KFOR CHRONICLE The KFOR Magazine for KFOR Soldiers June 2014

AARRIVALRRIVAL OFOF VTLMVTLM LINCELINCE AARMOUREDRMOURED VEHICLEVEHICLE

15th ANNIVERSARY OF NATO IN www.nato.int/kfor CONTENT PICTURE: Vittorio SIMONELLI KFOR Summer Family Festival in CFC - children of CFC civilian staff participate in activities organised by KFOR troops.

COM KFOR ADDRESS Kosovo Comes of Age ELECTIONS 03 04 Kosovo General Elections AUSTERLITZ BRIDGE 08 Mitrovica June 18-22 HOLIDAYS 12 St. Vidovdan’s Day ANNIVERSARY 15th Anniversary of NATO in KFOR 14 Kosovo COS KFOR Transfer of 15 Responsibility

HIGH LEVEL TALKS KFOR / Serbian ROAD PROJECT 16 Armed Forces Football Match 18 Novo Brdo Road Project

ToA CEREMONY Camp Marechal de Lattre de CSMs ACTIVITIES 19 Tassigny in Novo Selo CSMs Framework of Activities 20 Camp Slim Lines

PROFILES Christine Eimer 21 Andrei Cojocaru SUDOKU 22 An activity for the brain PICTURE OF THE MONTH 23 Your chance to be a part of it!

2 KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2014 OPENING ADDRESS COM KFOR

KOSOVO COMES OF AGE Th e fi rst half of 2014 ended this JUNE with a very high OPTEMPO month for KFOR and for Kosovo as well. Th e month held many challenges due to the Kosovo wide Parliamentary Election, the new situation at the Austerlitz Bridge and the annual Vidovdan celebration. Each of these events contained the seeds for strife and discord and possible violence but in each case, the few cases of possible violence were quelled by the prepared and resolute security elements of the Institutions in Kosovo (IiK). was a key to allow the successful operations by the KP Kosovo has a long history of ethnic strife between and EULEX. its many peoples. Th ese long term issues culminated Th e Vidovdan religious celebration on 29 June was in the violence which necessitated the formation of the third signifi cant event of the month showing the KFOR and NATO intercession to quell the violence. changes and advancement of SASE and FOM in Kosovo. Over the last 15 years, we as KFOR, in cooperation Th e ’s annual celebration has with our international partners, have worked with been marred in the past by KoA acts of isolated violence the IiK in an eff ort to contribute to a Safe and Secure against KoS pilgrims coming to Kosovo to celebrate environment and Freedom of Movement, allowing the holiday. Th e KP, EULEX and KFOR again planned the building of a free and democratic Kosovo for the actions to deal with any inter-ethnic violence. All of the people and to ensure that the security elements of the organizations deployed in accordance with their plans. IiK, namely, the Kosovo Police (KP) is capable of taking Th ere were no incidents at all and all parties acted in an full responsibility. effi cient and professional manner. Th e last year has seen multiple electoral tournament Th ere will always be issues and disagreements between municipal elections and the nationwide parliamentary the various factions in Kosovo as it usually can happen in election on 8 JUNE. KFOR, EULEX and the KP in their many other parts of the world. Sometimes those issues roles as 3rd, 2nd and 1st responder have prepared and may move from peaceful disagreements or protests to acted in each election. In every occasion, the KP has isolated violence. In the past, there was more violence improved their planning and execution. On June 8th, and the KP was not yet ready to deal with incidents. they demonstrated their ability to plan, coordinate, Today, we are seeing fewer incidents on the part of the train and execute a nation-wide election. Th e June peoples of Kosovo, who now understand that peaceful Parliamentary Election went well with no reported interaction is the key to advancing their agendas. incidents and the election was secured on the ground by Other events of note in June include the KSF road the KP and external assistance by EULEX or KFOR was construction project in NOVO BRDO in concert with not required. Th is was a great example of the capability KFOR and NLAT and the KSF construction of a bridge of the KP in keeping the election secure and was also an in the municipality of KLINA. excellent indicator of the maturity and the will of all the To conclude, we can say that this very busy month peoples of Kosovo, including the KoS, who came out to of June, 2014 has witnessed further progress both in vote in large numbers. the capability of the Kosovo Security Organizations Th e situation at the Austerlitz Bridge has been ongoing and even more importantly, in the maturity and since 2011 but the new co called “garden of peace” democratic behavior of all the peoples of Kosovo. established on 18 June has reignited tensions in the area. KFOR will continue to operate in synergy “More On 22 June, SASE in MITROVICA was challenged by Together” with all the International and IiK actors KoA demonstrations against the new “barricade”. Th e towards the consolidation of peace and security and the KP, EULEX and KFOR had proactively responded to the accomplishment of our mission area in order to face a planned demonstration march. I commend the tremendous work made by all the Th e spontaneous demonstration initially assessed KFOR Soldiers, Staff and Commanders at various levels to be peaceful turned out to be violent due to some within KFOR. You are really making the diff erence. hardline elements. Th is did not surprise the security Well Done & More Together! cordons at the bridge and the violent protestors were met with a professional response by the KP even as the MAJOR-GENERAL crowd escalated to a low to medium level of violence. Salvatore FARINA Th e KP responded with a proportionate level of force, COMCOM KFOKFORR dispelling the crowd. KFOR was present at the bridge in our role as 3rd Responder: our involvement was not required, but our presence, aimed to discourage inter- ethnic clashes was reassuring, dissuaded both sides and

KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2014 3 ELECTIONS KOSOVO GENERAL ELECTIONS

Kosovo held general elections for the Kosovo Assembly on Sunday, 08 June 2014. Th e prelude to the elections was marked by political debate, election advertising and administrative preparation by the Central Elections Commission to prepare for the many people expected to vote. Th is peaceful prelude to the general elections indicated progress in the region and the will to conduct the normal business of a democracy without fear of violence or discrimination.

In addition to those resident in held by some analysts to be more Kosovo, some non-resident people KFOR planned for the elections suitable when a wider community outside of Kosovo were eligible to to ensure a Safe and Secure and range of political interests need vote also, subject to certain criteria. Environment for the many ethnic to be represented. Th erefore voters Th ere were approximately 730,000 groups who wished to vote. Th is can vote in order of preferences, and eligible voters and an additional was done in cooperation with the the lower votes become crucial as 20,000 voters who could vote Kosovo Police and EULEX, and the the rounds of counting progresses. subject to certain conditions and voters and the citizens of Kosovo One feature of this system is that it could enter their ballots by mail. enjoyed a peaceful day of elections encourages a range of parties and uninterrupted by any incidents. candidates, and tends to prevent a KFOR was present mostly in the two-party system emerging, so that north in its role as third responder, Th ere were 798 polling centres many sides subsequently have a supporting the Kosovo Police and in the 38 municipalities of voice in the Assembly. EULEX as they provided a presence Kosovo which enabled maximum of multinational troops at the polling availability to all the citizens. Kosovo Major General Farina, COM KFOR, centres to deter any interruption to uses a representative system of noted “Th e peaceful mood in which voting. Elsewhere, KFOR was on elections, allowing candidate to get the elections were held demonstrates, standby to respond if required. preferential votes. Th is system is once again, the democratic maturity

4 KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2014 ELECTIONS

and sense of civic duty which animates all the people of Kosovo and the high degree of effi ciency and professionalism of the Kosovo Police. Th e large participation of citizens of diff erent ethnic groups and minorities are a clear manifestation of the democratic spirit which distinguishes the citizens of this part of the Balkans.”

COMKFOR then extended his personal appreciation to the President of Kosovo Madam Atifete Jahjaga, to the Minister of Interior Mr. Bajram Rexhepi, to the General Director of Kosovo Police Mr. Shpend Maxhuni and to the Kosovo Police Regional Commander North Nenad Djuric underlining the determinant contribution provided by the Kosovo Police in ensuring a safe and secure environment to all citizens who went to the polls considering these elections a ‘success story for Kosovo’, a milestone in the PICTURE: Giovanni DELLE CAVE PICTURE: DELLE CAVE Giovanni

KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2014 5 ELECTIONS

process of normalization of relations the preparation for elections security operation supporting the between Pristina and Belgrade was also an example of the close democratic process in Kosovo. It is and an example of democracy and cooperation between KFOR, the a sign that the voting community is pluralism. Kosovo Police, EULEX, and the also developing, as a good turnout OSCE, who planned and worked indicates trust and faith that a Th e successful election day and together to provide the seamless democratic system is working and PICTURE: Vittorio SIMONELLI

6 KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2014 ELECTIONS PICTURE: Vittorio SIMONELLI can work for the people of Kosovo. of political thought. Th ese factors and social progress is possible. Parties have identifi ed that their combined show a move towards the supporters remain consistent and kind of democratic and inclusive Lt Cdr Hobbins that there should not be any major society originally envisaged for OF-3 IRL N surprises, indicating a stabilisation Kosovo, and one in which economic PICTURE: Giovanni DELLE CAVE PICTURE: DELLE CAVE Giovanni

KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2014 7 AUSTERLITZ BRIDGE AUSTERLITZ BRIDGE MITROVICA JUNE 18-22

Th e Ibar river fl ows though Mitrovica dividing the town into the northern and southern halves. Th e prominent crossing point is the Austerlitz Bridge, a vehicular bridge linking the two halves of the city. Although both Albanian and Serbian communities live on both sides of the river, the northern municipality is more representative of , and the southern, Albanians. Th erefore, the link between the two communities in both structure and symbol is the bridge. Th is natural chokepoint has been barricaded since 2011, when KOS objected to Kosovo Police activity and protested by using rubble and other materials to block the bridge. Freedom of Movement is not aff ected as there are other routes to access either side of the city. It has remained in this condition since then up until June 18 this year when there was brief moment of intense activity. Th ere was hope initially that the old negativity was dispensed with, but this was short lived.

On June 18 there was an organised unusual move was welcomed by deployed a Quick Reaction Force unannounced move involving all sides as a progressive move to monitor the situation, there was people and excavating machinery and an indication of some change. no incident. and trucks which removed all the Th is was not totally incorrect, as barricades from the bridge. Th is change did come. Although KFOR

8 KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2014 AUSTERLITZ BRIDGE PICTURE: Giovanni DELLE CAVE (2) PICTURE: DELLE CAVE Giovanni

Late that day, trucks and earth again blocked. be arranged/removed only aft er moving machinery arrived with soil, Th e new type of obstacle became a political agreement. greenery, heavy concrete plant pots, source of tension as both community A protest was organised by and garden furniture and people and political leaders called for the Albanian community and proceeded to block the bridge with its removal. KFOR was in situ as advertised to take place at 1500 hrs these materials. Th e materials were always monitoring all activity, with on 22 June, calling for the removal landscaped and arranged to resemble the understanding that this was to of any barricade from the bridge. a park although the bridge was once remain a political symbol that would KFOR augmented its presence

KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2014 9 AUSTERLITZ BRIDGE

at the bridge as third responder called for people to exercise their KFOR posture as third responder to to assist the Kosovo Police and freedom to protest in a peaceful and back up Kosovo Police and EULEX EULEX (fi rst and second responders controlled manner and the majority worked well to reassure all present respectively) for crowd control and of the people who turned up did. and to dissuade further escalation. to deal with any threats to a Safe and However, there was unfortunately KFOR did intervene and was Secure Environment or Freedom some violent elements in the crowd successful in preventing the cordon of Movement. Th e aim of KFORs who used aggression and attempted being breached which stopped any robust deployment on the bridge to breach the Kosovo Police cordon. interethnic violence. Th e violent was to avoid interethnic clashes. Missiles and petrol bombs were protestors then damaged some KFOR and political leaders used against the police and the robust vehicles but they were dispersed by

10 KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2014 AUSTERLITZ BRIDGE

Kosovo Police. Some minor injuries incidents have occurred since 22 negotiations between the parties were sustained by both protestors June. involved to work to fi nd a commonly and police during the clashes, but Today, the bridge remains open agreed solution. the event was well contained and to pedestrians but the fl owerpots dispersed without any major injuries and landscaped items are obstacles Lt Cdr Hobbins or damage to property. No further to vehicle traffi c. We encourage OF-3 IRL N

KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2014 11 ST. VIDOVDAN’S DAY ST. VIDOVDAN’S DAY Holidays on feast days or commemorative days are features of life all over the world. Religious, historic, commemorative, or symbolic people and events are honoured by assigning an annual date to them. Whether widely or locally celebrated, these days bring people together in large numbers and organised events range from ceremonies dedicated to the subject, to social and entertainment.

Some dates predate written history and were later transformed from pagan days of importance to modern day religious days. Prominent and important dates have also been used by groups as focal dates on which to carry out large meetings or actions. By using the natural meeting date of crowd or by using the date to evoke interest and emotion about a subject with the focus already generated by a day commemorating a person or event they hope it will give validation or currency for their cause.

St. Vidovdan’s Day falls on the SIMONELLI (2) Vittorio PICTURE: 28th of June and is a Serbian feast day. Th e date of June 28th has been of that date to add weight to their 28th are; hugely historically signifi cant as actions and movements. both as date of great events, but also 1389 – defeated the date chosen by people on which A few of the many examples of by at the Battle to act – perhaps using the themes signifi cant events related to June of Kosovo; Ottoman Sultan is slain by Serbian Knight Milos Obilic.

June 28 1881 – Austro-Hungarian and Serbian Treaty signed establishing Serbian monarchy within the empire.

June 28 1914 – assassinates Arch Duke Franz Ferdinand, beginning . Th is hugely signifi cant date is still celebrated as St Vidovdan’s Day. It has been a day for some tensions as Serbian communities travel in large numbers to events celebrating the day. Th is security issue is additional to the normal planning required by police and local authorities when large events are planned and traffi c control, pedestrian safety, sanitation, parking, fi re safety and

12 KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2014 ST. VIDOVDAN’S DAY PICTURE: Vittorio SIMONELLI (2) Vittorio PICTURE: other usual factors are applied to that the Institutions in Kosovo are endorsement also for the actions ensure the safety during an event, able to manage and conduct events of KFOR and the international as would anywhere in the world. in such a manner. Th is is one sign of community that, fi ft een years Th e Kosovo Police, EULEX, and development in Kosovo away from aft er entry in to Kosovo, people KFOR formulated a plan to control the sectarian and negative activity can enjoy the benefi ts of the and reassure, and also deal with any that hold the region back from work, negotiations, and sacrifi ce, breach of security or threat to SASE advancing. It is also something especially as this month we and FOM for St. Vidovdan’s day. As positive for the people of Kosovo remember those who gave their mentioned, this was in addition to that large events do not mean lives for the cause of peace serving the normal planning for any holiday disturbance, roadblocks, violence in KFOR in Kosovo. or large event. and aggression, and that they can enjoy the peace and freedom to Lt Cdr Hobbins Remarkably, St. Vidovdan’s day live as they wish, as other citizens OF-3 IRL N passed off as any event should. in developed countries can. It is an People were able to travel safely to and from the events, there were no protests or objections from other communities and apart from police marshalling the crowds and traffi c, they were not required to intervene in any incidents.

Coming on the heels of successful and peaceful general elections, St Vidovdan’s Day was also a successful and peaceful event. Th ese were two very positive signs of the progress in Kosovo of the ability of the people to participate in any event they wish without fear of discrimination or harassment, and

KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2014 13 ANNIVERSARY 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF NATO IN KOSOVO NATO forces have been in Kosovo for fi ft een years this June, operating under the provisions of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244. At its peak, 55,000 NATO troops from 36 countries were deployed in the region to counter the violence and instability and to ensure the safe and secure environment and freedom of movement (SASE and FOM) for all citizens and bring peace to the country.

Th e Kosovo Police played a central role with their professionalism, effi ciency and eff ectiveness demonstrated in ensuring the necessary security framework and the smooth conduct of the elections process both north and south of the Ibar River.

Th e dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina has advanced high level relations with the mediation of the European Union. Th ese talks are strongly supported by NATO and KFOR and all the international organisations, the United Nations Although the current force of in Kosovo grow and mature to the with the UNMIK Mission, the 5,500 troops from 31 nations is ten point where KFOR is now third European Union, EULEX and times less than the original KFOR responder to an incident, with the OSCE, the Ambassadors in force, as recently pointed out by Kosovo Police as the fi rst responder Kosovo, and the A-5 dialogues with COM KFOR, this is a great sign of and EULEX the second responder. In neighbouring countries to Kosovo’s the progress made in fi ft een years, addition to being a third responder, Administrative Boundary Line showing that Kosovo is ten times KFOR maintains an active role in (ABL). more secure now. KFOR soldiers guaranteeing SASE and FOM, and have in this time contributed provides a deterrent presence in the Th is progress has come at a cost their commitment, dedication, north, and deliverable capabilities and on the 15th anniversary we professionalism and enthusiasm to civil engineering projects, remembered the 136 KFOR soldiers to make this part of the Balkans security at Decane Monastery, from 16 nations who have off ered a better land, with the support of response to natural disasters such their lives to the cause of peace for the international community to as landslides, and cooperation with a better Kosovo, for a better Europe, help the institutions grow in the the international community and for a better world for all citizens to name of democracy and pluralism institutions in Kosovo. live in a safe environment without distinction of race, language, Although the overall situation in Recent evidence of this tangible ethnicity or religious belief. A Kosovo has changed and improved and substantial improvement ceremony was held by KFOR to greatly since 1999, KFOR has was the general elections held on commemorate their sacrifi ce, remained faithful to its founding June the 8th, which were held in a which has resulted in the stability principles, impartial, and inspired peaceful and democratic manner and progress Kosovo enjoys today. by the values of democracy and without incident: this event marked dialogue ensuring SASE and another milestone in the history FOM for all citizens regardless of of Kosovo with participation of all Lt Cdr Hobbins background or belief. citizens in the democratic process OF-3 IRL N as a sign of the maturity reached by KFOR has seen the Institutions the people and Kosovo institutions.

14 KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2014 KFOR TRANSFER OF RESPONSIBILITY

CHIEF OF STAFF KFOR TRANSFER OF RESPONSIBILITY The responsibility for the Kosovo Forces Headquarters Chief of Staff (COS) transferred from United States (US) Army Brigadier General Steven W. Aycock to US Army Brigadier General Michael L. Scholes at a ceremony held at Camp Film City on 24 June.

General Aycock served as the KFOR COS for the past year, while General Scholes takes re- sponsibility after serving as the Director of Operations, Trai- ning, Readiness and Exercises, Joint Task Force Civil Support, with over 31 years of total ser- vice with the US Army.

During the transfer of respon- sibility ceremony, Commander KFOR (COM KFOR), Major General Farina, praised General Aycock’s ability to perform his duties in a complex and deman- ding environment. “You have worked tirelessly to PICTURE: Vittorio SIMONELLI facilitate progress,” said Farina. partners that make up KFOR. “Today marks the beginning of “You have been the right man, in “We could not be successful wi- your tour here in Kosovo,” said the right place to assist me in do- thout all of you,” General Aycock Farina, “but also as a reminder of ing ‘More Together’. For that I am declared. “I am very humbled to a very challenging assignment in truly grateful.” have been here.” a time of significant development COM KFOR also commended During the ceremony, COM throughout Kosovo. With your General Aycock’s ability to shape KFOR presented General Aycock diverse background, I’m more a cohesive staff of over 400 mili- with the “non-article 5” NATO than convinced that you will lead tary and civilian personnel drawn Medal. U.S. Ambassador Jacob- the KFOR staff in the same out- from 31 nations. “You have always son presented the US Defence standing manner as General Ay- been wonderful in your commit- Superior Service Medal for his ac- cock has done.” ment to develop the staff,” said complishments while serving as General Aycock echoed his con- Farina. “You have held yourself the COS. He was also presented fidence in General Scholes’s abili- to the highest standard of excel- the Medal for International Co- ty to take on his new assignment. lence, while being a great example operation (First Class) of the Mi- “It’s very apparent that the sol- of our motto ‘More Together’.” nistry of Defence of the Republic diers that follow us are just as General Aycock was quick to of Slovenia and the Joint Forces good if not better than we are,” give credit to the soldiers and civi- Medal-of-Honour of the Italian said General Aycock. “Today I lians working on the KFOR staff. Defence General Staff. tell you that as I leave, you will be “I stand here successful not be- advanced by a man who is better cause what I have done, but be- In COM KFOR’s remarks to Ge- than me; he will take you to even cause what you have done as a neral Scholes, he welcomed him greater heights.” team,” he said “You have made my as the new KFOR COS and re- job easy.” minded him of the tremendous OF-2 Troy GLOVER He also highlighted the impor- responsibilities that come with tance of all the multinational the position.

KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2014 15 HIGH LEVEL TALKS HIGH LEVEL TALKS AND KFOR / SERBIAN ARMED FORCES FOOTBALL MATCH COM KFOR, accompanied by a delegation of KFOR HQ Staff , travelled to Serbia on 13th June for the next round of high level talks in line with the Military Technical Agreement (known as the “Kumanovo Treaty”) with the Chief of the Defence (CHOD) Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces General Ljubisa DIKOVIC at a military base in the south of Serbia.

It is the fourth time that Major a positive sign of progress from of the territory. General FARINA met with General Pristina and Belgrade dialogue DIKOVIC since September of last which started in April of 2013 and During the meeting the important year. which has been strongly supported issue of monitoring of the ABL by NATO and KFOR. in line with what is indicated by Th roughout the meeting important the MTA was also addressed. In themes were discussed such as the COM KFOR updated the Serbian particular, COM KFOR confi rmed security situation in Kosovo and CHOD on KFOR activity since that the situation is calm and stable the role of KFOR units during the the last round of talks. Th ere has all along the approximately 350 general elections engaged as “third been a positive trend throughout kilometres of the Administrative responders” in support of the all Kosovo including the north Boundary Line. Th e ABL has had no Kosovo Police and EULEX. where KFOR continues to maintain signifi cant incidents or violations a permanent presence aimed recently. Th e constant monitoring During these talks COM KFOR at ensuring a safe and secure activity conducted by KFOR forces, discussed the participation of environment and freedom of the excellent relations between the for the fi rst time in movement for all the citizens and NATO Joint Military Commission the general election which was organizations operating in that part members and the SAF counterparts PICTURE: DELLE CAVE Giovanni

16 KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2014 HIGH LEVEL TALKS as well as the mutual activities carried out on a daily base along the ABL (synchronized patrols) help to maintain a peaceful, cooperative and positive atmosphere. Th e two senior offi cers have confi rmed that this productive cooperation is going to continue in the future.

In terms of security in the wider Balkan area, a meeting of the “A- 5” Chiefs of Defence of Albania, Bosnia Herzegovina, , FYROM and , took place on Wednesday 11th June. During this year’s meeting, the discussion focused on issues related to the management of crises arising from natural disasters and possible contribution to overseas operations. FYROM, Montenegro and Serbia. of 3 to 1 by full time. However, the Lieutenant General Kadri Kastrati return game will be played in July Kosovo Security Force (KSF) Th e continuing series of football in Kosovo, allowing the KFOR Commander was also invited as games between KFOR and the team another chance to challenge guest to the “A-5” meeting , where he SAF teams was played later that the SAF and perhaps balance the addressed issues related to the KSF day in Serbia. Th ese games serve score. Th e informal series of games Core Capabilities (Engineering, to strengthen ties and build has been strongly supported by Search & Rescue, Explosive relationships between the two both COM KFOR and the Serbian Ordnance Disposal – EOD, forces and provide a good team CHOD to build trust and mutual medical, etc.) aimed to face disaster building experience for the players. understanding. relief/humanitarian support crisis. Although a friendly game, the COM KFOR meets on a regular players displayed a high level of Lt Cdr Hobbins basis with the CHOD’s of the four fi tness and enthusiasm to win and OF-3 IRL N countries bordering the KFOR Area the game was hotly contested. In of Responsibility, namely Albania, the end, the SAF won with a score PICTURE: Giovanni DELLE CAVE (2) PICTURE: DELLE CAVE Giovanni

KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2014 17 ROAD PROJECT NOVO BRDO ROAD PROJECT As well as providing an international military presence under the UNSCR 1244 mandate in Kosovo, KFOR also provides other services from its expertise amongst its troop contributing nations. Assistance is given to institutions in the form of manpower for training and advising. For example, KFOR assets have been seen during landslide removal, and KFOR engineering knowledge has been used inrecent years to train the Kosovo Security Force (KSF).

Th e road was offi cially opened on 13 June 2014 with a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the end of the project fi nanced by IOM and the British Embassy, in close cooperation and with the support of KFOR and NLAT.

Th is joint achievement is very much in the spirit of “More Together” and benefi ts the entire local area. Th is is another project of the KSF which follows the completion of the Decane Bridge in 2013 and an example of Kosovar Institutions working with all communities, for the benefi t of all in Kosovo. PICTURE: DELLE CAVE Giovanni

One such recent successful workers, animals and goods to and Lt Cdr Hobbins project representing KFOR’s “More from the farm. OF-3 IRL N Together” spirit was the completion of repair work to the Novo Brdo MAJCA JOGOVICA also carries road. Apart from the actual road out charitable works and provides being improved and opened, this around 2000 daily free hot meals road is signifi cant as it represents and bread to the poorest citizens multi ethnic cooperation and of NOVO BRDO. Th is road access progress for Kosovo. greatly assists the distribution of aid to those who need it. Th e works were the culmination of cooperation between KFOR, NLAT, Kosovo Security Force (KSF), local authorities, International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and the British Embassy.

A road existed linking the town of NOVO BRDO to the road network but was a gravel track in very poor repair and lacked and eff ective drainage system to sustain it. Th e length of the road is about 2 km and is used by the farm managed by the GRACANICA Monastery through the Serbian Orthodox Church NGO

“MAJCA JUGOVICA” to transport PICTURE: AFRIM HAJRULLAHU (2)

18 KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2014 TRANSFER OF AUTHORITY CEREMONY TRANSFER OF AUTHORITY CEREMONY AT CAMP MARECHAL DE LATTRE DE TASSIGNY IN NOVO SELO Aft er 15 years of French presence at camp Marechal de Lattre de Tassigny in Novo Selo, NATO took over the command and control of the compound on 7 June 2014. Th is transfer of authority was preceded by the end of tour of the French National Support Element and the French National Contingent Commander.

General (ITA-A) Salvatore fully operational, knowing that is Tassigny, as remembrance of the FARINA, KFOR Commander, this camp is the most important sacrifi ce and the dedication of the presided over the ceremony one for KFOR’s future. He more French contingent over the last 15 to which civilian and military particularly pointed out the years. Indeed, Maréchal de Lattre de authorities took place. Colonel outstanding commitment of France Tassigny was an exceptional offi cer (FRA-A) Pierre LECOMTE, in Kosovo during the last 15 years and a great leader who embodied National Commandant which included the sacrifi ce of 9 all the human and military qualities Contingent, handed over the French soldiers to the mission. required. responsibility of the Camp to Lt Indeed, the mission was not easy KFOR soldiers and especially Col Soulé MOUSTAPHA, French and aft er several months of hard French soldiers wished a good offi cer appointed at JFC Naples. negotiations involving France, luck to the NATO C2 Team for this NATO, the NATO Support Agency new challenge. Th ey will have to Major-General Salvatore FARINA (NSPA) and the United Nation perform a smooth transition with bid farewell to Col LECOMTE Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), a NSPA in order to provide the same and to the French Contingent common agreement was reached to level of support than France used to as well. He paid tribute to the transfer the property to NATO and do over the last 15 years. French soldiers and underlined to transfer the Real Life Support their hard work during these last and Logistics Services to NSPA. OF 5 Pierre LECOMTE 3 months in order to retain Camp Major General FARINA concluded French National Contingent Novo Selo in support to KFOR his speech announcing that Camp Commander mission. Moreover, he emphasized Novo Selo, will keep its name their actions to maintain the base as Camp Maréchal de Lattre de PICTURE: Vittorio SIMONELLI (2) Vittorio PICTURE:

KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2014 19 CSMS FRAMEWORK ACTIVITIES

Commander KFOR XVIII Major General Salvatore Farina, CSMS FRAMEWORK OF Italian Army

Chief Public Affairs Office & ACTIVITIES CAMP KFOR Spokesman Colonel Angelo Morcella, SLIM LINES Italian Army As part of the framework of activities for KFOR Command Ser- Chief Internal Information & geant Majors, a familiarization visit to Camp Slim Lines, home Editor KFOR Chronicle of KTM, took place on 20th June 2014. Lieutenant Commander Thomas Hobbins, Irish Defence Forces [email protected]

Photographer & Design Mr. Afrim Hajrullahu [email protected]

Cover Photo MNBG W

E-mail and Web [email protected] www.nato.int/kfor PICTURE: Vittorio SIMONELLI Printed by RASTER Tel.: 038 601 606 The meeting was organized by cooperation, commitment and KFOR CSM in cooperation with the fabulous contribution made NATO Nations within KFOR KTM CSM, Joao CHAMBEL. for this successful day. Albania, Bulgaria, Canada, Cro- The visit was an excellent op- The hard work and professiona- atia, Czech Republic, Denmark, portunity to familiarize and give lism of each and every soldier in Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, the opportunity to many Senior the KTM and in KFOR continues Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Luxem- bourg, Netherlands, Norway, Po- CSMs to visit Camp Slim Lines that contribute toward achieving land, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, and to become acquainted with the strategic objectives of both Turkey, United Kingdom, United the operations and tasks of the KFOR and NATO. We truly are States. KTM. one great family, completely com- 25 Senior CSMs from 11 diffe- mitted to our mission and to the Non-NATO Nations within rent countries took part in the ac- spirit that prevails within KFOR KFOR Armenia, Austria, Finland, Ireland, tivity. Also KSF was present with where everyone is a part of a co- Moldova, Sweden, Switzerland, its 5 CSMs, this is a further step hesive group. Ukraine. forward towards integration and The familiarization visit was cooperation in this area, aimed at yet another successful part of the developing functional synergies KFOR CSMs framework of ac- The KFOR Chronicle is produced in the interest of Kosovo. tivities and it brought to the at- and fully funded by HQ KFOR. It is published for KFOR soldiers in the The agenda included an opera- tention of many the activities of area of responsibility. The contents tional briefing, a static demonst- KTM. are not necessarily the official views ration of equipment and vehicles Once again I want to express of, or endorsed by, the coalition in use by the forces of KTM and my gratitude to this great fami- governments’ defence departments. a visit to the Monastery of GRA- ly of KFOR and underline that Editorial content is edited, prepared CANICA. teamwork is an ability to work to- and provided by the Internal Infor- mation Section of HQ KFOR’s Pub- The visiting NCOs expressed gether towards a common vision. lic Affairs Office (PAO) in Pristina, their sincere appreciation to KTM In order to win, a team must have Kosovo. PAO HQ KFOR reserves Commander Lt. Col. Pedro TEI- a feeling of unity working “More the right to edit content to conform XEIRA for hosting the meeting Together”. to style and space requirements. and for the welcome speech whe- Articles run on a space-available re he expressed the importance basis. KFOR CSM of this gathering, underlining the Francesco CASCELLA

20 KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2014 PROFILES

MILITARY EDUCATION: In 2005 I joined the German armed forces. The armed forces offered me the ability to study veterinary medicine, which I graduated in 2011. ABOUT THE MISSION: I am the head of the veterinary laboratory at the DEU Role 3 hospital in Prizren. My team existing of one German Sgt and two Hungarian Sgts, and I are responsible for the microbiological examina- tion of food, water, and hygiene samples we take from German camps. In addition we serve as the theatre preventive medical laboratory for NATO. Our aim is to prevent food-borne or water-borne diseases among KFOR personnel and to establish minimum standards for food, water and kitchen hygiene. FAMILY REACTIONS: My family and I always knew that I have to spend time on deployment. This year my husband and I celebrated our 8th wed- ding anniversary during my mission. Our daughter is now at the age of 3. Name: Christine Eimer It is always interesting to see people’s reaction meeting a young mother in Rank: OF-2 deployment. It is my second mission in Kosovo and it probably won’t be the last. Nationality: German I try to stay in contact with my husband and my daughter nearly every day KFOR Unit: German medical via skype. But it would be great to be back at home and I am looking forward company to see them again. HOBBIES: I love to handle animals. My cat and my dog require a lot of my time. Working with them is one of my hobbies. Another hobby is my 20 year old white E 30 BMW which I bought three years ago. There is always something to fix on the car, but having a ride in this vehicle is pure fun. And last but not least I love to dance.

MILITARY EDUCATION: I joined to the National Army of Moldova in 2004 in the infantry branch. I served in the different positions, moving up to platoon sergeant. After the completion of the English course (2007), I have attended several courses. Among them were the Command and Leadership course (Czech Republic 2007), Peacekeeping junior leader course (Moldova 2007), Warrior Leader course (USA 2010), Staff NCO course (BiH 2011) and Survival, evasion, recovery and escape course (Romania 2012). ABOUT THE MISSION: My first mission was a peacekeeping mission in the Security Zone of the Republic of Moldova (2005-2006; 2009-2010), but the KFOR mission represents my first deployment abroad. I’m very proud to be a member of the first Moldovan contingent in KFOR, in special in the MNBG-W. Name: Andrei Cojocaru FAMILY REACTION: I’m very happy and proud about my family that they Rank: OR-7 support and understand me and the specifics of my profession. At this mo- Nationality: Moldova ment I am far from my wife Ecaterina and my daughters Andreea and Ca- talina, but the internet can reduce the distance through Skype conversations KFOR Unit: MNBG-W and e-mails. HOBBIES: I like to travel and to collect old things for my collection, also to play chess and to practice pistol and rifle shooting in the shooting area. During the winter I like to ski, but I am just a beginner in this kind of sport so I still have to learn a lot.

KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2014 21 SUDOKU

slightly medium

diffi cult very diffi cult

Rules: Solutions May The standard consists of a grid Sudoku fi eld with 3 × 3 blocks, which are each divided into 3 × 3 fi elds, a total of 81 fi elds in 9 rows and 9 columns. In some of these fi elds at the beginning digits 1 to 9 are registered (“targets“).

The task is to fi ll in the blanks of the puzzle so that in SLIGHTLY MEDIUM each of nine rows, columns and blocks of each digit from 1 to 9 appears only once.

The three areas (row, column, block) are equally units or groups. DIFFICULT DIFFICULT VERY

22 KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2014 PICTURE OF THE MONTH

PICTURE OF THE MONTH june 2014 „...dream or reality ?!“ from Mitrovica

June 2014 Equipment used: FUJIFILM FinePix A820 f/4.7 1/240s ISO 100 Contribute to the Széni, András Gábor KFORChronicle! OR - 4 HUN

Just send your photos to [email protected] by the 25th of the month explaining where you took the pho- to and what equipment you used. We will then select one of the submitted images and publish it in the next edition of the Chronicle.

You will be immortalised in the KFOR Chronicle ! Is that not something to be proud of?

Sincerely The Chronicle Team

KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2014 23 www.nato.int/kfor

242 KFOR CHRONICLECHRONICLE 06/2006/201414