstration of the initial operating capabilities illustrated this development. During the visit, they had the opportunity to talk to the Minister of the KSF, Mr. Mujota, the Commander of the KSF, Lt Gen Selimi and the DCOS MCA HQ KFOR, BG Polimeno.
After the farewell, the NATO Military Committee delegation departed Kosovo through Slatina Military Airport.
Story and pictures by KFOR Chronicle team
