S340/06
Remarks by Javier SOLA A, EU High Representative for CFSP
at the EUFOR Change of Command Ceremony
Camp Butmir, Sarajevo, 5 December 2006
Javier Solana, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), made the following remarks at the ceremony held today in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo, to mark the change of command of the EUFOR from Major-General Gian Marco Chiarini to Rear Admiral Hans-Jochen Witthauer. Major-General Gian Marco Chiarini had been EUFOR Commander since 6 December 2005.
"Being here today is very important. I wanted to be here to thank you for your efforts this year.
You have contributed to the safe and secure environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This basic condition has given the politicians of Bosnia and Herzegovina the opportunity to improve the future of their State, and the opportunity for ordinary Bosnians to improve the quality of their lives.
Under General Chiarini's command you have worked hard to reduce the amount of weapons and ammunition in BiH. You have also helped European Union Police Mission (EUPM) and the local authorities in the fight against organised crime.
In carrying out all these tasks, we know and appreciate that you have been also helping BiH to take responsibility for managing its own security. This is important.
11 years after Dayton, BiH is getting closer to this goal. ext year EUFOR will reduce its size. This is progress. I also want to thank all EU personnel working for the EUPM and the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM).
For many of you, this will not be your first tour in Bosnia and Herzegovina. You will have seen this progress for yourself. And you should not be in any doubt, this progress is due in part to your efforts.
For those of you who are returning home for Christmas, I thank you for your efforts and I am sure you will enjoy your well-deserved leave.
For those of you who are starting your tour of duty, I wish you well for the next year. You have the important job of keeping up the high standards of the past.
Thank you again."
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Attachment: CV of Rear Admiral Hans-Jochen Witthauer
FOR FURTHER DETAILS: The Spokesperson of the Secretary General, High Representative for CFSP +32 (0)2 281 6467 / 8239 / 5150 / 5151 +32 (0)2 281 5694 internet: http://www.consilium.europa.eu e-mail: [email protected] Rear Admiral Hans-Jochen Witthauer German avy
Rear Admiral Hans-Jochen Witthauer was born in Eisenach, Thuringia on March 13, 1950.
After joining the Federal German Navy in October 1968 and completing basic officer training he spent his early years in Frigates and Destroyers initially as Communications-, then Operations Officer. Subsequent billets included Training Officer in the Sail Training Ship FGS "Gorch Fock", an appointment to an exchange program with the French Navy, serving on board FS "Jeanne d'Arc" and finally as Executive Officer FGS "Luetjens".
From 1985 to 1987 he attended the Bundeswehr Command and General Staff College. This was followed by an appointment to the Ministry of Defence as Military Assistant to the Director, Armed Forces Staff.
In March 1989 Rear Admiral Witthauer joined the Staff of the Commander, Standing Naval Force Atlantic, where he served as Staff Public Affairs and Administrations Officer. After a three years tour as Commanding Officer of FGS ''Rommel'', taking the ship through Operation "Sharp Guard", he went back to the Bundeswehr Command and General Staff College as lecturer on naval doctrine.
During his appointment as Commander, 6th (GE) Frigate Squadron 1994-1996 he was in command of a deployed Task Group and subsequently of a Task Force.
This tour was followed by a billet as Branch Chief, Naval Strategy and International Cooperation. Force Planning. Concept of the Navy in the Naval Staff MOD Bonn.
From January 1999 to September 2001, during the Kosovo crisis, he served as Chief, NATO Situation Center in the NATO HQ.
In October 2001 he took up the post as Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff "Operations", Armed Forces Staff, a period of out-of-area deployments of the German Armed Forces.
In September 2003 Rear Admiral Witthauer assumed the function of the Commander, Standing Naval Forces Mediterranean when the Force was mainly conducting Operation "Active Endeavour".
Since October 2004 Rear Admiral Witthauer is Commander, German Destroyer Flotilla and since January 2006 Commander, German Flotilla 2.
Rear Admiral Witthauer is married to the former Barbara Muehlenegger and resides near Bonn.
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