MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE Dear friends, It is my pleasure to introduce you to the 35th edition of the MKSF s newsletter. On December 12, I assumed the role of the Minister for the Kosovo Security Force. It is a great and honorable responsibility, since by advancing the Kosovo Security Force we are strengthening country s overall security and building up its defence capabilities. I am certain that together we will achieve our set goals; we have the determination and desire and we have a strong support and advice of our friends and partners across the international community. Together we can achieve so much. In January, while visiting Kosovo, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg underlined that it is up to Kosovo to decide about the establishment of the Kosovo Armed Forces, however it has to be done in line with ethnic reconciliation and with the consent of all stakeholders. I reassured NATO Secretary General that transition from the Kosovo Security Force to the Kosovo Armed Forces will be gradual, transparent and done in cooperation with our partners. Furthermore, I also reassured Secretary General J. Stoltenberg that Kosovo shares NATO s vision of Europe whose countries and people are at peace with themselves and with their neighbours. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a good start to the New Year! May it provide us with challenging opportunities, strong will and personal fulfillment! Sincerely Yours, Haki Demolli
Minister Demolli Thanks NATO For Advancing The KSF On January 23, Minister Haki Demolli and KSF Commander, Lieutenant General Kadri Kastrati, met NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during his official visit to Kosovo. Minister H. Demolli thanked NATO for all its support provided to Kosovo and the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) over the years. During the meeting NATO Secretary General was informed about Kosovo s plan to transform the KSF into the Kosovo Armed Forces. Minister H. Demolli stressed that it is very important that NATO is part of the transformation process and that it is done jointly. We want to be open and transparent, he said. At the meeting Minister H. Demolli also pointed out that Kosovo shares NATO s vision of Euro-Atlantic future for the Western Balkans and that it would be in the interests of Kosovo and NATO to establish a political dialogue between Kosovo and the North-Atlantic Alliance. NATO Secretary General J. Stoltenberg was also briefed on KSF s efforts regarding integration of all ethnic communities in the KSF, as well as on civil-military projects for the Serb community, such as road and bridge construction, demining operations and medical assistance.
Minister Demolli Meets With The Albanian Minister Of Defence On January 27, Minister Haki Demolli paid an official visit to Albania upon the invitation by the Minister of Defence, Mimi Kodheli. At the meeting, the ministers discussed regional security issues. They appreciated the excellent relations between the two countries. Minister H. Demolli thanked Albania for strengthening security in Kosovo by contributing its forces to KFOR mission as well as for sending qualified advisors to NATO Advisory Team that supports and advises the Ministry for the Kosovo Security Force (MKSF). Minister Demolli reiterated that Kosovo s strategic objective is full-fledged membership in Euro-Atlantic organisations and praised Albania for being Kosovo s strong ally and advocate on the regional and international scene. Minister M. Kodheli pointed out that the way to NATO membership is difficult, and requires vision, determination and correctness in meeting the strong criteria of the Alliance. We are willing to be your advisors and guides on this way, said Minister M. Kodheli. After discussing further bilateral cooperation in the field of security the Cooperation Plan for 2015 between the MKSF and the Albanian Ministry of Defence was signed. During the visit the MKSF delegation visited the Special Forces Battalion of the Albanian Armed Forces.
Minister Demolli Visits KSF Units In January and early February, Minister Haki Demolli made a series of visits to KSF units, among which were Land Force Command and Operations Support Brigade in Pristina and Rapid Reaction Battalions in Gjilan, Istok and Mitrovica. During the visits Minister H. Demolli was briefed on units mission, structure, tasks, infrastructure, humanitarian projects, training activities and development plans. The aim of these visits was to check up the operational readiness of the KSF units as well as to meet KSF members and hear about their service in the KSF and the challenges they are facing, stated Minister H. Demolli.
KSF Commander Presents The Medal Of Selfless Service To NLAT Director On January 14, the Change of Command ceremony for NATO Liaison and Advisory Team (NLAT) was held at KFOR Headquarters. The ceremony marked the handover of command between the outgoing Brigadier General Peter Braunstein and the incoming Brigadier General Werner Haumann, as NLAT Director. In his speech, KSF Commander, Lieutenant General Kadri Kastrati, appreciated Brigadier General P. Braunstein s professional approach and inspired work and pointed out that the NLAT Director had a unique opportunity to be part of KSF s efforts and development. Lieutenant General K.Kastrati thanked all the nations that are contributing to the NLAT with their advisors and subject matter experts. The fact that we are consulted by experienced and skilful professionals gives us additional confidence that our force is being developed according to the best practices, he said. During the Change of Commande ceremony the KSF Commander presented the outgoing NLAT Director with the Medal of Selfless Service.
NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security Visits Kosovo On December 2, KSF Commander, Lieutenant General Kadri Kastrati, held a meeting with Marriet Schuurman, the NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security. Lieutenant General K.Kastrati informed M. Schuurman about MKSF un KSF s policies aimed at encouraging women to join the KSF and enhancing their participation at decision-making level. He pointed out that gender dimensions are an important component of all KSF s activities and that successful implementation of gender equality within the KSF is a prerequisite for building professional, trusted and open security force. The MKSF and the KSF have held a series of workshops throughout KSF units in order to achieve the standard for respecting human rights and gender equality, said the KSF Commander. M. Schuurman commended KSF s efforts in advancing United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 on Women, Peace and Security as well as stated that she would continue to encourage Kosovo institutions to apply the National Action Plan for the implementation of UNSCR 1325.
Inter-Ministerial Project About Women In Kosovo Security Sector Is Launched On December 10, both a documentary and a brochure about women, working in Kosovo security sector, were presented by the Ministry for Kosovo Security Force, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Finance. The aim of this inter-agency project, which was financially supported by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Kosovo, was to promote women s work and contribution as well as to raise their role in the security sector of the country; motivate women to apply for job in the security sector; strengthen women s cooperation across the security sector of Kosovo; and improve cooperation of women in uniform in the Western Balkans. Police and Kosovo Security Force are among the institutions mostly respected by citizens, and without doubt this is a result of joint work of women and men who have worked side by side to gain this trust and build these institutions in accordance with international standards, stated President Atifete Jahjaga in her speech at the launching event, adding that women with decision making role in security institutions is a synonym for a developed and democratic society. KSF Commander, Lieutenant General Kadri Kastrati, pointed out that for every organisation, including the KSF, it is very important to have a balanced number of men and women. I strongly believe that both genders must have an equal voice and equal involvement in strengthening and maintaining security, and I strongly believe that women must actively engage in shaping security policies and putting them into practice, said Lieutenant General K. Kastrati.
US Army Combined Arms Center Conducts A Workshop On Doctrine Development And Writing From 12 to 16 January, US Army Combined Arms Center (CAC) at Fort Leavenworth conducted a workshop on Doctrine Development and Writing to advise and assist the KSF in the development of and process of doctrine development and writing. Subject matter experts from CAC provided the KSF attendees with a baseline of skills for doctrine development. The workshop also educated the KSF on how leaders utilize doctrine as a foundation and how they incorporate it into training events and requirements. The target audience for this event was an MKSF and KSF doctrine development and writing team. During the workshop the following topics were covered: Capstone Doctrine; Keystone Doctrine; and Operations and Training Doctrine. This was the second event in a series of Doctrine Development and Writing events held in Kosovo.
University Of Prishtina Trains KSF Instructors On Teaching Methodology In December, KSF instructors attended a training program "Teaching Methodology", which was organised by the Faculty of Education of the University of Pristina. Modules, delivered according to the curriculum, were: preparation In April Lieutenant Colonel Darren Doherty, from the UK Ministry of Defence, lead a seminar with key personnel from the of KSF abstracts; on reserve assessment force issue methods; developments and in teaching the UK. and The learning. seminar initially On December focused on 19, the the history KSF instructors of Army Reserves were in visited the UK. by the Discussions Dean of were the Faculty held on of how Education the force Et hem developed Çeku over and the Professor last century Zeqir up Veselaj to the as present well as day, Captain talking Afrim about Shala, the growth Liaison of Officer reserve forces with and the the University. challenges During that Armed the Forces visit the face University s today. Lieutenant leadership Colonel witnessed Doherty provided the dedicated participants and with enthusiastic how work of professors and active engagement of KSF instructors. The training event was conducted on the basis of an Agreement of Cooperation that the KSF has with the University of Pristina.
KSF Senior Officers Graduate From A Defence And Security Course In Tirana From 8 September to 5 December, Colonel Irfete Spahiu and Lieutenant Colonel Fadil Hoxha attended Senior Course on Security and Defence Studies (SCSDS) in Tirana, Albania. The Course was offered to senior military and civilian personnel, government officials, and other high level officials and was attended by participants from Albania, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro and Turkey. The purpose of the SCSDS was to expose top-ranking civilians and militaries from to some of the key issues that influence national, regional and international security; the factors shaping national security strategy; and the imperatives of cooperative security in an interdependent world. The Course was aimed at shaping future senior leaders and civilian equivalents by: building confidence and further improving the positive climate of civilian and military structures among regional countries through integrated education programs; promoting cooperation among regional countries and initiatives, principles of peace and security as values to the integration process into NATO and the EU; and by providing an opportunity to explore the methods of learning and working together, bringing the experiences of different cultures and professional backgrounds of future leaders. The Course gave me this very unique opportunity to discuss with my regional colleagues the key issues and challenges that influence national, regional and international security and see their perspective and standpoint. I fully agree with the Albanian poet Naim Frashëri, who has said that the light of knowledge will bring us always forward. Not surprising, this quotation was chosen as the motto for our Course, said Colonel I.Spahiu.
KSF Attends English Language Training In THE UK In January, Lieutenant Colonel Haki Xhemajli from the 2 nd Battalion of Rapid Reaction Brigade and Command Sergeant Major Fetah Zejnullahu, Land Force Command, arrived in the UK to attend the Immediate Military English Course. Lieutenant Colonel H. Xhemajli and Command Sergeant Major F. Zejnullahu will spend three months developing their English at the Defence Centre for Language and Culture, which is part of the United Kingdom Defence Academy, Shrivenham. The aim of the course is to improve the English of foreign military personnel so that they may confidently communicate with Armed Forces personnel worldwide, both in military and social context. The course includes military vocabulary, grammar, essay writing, discussion and presentation skills, reading and visits to places of military and cultural interest. Its focus is on enabling students to carry out practical job-related tasks through the acquisition of high-level language skills. These include managing or participating in a meeting, writing reports, giving presentation and analysing information across a range of geo-political and military topics. I am looking forward to my first visit to the UK and the challenge of improving my English further. As it is a universal language used in NATO and the western world, it is very important that KSF personnel has a good command of it and can speak English at every level, said Command Sergeant Major F. Zejnullahu prior leaving to the UK.
KSF Demining Company Conducts Lectures On The Danger Of Using Pyrotechnics In December members of the Demining Company of the KSF conducted awareness lectures for students of primary and secondary schools on the danger of using pyrotechnics. The lectures took place in Ferizaj, Gjakova, Gjilan, Mitrovica, Peja, Pristina and Prizren. On 12 December, KSF demining experts ran a lecture at the "Sami Frasheri" secondary school in Pristina. Osman Beka, director of the school, expressed his gratitude and special thanks to the KSF lecturers for this very important initiative for the school youth. Captain Sejdi Krasniqi, Commander of the Demining Company, also assessed the conduct of these lectures to be very important, especially at the beginning of end of year holidays, when many students in Kosovo during these holidays suffer injuries from pyrotechnics. Besides the purpose of sensitizing students from the risk of pyrotechnics, the purpose of organizing these lectures was also to deepen the KSF cooperation with civil authorities, in order to assist country's institutions.
KSF Wind Orchestra Gives Its Annual New Year Concert On December 17, the KSF Wind Orchestra performed its traditional New Year concert, conducted by Baki Jashari. The invited guests could hear world-famous melodies along with Albanian songs performed by the orchestra and singers Adelina Paloja, Besa Llugiqi, Liridon Sadriu and Luan Durmishi. In his welcome speech, Minister Haki Demolli thanked all the musicians and singers who had worked hard to prepare the concert program and make this beautiful event happen. The KSF Wind Orchestra was established in 2003 under the Kosovo Protection Corps. Currently 36 musicians play in the orchestra, most of whom have long term civilian music careers. Under the leadership of Captain Shkumbin Bajraktari and conductor Baki Jashari, the Wind Orchestra regularly performs music at official KSF and government ceremonies, as well as other special events and concerts. The Wind Orchestra also represents Kosovo abroad.
KSF Completes DANCON March On January 18, 20 KSF members completed the 25 km DANCON March that took place around the hills and roads of Camp Marechal De Lattre de Tassigny. A strong team from the KSF Land Force Command participated in the March, over challenging conditions with the ground being extremely soft in places and very hard and icy in others. So individuals had to be careful underfoot that they did not injure themselves due to falls and slips. With nearly thousand individuals competing it was very impressive that two KSF members finished in the top 30, with Corporal Binak Podrimquaku finishing in the top 5. After the completion of the March Lieutenant Colonel David Jones, Advisor to the KSF Commander, said: All the KSF participants should be proud of their efforts as it was difficult to run and walk in these conditions. Especially proud should be the guys who were up at the front of the DANCON March demonstrating that the KSF has extremely fit members at all levels.