KFOR  /  Media Center  /  Archive  /  News  /  2022  /  Change of Command for RC-East

PRISTINA - In the presence of the Commander of the NATO-led KFOR mission, Major General Angelo Michele Ristuccia, U.S. Colonel Christopher J. Samulski transferred the authority of KFOR Regional Command-East to U.S. Colonel Chris M. Mabis, during a ceremony held at Camp Bondsteel Headquarters.

Major General Ristuccia expressed his appreciation to the outgoing Regional Command-East Commander, for his valuable contribution to our essential mission and welcomed the new Commander. He also highlighted the important challenges laying ahead. The KFOR Commander underscored the need to continue safeguarding security across Kosovo in line with KFOR’s UN mandate. Major General Ristuccia stressed how disinformation unilateral actions and accusatory rhetoric pose risks to lasting stability, in Kosovo and across the region.

Major General Ristuccia also pointed out that KFOR stands fully focused on the daily implementation of its mandate – based on the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999 - to ensure a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all communities living in Kosovo. KFOR troops are closely monitoring the situation on the ground and are fully prepared to intervene if stability, security and freedom of movement are jeopardized, in line with our UN mandate.