PRISTINA - KFOR Commander, Major General Angelo Michele Ristuccia, presided over the ceremony of the Transfer of Authority of KFOR Regional Command-West between Colonel Ivano Marotta and Colonel Mario BOZZI in the presence of the Italian Deputy Minister of Defence, Senator Isabella Rauti.
Major General Ristuccia, Commander of the NATO-led KFOR Mission, expressed his appreciation to the outgoing Regional Command-West Contingent: “Colonel Marotta and this contingent have left a lasting impact within KFOR by maintaining high standards of fairness, impartiality, and creating conditions that benefited all people in Kosovo. The Kosovo people living in your area of responsibility appreciate you for your concern and efforts, working through various CIMIC projects to donate much needed items and labor for important improvements”. He also highlighted the important challenges laying ahead. The KFOR Commander wished the incoming RC-WEST Commander, Colonel Mario BOZZI much success for his new assignment underscored the need to continue safeguarding security across Kosovo in line with KFOR’s UN mandate.
On the same day, Senator Isabella Rauti, Italian Deputy Minister of Defence, was officially welcomed at the 'Film City' base by KFOR Commander. She was updated on the ongoing operational activities and the general security situation.
During the meeting with the representatives of the Italian contingent, the Senator thanked the Italian peacekeepers for their valuable contribution in a region characterised by deep instability, but of great strategic interest for the Nation, reiterating the country's full support and backing for the Contingent and the Mission.
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 UN mandate.