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MULTINATIONAL BATTLE GROUP-WEST CHANGE OF COMMAND

9th December 2014 - Today in Belo Polje -seat of the Italian Contingent in Kosovo- the Multinational Battle Group-West Transfer of Authority Ceremony, took place between "Lancieri di Montebello” Regiment and the incoming 5th Alpini Regiment.
 
The ceremony was presided over by KFOR Commander, General Francesco Paolo Figliuolo, by the Italian Ambassador in Kosovo, H.E. Andreas Ferrarese, and others religious and political local Authorities. During his speech, COM KFOR expressed his congratulations for the results achieved by the men and women commanded by Colonel Angelo Minelli, who have performed their tasks in an outstanding way, demonstrating professionalism and competence. General Figliuolo also said: "Soldiers of Multinational Battle Group-West you have all represented your countries with great pride and honour. Col. Minelli can be proud to have commanded such a capable multinational force that has helped and continues to help shape the future of Kosovo”.
 
During its mandate, Multinational Battle Group West Contingent started and completed the "reshaping phase”, which featured a rotation between the Italian, Slovenian and Austrian companies in order to successfully accomplish all the assigned tasks. With this integration between all the MNBG-W forces, the Italian company has been released from the limitations of static duties and was able to protect Decane Monastery and patrol its own area of responsibility, allowing it to became a more dynamic force.   The KFOR Commander finally addressed his welcome speech to the 5th Alpini Regiment soldiers that under the command of Colonel Carlo Cavalli have returned to Kosovo after nine years since they first participated in Operation Joint Enterprise.