CEREMONY IN CAMP "FILM CITY" PRISTINA TO MARK THE MERGER OF TWO UNITS WITHIN KFOR.

On 20th October 2013 the Commander of KFOR (COMKFOR), Major General Salvatore FARINA, presided over a change of command ceremony in Camp "FILM CITY" Pristina to mark the merger of two Units within KFOR.

The Joint Regional Detachment West (JRD-W), led by an Italian Commander, and the Joint Regional Detachment Center (JRD-C) led by a Swedish Commander, merged into one Unit which will now be led by an Italian Commander, Colonel Antonio PELLONE.

Many distinguished visitors were present at the ceremony including the Swedish Minister of Defence Ms. Enström and the Swedish Armed Forces Supreme Commander General Sverker Goranson .

The Swedish commander Colonel Mikael CHRISTOFFERSON handed over to Colonel Antonio PELLONE following a year in command of JRD–C. The parade consisted of JRD troops from Italy, Sweden, Hungary, Turkey, Finland and Slovenia and totaled around 100 military personnel.

COM KFOR awarded the Swedish commander Colonel Mikael CHRISTOFFERSON with the KFOR NATO Peace Mission Medal and commented on his professionalism. He welcomed the new JRD commander and wished him all the best in his new appointment.

At the end of his speech COMKFOR , Major General FARINA concluded expressing his gratitude to the Swedish contingent that have contributed so much , since 1999 to the stabilization the security and progress of all people in Kosovo. He also paid a tribute to the seven Swedish soldiers who lost their life serving in KFOR and welcomed the intention of Swedish Authorities to continue to contribute to KFOR HQ with some Staff Members.