MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE

Transcription

1 MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE Dear friends, I am pleased to present you with the 44 th MKSF s newsletter. edition of the It was with great joy that I received the news of NATO s invitation to start talks of accession with Montenegro. This is a direct result of the dedication and rigorous efforts of the Republic of Montenegro, while at the same time it demonstrates an historic achievement for the entire Western Balkan region - an event that marks an important step towards further integration of the region into the Euro- Atlantic family. As we approach the end of the year and get ready for Christmas and the New Years, I want to use this opportunity to thank all of our international friends and partners. Thank you very much for your hard work and efforts this past year; I remain impressed by your dedication, commitment and zeal. This edition of our newsletter is yet another proof of how dynamic, diverse and essential your support and assistance is to Ministry and the KSF. I wish you a festive season and a happy New Year. May it be filled with happiness and success for everyone! Sincerely Yours, Haki Demolli

2 Minister Demolli Participates in the Halifax International Security Forum From the 20 th to the 22 nd of November, Minister Haki Demolli took part in the 2015 Halifax International Security Forum in Canada. The recent security developments in Europe and Africa, such as the refugee crisis and the fight against ISIS were the main topics at the forum panels in which many senior state officials, diplomats, experts, Parliament members, media editors, and think tank representatives from more than 60 countries took part. Within the framework of the Forum, Minister Demolli had several bilateral meetings to include a meeting with the Minister of National Defence of Canada, Hajrit Sing Sajjan, the US Deputy Secretary of Defence, Robert Work, the Defence Ministers of Albania, Mimi Kodheli and from the Republic of Macedonia, Zoran Jolevski. At the meetings, Minister Demolli discussed the current security challenges in the region and emphasized the need for an accelerated Euro-Atlantic integration of the Balkan countries. The Halifax International Security Forum is an independent, non-profit organization that is held once a year which is dedicated to global security issues and is based out of Washington, DC. The Forum is organised in cooperation with the Canadian private sector and the Canadian government.

3 Minister Demolli Attends Riga Conference In early November Minister Haki Demolli travelled to Latvia to attend the 2105 Riga Conference that took place on the 6 th and 7 th of November and welcomed over 500 participants from more than 40 countries worldwide. For two days state leaders, experts, academics, and journalists debated the high priority issues for the transatlantic alliance and regional stability: EU role in rise of geo-economics; security challenges in the information age and hybrid warfare; transatlantic relationship as a critical axis of global stability; relations between Russia and the West; and prospects of Eastern Partnership countries. The Riga Conference is an annual meeting of regional and international experts in foreign policy and defence, academics, journalists, and business representatives, promoting the discussion and assessment of issues affecting the transatlantic community. During his stay in Riga, Minister Demolli had a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Defence of Latvia, Raimonds Bergmanis. In the meeting both parties discussed the prospects of further cooperation between both Ministries. Minister Demolli thanked Latvia for its support of highly professional advisors who help Kosovo develop and advance its security sector. The Latvian Minister of Defence expressed strong support to Kosovo s Euro-Atlantic aspirations and willingness to share Latvia's experience in Euro- Atlantic integration.

4 Chief of the U.S. National Guard Bureau Visits Kosovo On the 24 th of November, Minister Haki Demolli and the KSF Commander, Lieutenant General Rrahman Rama, received the Chief of the U.S. National Guard Bureau, General Frank Grass, where they discussed ongoing bilateral cooperation with the United States in the area of security. Minister Demolli spoke to General Grass about the processes regarding the Kosovo Security Force s transformation to the Kosovo Armed Force which, when accomplished, will conclude the consolidation of the sovereignty of Kosovo. Minister Demolli also used the opportunity to reiterate the appreciation of the People of Kosovo for the support that the United States is and has provided to Kosovo. He also thanked General Grass for the outstanding contributions of the U.S. National Guard, whose members have been a part of KFOR for many years and a strong partner of the professionalization and modernization of the KSF. General Grass expressed the support of the U.S. National Guard for the transformation of the KSF to the Kosovo Armed Forces and for Kosovo s membership in NATO. At the meeting General Rama pointed out that the State Partnership Program with the Iowa National Guard has been very helpful for the KSF as it helps build up the needed capacities to become a professional and capable force. About 15,000 National Guard soldiers and airmen have served with KFOR since 2003; the Iowa National Guard alone has deployed more than 800 members to KFOR. The Iowa National Guard is also providing two officers to advise and assist the Ministry for Kosovo Security Force.

5 Minister Demolli Meets with the Hungarian Minister of Defence On the 26 th of November, Minister Haki Demolli hosted the Hungarian Minister of Defense, Istvan Simicsko, during a visit to the Ministry of KSF. Minister Demolli welcomed the Hungarian Defense Minister for the first time to the MKSF and thanked him for the Hungarian contributions to Kosovo as a member of KFOR. The Minister also expressed his gratitude for Hungary s willingness to formalize the cooperation with Kosovo in the security area through the signing of the bilateral security cooperation agreement. Minister Demolli informed his counterpart about the KSF transformation process into Kosovo Armed Forces, pointing out that the entire transformation process will be gradual, transparent and done in cooperation with Kosovo s strategic partners. Kosovo Armed Forces will be a defense force that will contribute to peace in the country and the region, a force that belongs equally to all citizens of the Republic of Kosovo, stressed Minister Demolli. Minister Simicsko appreciated the progress made in strengthening KSF s capabilities and assured the full support of Hungary for KSF s further professionalization. Hungary is willing to support the KSF with training and education, as well as in other areas of common interest, said Minister Simicsko.

6 KSF Commander Visits the Army of the Republic of Macedonia On the 26 th of November, the KSF Commander, Lieutenant General Rrahman Rama, paid an official visit to the Republic of Macedonia where he met with the Chief of the General Staff of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia (ARM), Major General Metodija Velickovski. General Velickovski commended the constructive and pragmatic cooperation between the ARM and the KSF that covers a wide range of fields of cooperation which, to name a few, are crisis management exercises, cadet summer camp in Krivolak, courses at the Regional Training Centre for Public Affairs and Military Medical Center, expert talks, consultations and workshops. General Rama expressed his satisfaction with the very dynamic cooperation and pointed out that the experience of the ARM, acquired in international peacekeeping operations, is much needed for the KSF because Kosovo s aspiration is to become security provider and give its contribution to ensuring peace and stability in the world. General Rama thanked General Velickovski for the opportunity to educate KSF personnel in the Military Academy Mihajlo Apostolski which is currently schooling 11 representatives from the KSF. General Rama Visiting the General Staff, the KSF delegation also met with the Deputy Defense Minister, Iljmi Selami. The official visit was rounded off with the introduction of the capacities and possibilities of training at the Center for pilot training in the "Straso Pindzur" in Petrovac.

7 KSF Marks Force Day On the 27 th of November, the KSF marked Force Day, which is the anniversary of the establishment of the Kosovo Security Force. The main ceremony was held at the Land Forces Command in Pristina and was attended by the President of Kosovo, Atifete Jahjaga, MKSF and KSF senior leadership, diplomatic corps, bilateral partners and citizens of Kosovo. During her visit to the Land Force Command, President Jahjaga stated that the KSF is prepared to be transformed to a Kosovo Armed Force. We are in the process of furthering the transformation of the KSF which we expect to happen soon. Throughout the day all KSF barracks in Pristina, Mitrovica, Istog, Gjilan, Prizren, Ferizaj and Pomozotin were open to citizens for display of the EOD, Search and Rescue, and medical equipment. They were also able to familiarize themselves with the KSF vehicles, armament and uniforms and to enjoy a warm cup of tea as they listened to the KSF Orchestra.

8 US Marine Forces Europe Provide Company Level Tactical Planning Course From the 10 th to the 12 th of November, three subject matter experts from the United States Marine Forces Europe (MARFOREUR) presented and exchanged information with the KSF on Operations Planning and Coordination; Intelligence Integration and Military Decision Making Process at the tactical (Company) level. The primary audience of the event were Company Commanders and Deputy Commanders in the Operational Support Brigade, Civil Protection Regiment and Rapid Reaction Brigade. During the course of the seminar the MARFOREUR Team exchanged information and familiarised the KSF on Tactical Planning to enhance the KSF s operational effectiveness in preparation of Company Level training.

9 KSF Ethnic Communities Improve Their Albanian Language Skills On the 30 th of October, non-albanian KSF members received certificates of completion for successfully completing an Albanian language course. The 41 members of the KSF, mostly from the Serbian and Bosniak communities, met twice a week for classes designed to improve and refine their Albanian language proficiency. The 8 week course was organized by the 1 st Battalion, Rapid Reaction Brigade. Most of the attendees had already completed their first level of language training last year. This year the course was organized on two levels, level 1 for the beginners and level 2 for the more proficient students. As quoted by Azemina Culum, Head of the Office of Community Affairs at the Ministry, good command of the Albanian language helps to improve these KSF members performance and task execution. It also inevitably strengthens their self-esteem and will help them to advance in their careers. The Ministry is determined to continue Albanian language courses as part of its efforts to facilitate the integration of various ethnic communities into the KSF.

10 Welsh Guards Support KSF Ceremonial Guard In November, the KSF Ceremonial Guard received training and support from members of the Welsh Guards whom most people know as the Regiment s of the British Queen s personal guards. These individuals protect Her Majesty at Buckingham Palace in the centre of London. The request for training and support came from the KSF in support of the professional development of the KSF ceremonial guards as they are assigned increasingly varied duties ranging from full military honours for visiting foreign heads of state to burial duties for KSF members. Alongside the KSF Orchestra they are seen as one of the high profile units within the Force and it is important that they perform to the highest professional standard as they are very much in the public eye. The Welsh Guards were asked to work with the KSF ceremonial guards to help with the refinement of their marching drills, the handling of ceremonial weapons, and overall professional bearing which included the introduction of new procedures. Lieutenant Mentor Ibrahimi, Ceremony Guard Officer, said that the timing of the Welsh Guards visit could not have been better as we were preparing for a head of state visit to Kosovo by King Abdullah of Jordan, who received full military honours. The KSF ceremonial guard performed extremely well on this important visit which can be directly attributed to the support, guidance and advice of the Welsh Guards instructors.

11 KSF Orchestra Members Travel to UK In November, four senior members of the KSF Orchestra travelled to the UK for training, as a continuation of the excellent relationship and co-operation that has developed between the KSF and the British Army military music. As a follow on to the training and support received in Kosovo from the Nottinghamshire Band of Royal Engineers and the Prince of Wales s Divisional In April Lieutenant Band KSF Colonel in 2015, Darren members Doherty, attended from training the UK at the Ministry world of renowned Defence, Headquarters lead a seminar Corps with of key Army personnel Music, from Kneller the Hall KSF on reserve the outskirts force of issue London. developments KSF musicians in the UK. spent The time seminar working initially alongside focused their on UK the counterparts history of Army as part Reserves of a professional in the UK. study Discussions period, were with held an aim on how to learn the more force about developed international over the military last century music up and to increase the present KSF day, musical talking repertoire. about the During growth their of stay reserve they forces also had and an the opportunity challenges that to play Armed two Forces concerts face to today. the public Lieutenant and military Colonel audiences. Doherty Sergeant provided Avni participants Krasniqi with said how it was a fantastic experience working with great musicians and in such a historical setting of Kneller Hall. The British Army has such a wonderful history with military music and we have been very lucky to spend this time in the UK.

12 Run With KSF Organisers Present a Cheque to the Municipality of Gjakova Following the huge success of the Run with KSF event, held in Gjakova on the 4 th of October, a ceremony was held to present a cheque for the money raised to help the children of Gjakova who are in the greatest of need. On the 24 th of November, a Euro cheque was presented to the Mayor of the Gjakova Municipality, Mimoza Kusari-Lila, by the organisers of the KSF 10 km run at a ceremony in the Municipality offices in Gjakova. The money raised will be used to support pre-school children s education from disadvantaged families within the Gjakova area. M. Kusari-Lila thanked the KSF for doing a great job in organizing the run and explained that the money will go to children in need. Lieutenant Manushaqe Nura, 3 rd Battalion of the Rapid Reaction Brigade, said it was a real honour to be involved with organizing the run and raising the much needed money for the children of Gjakova who are in need of this kind of additional support.

13 KSF Distributes Aid to Kosovo Citizens During three days in mid-november, the MKSF Department for Civil-Military Cooperation, in conjunction with the US Embassy Civil-Military Support Element (CMSE) delivered several donated agricultural items and clothing to the villages of Begrace, Lubishte and Remnik and Kacanik. The US Embassy s Civil-Military Support Element has had a long period of cooperation with the KSF CIMIC department, whom has been one of our strongest partners over the past years. The CIMIC mission is closely related to that of the Civil Military Support Element, as the mission of both organizations is to support the civilian structure within Kosovo. Additionally, we are very fortunate that the CIMIC Department was able to provide us with the vehicles necessary to deliver these items. Without this support, we would have been unable to transport the agricultural equipment and the donated clothing, said Peter Preisinger, Team Leader of the CMSE. The donated agricultural items in Remnik, Lubishte, and Begrace were purchased by the American based NGO, Spirit of America and included pots/jugs for collecting and delivering dairy products, as well as the specific detergents needed to clean and sanitize this equipment for food safety purposes. The total cost of these donated items was approximately 2500 Euro. Prior to the donation the CMSE worked with representatives of Women for Women to determine which specific supplies would be most beneficial to support the women s agriculture and training associations in these three communities. The clothing donated in Kacanik was collected from the employees of the US Embassy in Pristina. Mr. Preisinger pointed out that by showing their support to these areas, the KSF has demonstrated that even though these villages may be isolated from the larger cities and towns of Kosovo, they are still an important part of the country as a whole.

14 KSF EOD Respond to Pristina Hospital On the morning of 30 November, a KSF Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team from the Civil Protection Regiment responded to call to assist Kosovo Police at Pristina Hospital. Discovered in a roof space above an office in Pristina Hospital Eye Clinic was a hand grenade. The first floor of the Eye Clinic Building was evacuated and further searches commenced. These searches of the roof space revealed two hand grenades and fifteen rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition. All the ordnance was safely removed to be disposed of at a later date. The KSF EOD Company have teams on 24/7 standby in Pristina and Prizren ready to assist civil authorities. They respond on a daily basis to EOD incidents and are widely respected for their dedication, bravery and professionalism.

15 UK Remembers the Fallen On the 8 th of November, a large crowd gathered near the Headquarters KFOR at the British Memorial, for the annual act of Remembrance for United Kingdom and Commonwealth personnel who have given the ultimate sacrifice, in the cause of peace. Since 1999, 14 British service personnel have been killed in Kosovo, on operational duties. The annual act of remembrance takes place on the 11 th November, the day in 1918 when the guns fell silent at the end of World War I, or the Sunday nearest the 11 th, as it happened this year. Her Majesty s Ambassador, Ruarí O Connell, Madam President Atifete Jahjaga on behalf of the Kosovo people, and Major General Guglielmo Miglietta on behalf of KFOR, and the Commander of the KSF, Lieutenant General Rrahman Rama on behalf of the KSF, all participated in the laying a poppy wreath at the Memorial. The KSF was well represented at this solemn event with six musicians from the KSF band providing excellent musical accompaniment for the ceremony. There were also nine Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) graduates in attendance. I would like to thank everyone who participated, especially the KSF band who did a splendid job providing the right atmosphere, said Lieutenant Colonel David Jones, Adviser to KSF Commander.