Ministry for the Kosovo Security Force Newsletter 2017, June

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2017, JUNE

Dear all,

In the month of June, the Ministry for the Kosovo Security Force and the Kosovo Security Force have carried out a series of successful activities, despite that during this month was the pre-election campaign and parliamentary elections in the country, which went excellent, once again re-affirming the sustainability and consolidation of the institutions of our country.

This month I hosted the Deputy Assistant of the Secretary to NATO, Mr. John Manza, and also the KSF Commander participated in the State Partnership Conference with US State Guard Commanders in Germany.

Allow me to initially inform you about the ongoing successes of KSF members in trainings and exercises both at home and abroad. On this occasion, I have to emphasize award “Top Student” which was awarded to Captain Adison Gara, awarded as the best student at the completion of the Multinational Peace Support Operations Instructor Training Course in Vyshkov, Czech Republic. Then, the KSF member Granit Kryeziu has won the humanitarian running race, on the 5,000- meter-long track, organized by KFOR.

Furthermore, a KSF contingent participated in the Combined Resolve VIII exercise in Germany, then in the Field Exercise of the Summer Camp 2017 in the Republic of Macedonia. Also, internships like “Maneuvering with Armored Vehicles”, “Helicopter Evacuation”, “Vigilent Wolf”, “Summer Camp 2017” of the KSF Cadets of University Studies Center.

The Kosovo Security Force has also carried out some good humanitarian activities for the community. Thus, in the village of Plemetin (inhabited by the minorities), the KSF has donated medical materials and drugs. Also, in Dragash, KSF has donated equipment for the Fire Brigade, then they have carried out several collaborations with “Hundikap Kosova”, “Caritas” of Kosovo, etc.

During the month of June, the German Government has donated vehicle maintenance equipment.

KSF officers have participated in the conference “The Day of Gender Perspective” organized by KFOR.

Respectfully,

Haki DEMOLLI, 1

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2017, JUNE

LT. ADISON GARA WON TOP STUDENT PRICE AT INSTRUCTOR`S COURSE FOR MULTINATIONAL PEACE SUPPORT OPERATION IN CZECH REPUBLIC Prishtinë, 02nd June 2017. Among 30 students, officers from 8 countries of the world , member of the third Battalion of Rapid Reaction Brigade (RRB), of Kosovo Security Force (KSF), Capt. Adison Gara won prize of “Top Student”, of Multinational Peace Support Operations Instructor Training Course in Vyshkov of Czech Republic. Trading covered various activities about preparation of peacekeeping operations. This activity was held from 30th April up to 03rd of June 2017 projected and leaded by British Military Advisory Team- (BMAT). The KSF members who participated at this course have shown high results both in academic and practical work. The KSF participation to Multinational Peace Support Operations Instructor Training Course, is a part of continuously bilateral cooperation with UK. Purpose of the course is equipping of instructors with technic knowledge and preparing of them with military conventional skills. Despite, Adison Garës who was announced as top student of this generation, captain Alban Bujupi, Lieutenant Elbasan Sabedini and SrgM Bedri Zuka attended this course, too.

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2017, JUNE

COL. IRFETE SPAHIU PART OF CONFERENCE PANEL “GENDER PROSPEROUS DAY 2017” Pristine, 02th June 2017. The Kosovo Security Force from its starting provided diversity and gender inclusion mentioned Dep/Commander of Doctrine and Training, Col. Irfete Spahiu on the second Panel of the Conference “Gender Prosperous Day 2017” organized by KFOR held at, Sirius’’ hotel in Pristina. Further, Col.Spahiu made a retrospective counting some of the reasons that the situation in the KSF makes it enjoyable, as she said, for example: The number of female members in the KSF exceeds 8 percent, and has a steady upward trend. Women today are represented up to the rank of colonel with a tendency of growth in each generation of recruitment. Also, Col. Irfete Spahiu said: In the KSF we not only have female members, but they are engaged in all units of the Force. These women, in all ranks as soldiers, NCOs and officers, are representing in the best possible way the KSF. " In this conference attended by US Ambassador to Kosovo, Greg Delawie, KFOR Commander, General Giovani Fungo, then Chief of NATO Advisory Team for MKSF / KSF, General Dietmar Mosmann, also attended Lieutenant General Rrahman Rama, Commander of the KSF, then generals Zymer Halimi, Nazmi Brahimaj and Enver Cikaqi, as well as colonels Xhevahir Geci, Naim Haziri, Bashkim Shillova, Fadil Hadergjonaj, Halime Morina, Chief of Human Rights and Gender Equality in MKSF, Ms. Krenare Sogojeva, Director of the Legal Office and Major Remzie Zeqiraj, Public Relations Officer in MKSF, which has also been addressed with the issue of public promotion of the gender equality values cultivated by the KSF. The purpose of this event was to present a platform for international organizations, non-governmental organizations, KFOR and NATO, as well as security organizations in Kosovo to discuss gender-focused issues with a focus on "Gender Perspectives in Security" and” The new generation of Kosovo ".

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2017, JUNE

KSF ASSISTS FMC OF PLEMETIN VILLAGE WITH MEDICAL MATERIAL

Pristina, 05 June 2017. The Department for Civil-Military Cooperation of the Ministry for the Kosovo Security Force (MKSF) has implemented a humanitarian project by donating the necessary medical materials to the Family Medicine Center of Plemetin / Obilić Municipality, which cares and provides medical services to residents of many villages inhabited by Serbs, Roma, Ashkali and others. On behalf of the KSF, the donation was donated to Lieutenant Colonel Afrim Veseli and was received by the director of this center Dr.Slavisha Radosavljevic. This activity was attended by the director of FMC in Obiliq. Haki Jashari, who appreciated the KSF assistance to this center as very valuable to citizens of this area.

Lieutenant Colonel Veseli, during his speech, emphasized that KSF is in the service of all citizens of the country and will always support all the community.

KSF MEMBER GRANIT KRYEZIU TOOK FIRST PLACE IN THE RACE ORGANIZED BY KFOR

Pristina, June 05, 2017. In the Fshati i Ri (Novosellë), Vushtrri / Vucitrn Municipality, under the patronage of KFOR Commander, Major General Giovanni FUNGO, was held a humanitarian run on the 5,000m trail. In this run apart from the representatives of KFOR were also participated 7 members of the KSF.

The official opening of the race was made by KFOR Commander, Major General Giovanni Fungo, who thanked members of the KSF for their support and participation in this humanitarian run.

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2017, JUNE

In a strong competition, first place went to Granite Kryeziu, member of the RRB KSF, who won the gold medal which the KFOR Commander, Major General Giovanni Fungo personally awarded to him.

Granit Kryeziu after thanking the KFOR commander for the medal, said: "The first place and the gold medal are not only my success, but in general success of the KSF, which is being witnessed more and more daily more that the members of the KSF are prepared according to NATO standards ".

Also other members of the KSF, who participated in humanitarian running at 5,000 meters, showed high physical training. The purpose of the organization of this race was entirely of humanitarian character, where all the collected means will be distributed to vulnerable families.

CHIEF OF ODC OFFICE VISITED DOCTRINE AND TRAINING COMMAND IN FERIZAJ

Pristina, 06 June 2017. Commander of Doctrine and Training Command of the KSF Bg. Gen. Enver Cikaqi alongh his staff, today, hosted for a working visit Chief of Defence Cooperation Office of U. S Embassy in Pristine, Major Brian Delvin and Defense Attaché Juan Murillo.

On this case, BG Enver Cikaq has thanked the ODC team for assistance that the U.S Embassy is providing to the KSF as well informed on overall activities which are implemented within Doctrine and Training Command in Ferizaj.

Whereas Chief of Staff of TRADOC LTC. Fadil Hoxha via a short briefing presented overall achievements of the TRADOC and the future projects.

Whereas, Dep/Commander, Col. Irfete Spahiu accompanied the ODC team during visits in the TRADOC schools where closely have seen training being conducted over there.

Chief of ODC, Major Brian Delvin visiting TRADOC said “I see a well-done progress in TRADOC and encouraging results either in training area or preparation of cadres said, at the end Major Delvin.

BG. Cikaqi and Major Delvin expressed readiness to further continue cooperation in the future.

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2017, JUNE

THERE ARE CERTIFIED 27 KSF MEMBERS IN TRAINING FOR, DRIVER, MAINTENANCE AND TACTICAL MANEUVER WITH COBRA ARMORED VEHICLE”

Pristina, 09 June 2017.At Rapid Reaction Brigade at barrack ,,NATO Soldiers'' in Istog is held certification ceremony of the 27 members after training completion ’’Driver, Maintenance and Tactical Maneuver with Cobra armored vehicle”

Attended: Dep/Commander of LFC, BG. Gëzim Hazrolli, Acting Commander of the RRB, Col. Xhevahir GECI, Col. Devrim GÜCÜYENER- advisor to MKSF, Chief of Staff of the RRB, LTC. Ejup Maqedonci, Battalion Commanders, Officers and NCOs of the RRB brigade and Turkish Army.

Col. Xhevahir GECI addressed to attendees saying that: training on ,, Driver, Maintenance and Tactical Maneuver with Cobra armored vehicle” is one of the most important one to our Brigade particularly when we take into consideration that armored vehicles are part of RRB resources which will be used now and in the future for the operation and mission conducting. Last year along with Turkish training teams was projected and conducted this kind of training for the first time.

The training was conducted in three battalions which showed to be successful as interest of our members was high. Also, thanks to a particular commitment and real wish of Turkish Army Instructors for providing of knowledge to our members and Units.

This training for the first time this year was realized by the instructors of the RRB, proving that they are able to take on responsibilities and contribute to the development of units in this area. "

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2017, JUNE

Col.Devrim GÜCÜYENER addressed to attendees saying that:” a fact that we, with our Instructor were only monitors shows how much achieved the KSF members to be professional. From the information I have received, KSF instructors have shown a high level of professionalism, so we are very satisfied with cooperation among the KSF and Turkish Army and continues into the future.

On his word G.Gëzim Hazrolli mentioned; “Primarily armored vehicle training conducted by Turkish Army Instructors and now by our Instructors, we managed to conduct training for ’’Driver, Maintenance and Tactical Maneuver with Cobra armored vehicle”. This is a great achievements to the KSF because we have established our capacities but these capacities shall be maintained and promoted. I am sure that armored vehicle now will be properly maintained. Therefore I want to thank the Turkish Instructors and especially to the KSF Instructors for successes achieved during this training.

Training “Driver, Maintenance and Tactical Maneuver with Cobra armored vehicle” started date 29.05.2017 and completed 09.06.2017. In this training took part 27 members.

For the attendance of the training attendees, Lieutenant Kreshnik Zeneli pointed out that: "The members are trained in three disciplines: Driver, Mechanic-Maintenance, and Tactical Use of armored vehicles in Emergency Situations. The training ended with a 24-hour Field Exercise, where young drivers ran the armored vehicle according to the scenario, teams trained in tactical movements acted according to the situation, and the mechanics demonstrated KOBRA's field repairs. Upon completion of the FTX, the members were subjected to testing and now have the right to run the armored vehicles as well as to carry out maintenance of the first level armored vehicles. "

THERE ARE CERTIFIED PARTICIPANT STUDENTS OF “YOUTH CAMP 2017”: AT DOCTRINE TRAINING COMMAND OF THE KSF

Pristina, 12th June 2017. Doctrine Training Command of the KSF in Ferizaj, is held certification ceremony of students of the secondary schools of Kosovo who for one-week were part of u “Youth Camp 2017””.

Attended Commander of TRADOC, BG. Enver Cikaqi who on his word said there can be seen a lot of difference to the students from the first day of coming and up to the end of “Youth Camp 2017”, either in appearance or discipline and military knowledge. This makes me happy to see these guys and girls who look like KSF soldiers.

Purpose of this Youth Camp was that students for one –week learn for military life and be familiar with uniform and life of the KSF citizens. While staying at TRADOC there were provided lectures from different topics such: waking up, fixing bed, morning gymnastic and personal hygiene, KLA, KPC –transformation, nature-oriented, command learning, mission and duties and the KSF structures, Mine awareness, SAR and a program with a various sports activities.

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2017, JUNE

This activity already became traditional started on 5th of June and ended on 9th of June with participation of 106 students from Kosovo`s different schools. The youth camp was organized by CIMIC Department of Ministry for KSF and Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

NGO`S MEMBERS “HANDICAP KOSOVA” VISITED COMMAND OF DOCTRINE AND TRAINING OF THE KSF IN FERIZAJ

Pristina, 13th June 2017. The Deputy Commander of TRADOC, Colonel Irfete Spahiu, along with the staff of TRADOC, on the occasion of the Freedom Day of June 12, hosted the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) of the NGO Handicap Team.

Colonel Spahiu initially welcomed the "Handicap Kosova" team at the Doctrine and Training Command of the KSF, where he said that; "TRADOC is an educational institution, where exercises of all levels are conducted for soldiers, non- commissioned officers and KSF officers.

Within the TRADOC, we carry out our mission by providing training for members of the KSF, in order to prepare them well enough to be ready to serve for the citizens of Kosovo, "said at the end Colonel Spahiu.

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2017, JUNE

Meanwhile, Ylber Selmani, responsible for "Handicap Kosova" said that he feels very happy today that he is in the KSF barracks, with the NGO team "Handicap KOSOVA". It is a special emotion when we visit the TRADOC barracks on the Day of Peace, but even when we see our soldiers in uniforms, this adds to our sense of joy for us. “He thanked Colonel Spahiu for the reception and visit in the premises of TRADOC.

Finally, after visits to TRADOC schools, a joint lunch was organized with the NGO "Handicap KOSOVA" and the TRADOC officers and NCOs.

THE KSF ASSISTS THE FIRE FIGHTING STATION IN DRAGASH

Pristina, 13th June 2017.Liasion Responding Unit of the Kosovo Security Force among of lot of its activities for provision of assistance to communities everywhere in Kosovo, a few days ago has realized a three-days training in cooperation with American Embassy (EBCU), to help the community in Dragash Municipality.

Also, members of LRU to the Firefighting Station of this Municipality gave a symbolic donation, a first aid kit with all elements which will serve to these members in case of intervention and rescuing life of the citizens. Also, the LRU members together with U.S Embassy conducted a training for firefighters of Dragash in order to learn the way of equipment usage in emergency case.

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2017, JUNE

UK OFFICERS ASSIST IN THE PREPARATION OF MEMBERS OF THE KSF IN THE MILITARY COMPETITION “EAGLE PATROL 2017"

Pristina, 13 June 2017. Only one day after the United Kingdom Embassy marked the 19th anniversary of the Britain Forces contributing to the liberation of Pristina, British Colonel Gregor Lindsay, Military adviser to KSF Commander, Lieutenant General Rrahman Rama, joined a team of soldiers from the KSF Land Force Command, for a physical training session in Germia Park. These soldiers make up one of the eight KSF teams that will compete in the “Eagle Pa " race, which will be held this fall. The exercise that is being planned by a group of new KSF officers, with little help from the British Army, will test key skills during these exercises: small unit operation tactics, physical preparation, ground navigation, First aid, etc.

MINISTER HAKI DEMOLLI AWARDED GRATITUDE FOR AMERICAN ADVISOR, JESSICA OLCOT

Pristina, 14th June 2017. The Minister of KSF, Mr. Haki Demolli, received today in farewell meeting, Jessica D. Olcot, an American adviser who worked for a year at the Department of Policy and Planning at the Ministry for the Kosovo Security Force, based on a memorandum of understanding between the US Embassy and the Ministry for the KSF benefited by the prestigious US program-Fulbright Clinton.The meeting was also attended by Mr. Faruk Geci - Director of the Directorate of Policy and Plans.

Minister Haki Demolli after thanking Ms. Olcot for her commitment and contribution given within MKSF for its cooperation with all departments and in particular for the hard work of the Directorate of Policies and Plans in which he served during these months.

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2017, JUNE

Minister Demolli, Ms. Jessica Olcott gave her gratitude to the motivation; "For hard work, commitment to approaching professional advices for MFSK / KSF".

Meanwhile, Ms. Jessica Olcot expressed her gratitude to Minister Demolli and senior staff of the Ministry and the KSF and other associates, with whom for a year worked together.

THE GERMAN STATE GIVES A DONATION TO THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE

Pristina, 14th June 2017. Director of Operations Directorate in MKSF, Brigadier General Zymer Halimi, together with Chief of Staff of the Land Forces, Col. Naim Haziri, received in a working meeting the Deputy Ambassador of the Republic of Germany in Pristina, Christina Gehlsen, accompanied by German Colonel Michael Gierse, advisor to the Logistics Department of MKSF.

The German donation delivery ceremony took place in the Operational Support Brigade (OSB) of the barracks "Adem Jashari" in Pristina, where were present the Director of Operations Directorate of the Ministry for the Kosovo Security Force (MKSF), Brigadier General Zymer Halimi, Deputy Ambassador of Germany in Kosovo, Chrisitna Gehlsen,

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2017, JUNE

German Colonel Michael Gierse, Head of the Land Forces Command Staff, Colonel Naim Haziri and senior officers of the KSF.

On the occasion of receiving this donation, General Zymer Halimi, on behalf of the KSF, thanked Deputy Ambassador Gehlsen for the support and continued assistance that the German Government is giving to the KSF. "We thank the German state for its contribution in the field of logistics for the Kosovo Security Force. We will continue with various trainings in order to enhance and train our members. All of these devices needed for us, donated today by the German state, will be put into use. "

Also, the Deputy Ambassador, Chrisitna Gehlsen was satisfied with the realization of this donation who among others said: "This donation is a continuation of the previous donation of vehicles to the Kosovo Security Force, and these tools will enable vehicles to be as functional as possible."

This current donation and previous donations to the Kosovo Security Force are a result of a very good cooperation between these two states.

THE KSF CADETS HAVE DEMONSTRATED THEIER ABILITIES IN THE FIELD EXERCISE “SUMMER CAMP 2017”

Pristina, 14th June 2017. A large number of visitors were escorted by the cadets of the Center for University Studies of the Kosovo Security Force during the realization of field exercise "Summer Camp 2017" held in the mountain village Zhegoc of the Municipality of Gjilan.

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2017, JUNE

Initially the commander of the USC, Major Avni Kliqina, informed the participants with the field exercise program that the cadets of the KSF are implementing in "Summer Camp 2017". The "Summer Camp 2017" Field Exercise began on June 5, and is expected to end on June 18, 2017, which includes all USC cadets who have the opportunity to testify and evaluate the knowledge and acquired skills both in the individual as well as in the team.

Attended: Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Kosovo Security Force (MKSF) Muhamet Latifi, Deputy Commander of the Land Forces Command (LFC), Brigadier General Gëzim Hazrolli, Brigadier General Enver Cikaqi, Commander of Doctrine and Training (TRADOC), NALT Deputy Assistant Secretary (NATO Liaison Advisory Team Mark Theobald, US Military Attaché Jeffrey Fisher, Commander of Camp Bondstill, Colonel Corvin Lusk, as well as senior officers of the Kosovo Security Force and NALT military advisors and US Army Bondstill camp.

While General Gëzim Hazrolli highly appreciating the field exercise among other said: "This annual exercise aims and is an opportunity for each cadet to be assessed separately in many training areas and most important is to point out and evaluate in practice the leadership skills of cadets who have learned and their implementation in the ground conditions.” Whereas the commander of Camp Bonsdteell, Colonel Corvin Lusk, said of the exercise that; "What we saw was a well- prepared exercise, it was a good demonstration of cadets for strong leadership."

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2017, JUNE

During these 15 days sating in the terrain, the cadets, their instructors and leaders had the opportunity to evaluate tactical skills of cadets in the planning, preparation and execution of combat operations, while cadets had the opportunity to practice on-ground combat operations learned during studies.

"Summer Camp 2017" was realized based on the annual plan of the University Campus Studies Center and the realization of all joint exercises with all the cadets of USC.

The “Summer Camp 2017” was implemented due to annual plan of the University Study Center for camping and conducting of all joint exercises with all the USC cadets.

FIELD EXERCISE “EVACUATION WITH HELICOPTER” IS CONDUCTED IN FRAME OF ADVANCED COURSE LEADER

Pristina, 15th June 2017. In frame of cooperation and partnership with East –Multinational Brigade (American KFOR - Bondsteel) and due to training plan on 14th June 2017, at Doctrine and Training Command - Professional Center for Leader Development in Ferizaj is held field exercise: Advanced Course Leader.

There are conducted these topics in this exercise: Troops Leading procedures, Helicopter Evacuation for Victims, etc.

The practical part of the exercise Helicopter Evacuation for Victims is conducted thanks to cooperation and partnership with Bondsteel Camp who, also provided theoretical and practical part by providing the helicopter to make demoasntartons of gained abilities of the KSF members during the exercise.

Members of Advanced Course Leader gained knowledge for procedures and actions how to carry the victim with trolley and victims who had light injuries.

They, in fact, implemented these procedures and experience from theory by getting the victims in helicopter lifting them up and down, while taking into account safety considerations and the consequences that may occur during evacuation. US Army members demonstrated the individual launch of the helicopter rope; to attract the victims from height-over 100 meters of rope. Sergeant Major of Camp Bondsteel, JEFFREY SCHUSTER and Sergeant Major of TRADOC, Imri AZEMI were pleased to accomplish this exercise successfully, who promised continuation of cooperation in the future in this field.

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2017, JUNE

THE 16 KSF MEMBERS CERTIFIED FOR TURKISH LANGUAGE COURSE

Pristina, June 15, 2017. At the Doctrine and Training Command in Ferizaj, today was organized the certification ceremony for members of the KSF, who completed the course of Turkish language.

At the ceremony were: Commander of TRADOC, Brigadier General Enver Cikaqi, Deputy Commander of TRADOC, Colonel Irfete Spahiu, NATO Liaison Team Advisor, Turkish Army, Colonel Seyfi Altikanoglu and Senior Officials of the KSF and the Turkish Army serving in Kosovo.

On this occasion, General Cikaqi, in his speech said: "Language is a communication tool between people and it is very important for our members who are conducting various trainings in Turkey. In TRADOC, in addition to English is learned also the Turkish language so we think that we will open courses for other languages in the future as well. The Turkish Army has assisted in various training sessions in both TRADOC and in trainings offered in Turkey's schools and academies, for which we are grateful and we thank our colleagues and the Turkish state for its contribution to engagement for the professional upgrading of the KSF members ".

The Turkish language course started on 19 September 2016 and ended on June 15, 2017, where the basic level of Turkish language was maintained and was followed by 16 members of various KSF units.

While NALT representative from the Turkish Army, Colonel Seyfi Altikanoglu said that "co-operation between the KSF and the Turkish Army has been and will remain strong, while Turkish language teaching by members of the KSF will be another opportunity to help you with trainings for your members. I am proud to be in front of you today and I see that the course results are high and this makes me believe you have worked hard to achieve these results. "

In the end, General Enver Cikaqi thanked members of the Turkish Army who have consistently contributed to the development of the force, while for the Turkish language instructor Toger Mustafa Tokdemir awarded gratitude as a sign for his work and engagement during this period. 15

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2017, JUNE

COMMANDER OF THE KSF LIEUTENANT GENERAL RRAHMAN RAMA AT THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL PARTNERSHIP CONFERENCE WITH THE US NATIONAL GUARDS

Pristina, June 15, 2017. The commander of the KSF, Lieutenant General Rrahman Rama has participated in the Interstate Partnership Conference with the US National Guard.

This two-day conference was held in Garmish, Germany under the patronage of the US Command of Europe. This conference was attended by European army chiefs who have interstate partnerships as well as national commanders of partner states. Major General Timothy Orr, the Commander of the Iowa National Guard, was present at this meeting, with whom the KSF has signed a partnership for cooperation that is extensive and intensive.

The purpose of this conference was to enhance joint activities, synchronize cooperation, and enhance the role of partner countries in strengthening state partnerships and achieving interoperability between the US Forces for Europe and US Armed Forces in dealing with contemporary challenges.

MINISTER OF KSF HAKI DEMOLLI HOSTED DEP/ASSISTANT TO GENERAL SECRETARY, JOHN MANZA

Pristina, June 20, 2017. The Minister of the KSF Haki Demolli received in a working meeting Deputy Assistant Secretary General of NATO, Mr. John Manza. At this meeting Minister Demolli was accompanied by KSF Commander Lt. Gen. Rrahman Rama, Secretary General Mr. Shkelzen Sylaj and senior officers and senior officials of MKSF.

At the beginning of the meeting, Mr. Demolli expressed gratitude for the continued support that NATO is giving to MKSF and KSF through the NATO Liaison Advisory Team (NALT). He also thanked NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2017, JUNE

for the letter he sent to Kosovo Prime Minister Isa Mustafa, where the possibilities of deepening cooperation are identified and where we aim to achieve a partnership of cooperation between Kosovo and NATO in the security area.

Minister Demolli stressed the good cooperation with the countries of the region, with the armies of friendly countries, especially with the Iowa National Guard and good cooperation with KFOR through joint exercises. An important topic

was the transformation of the KSF into the Armed Forces of Kosovo, where Minister Demolli reiterated that we are convinced that only through constitutional changes should this can be made. But as the process is seen, there is still a condition for political decision-making, which depends on the votes of Serbian which remains a challenge for the next legislature.

Mr. John Manza in his turn expressed his satisfaction for the achievements and high quality of the KSF. He said that the letter of NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg is a testimony of NATO's support to the KSF. He also highly appreciated the good work and concrete results for the integration of minority communities in the KSF. Among other things at the meeting, Mr. Manza stressed that the transformation of the KSF should be done through constitutional changes and not a slow process but walking with confidence.

Mr. Manza in this meeting was accompanied by the Director of the NATO Liaison Advisory Team for the Ministry of KSF General, Dietmar Mossman as well as senior officials and senior officers of NALT

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2017, JUNE

THE KSF AT INTERNATIONAL EXERCISE -COMBINED RESOLVE VIII

Pristina, 21st June 2017.The KSF Units are returned from international exercise, Combined Resolve VIII’’ which was held in Germany.

At the invitation of the US Embassy in Kosovo and due to bilateral cooperation with the US. NATO Combined Resolve VIII (Combined Resolve -VIII) participation was conducted at the exercise which has been held at the US Army Base for Europe in Hohenfels, Germany, from May 24 to June 16, 2017.

Key holder of the exercise were American Military Forces with other NATO members and partners from various countries such as Kosovo, Albania ,Macedonia, Rumania , Hungary Ukraine, Italy, Norway Finland etc. There are conducted military manevoures with combined forces at brigade level such defense operation, offensive and surviving.

The KSF contingent has been made up of 12 members who have been integrated as part of the United States Army Brigade 588 Army Battalion. In this exercise members of the KSF have shown a high level of professionalism and dedication in the performance of their duties, showing the versatility of coordination and interaction with members of other participating armies such as: cooperation and coordination with the military forces of Albania, with soldiers of US units and those participating from other countries for joint operation. During the exercise, military patrolling in the war zones with US military forces was demonstrated, road cleaning by dangerous vehicles, HARRIS radio communication, and the operation of EOD teams (For the Elimination of Unexploded ordnance).

For the successful accomplishment of all the missions given to the KSF contingent, it is praised by Commander of the US Army Army Brigade 588 Army Battalion Commander.

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2017, JUNE

THE KSF MEMBERS CONDUCTED THE EXERCISE "VIGILANT WOLF - 2"

Pristina, June 22, 2017. Company 2 / A of the Second Rapid Reaction Brigade Battalion (RRBB) conducted internal Force Generation Training for a period of three months from 10 April 2017 to 21 June 2017. As a summary of all the three- month training phases. The company 2 / A has completed this training with the implementation of the 48 hour field exercise coded "VIGILENT WOLF -2" in Deçan and the villages Lumbardhë, Lluke etc.

exercise coded "VIGILENT WOLF -2" in Deçan and the villages Lumbardhë, Lluke etc.

The improvised incident occurred on June 19th and the civilian institutions of the municipality of Deçan were first intervened; Firefighters, Emergency Health Center in cooperation with Kosovo Red Cross and Kosovo Police that have made the perimeter of security.

The Field Exercise was followed closely by Commander of RRB, Colonel Xhevahir Geci, Second Battalion Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Mehmet Lladrovci, Mayor of Deçan, Mr. Rasim Selmanaj and the second Bat Evaluation Teams, TRADOC and BRSH.

During the realization of this exercise, which was carried out on the basis of the annual training plan and activities of the Second Battalion, where members of the KSF once again proved that they are professionally prepared in planning and military operations such as: Field Exercises, Exercises Battles, individual tactical movements, bodyguard procedures, occupation of patrol base, patrol entrance, urban operations, checkpoints, patrols with armor -plate and other areas.

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2017, JUNE

GOOD COOPERATION BETWEEN THE KSF AND KARITAS KOSOVO

Pristina, June 22, 2017. A working meeting was held with the Director of Karitas Kosovo, Don Viktor Sopi, at the headquarters of the organization in Ferizaj. Karitas Kosova is spread throughout the territory of Kosovo and counts over 700 workers who carry out numerous humanitarian projects for all citizens of Kosovo.

During this courtesy meeting was expressed the full readiness of cooperation and support for the KSF in the accomplishment of its mission. Caritas Kosova and its director Don Viktor Sopi and Lieutenant Colonel Afrim Veseli, Head of Agency for Cooperation with Agencies from the Department of Civil- Military Cooperation (CIMIC), in the Ministry of KSF, have agreed to implement various humanitarian projects from now on mutual support.

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2017, JUNE

THE KSF CADETS ALONGSIDE 31 STATES AT INTERNATIONAL EXERCISE “SUMMER CAMP 2017”

Pristina, 27th June 2017. The USC cadets for the Kosovo Security Force set off on Monday to Republic of Macedonia to take part at international exercise of cadets “Summer camp 2017” in Krivollak and Pepelishtë.

The international cadet’s exercise with competition character is arranged by Military Academy of Macedonia. This exercise will last until 10.07.2017. The 31 states of the world will take part whereas the KSF will be represented by a contingent of the ten USC cadets.

To say farewell to the cadets to the Republic of Macedonia were the Chief of the Land Force Command, Colonel Naim

Haziri, Lieutenant Colonel Bekim Zejnullahu from the Command of Doctrine and Training (TRADOC) and the commander of USC Major Avni Kiqina. On this occasion, KSF cadets welcomed Colonel Haziri, who wished them a success during this training, which he considered as very challenging and important for USC and KSF in general. At the same time, he asked from the cadets to be disciplined and cooperative with each other, in order to make achieving to represent the KSF more duly.

This is the sixth time that the KSF cadets took part on this kind of exercise together with cadets from various states who continuously achieved successes and distinguished oneself with their great performance among cadets from different countries either in individual operation or collective ones.