“I want to emphasize that the last year was one of the most challenging in the history of KFOR" the Ungarian BG Szpisják said "We responded to the mitigation of the crisis caused by the resignation of Kosovo Serbs from all institutions in Kosovo on November 5 last year, starting with a 90-day roadblock in December. This resignation was subsequently influenced the course of the elections, which caused a series of events that culminated in additional tensions on May 29, and most recently, on September 24," BG Szpisják added.
I know this year has been challenging. However, you have made tremendous strides and progress to help fulfil KFOR’s mandate
Major General Özkan Ulutaş thanked Brigadier General Szpisják “I know this year has been challenging. However, you have made tremendous strides and progress to help fulfil KFOR’s mandate, offering nothing but the best to our host country partners of Kosovo. You have often mentioned that your goal was to improve your mission. From what I have observed, you are leaving KFOR and NATO in a much better position” he said. “In close partnership with the director of the Kosovo Police, you led KFOR’s part in the collective initiative to increase cooperation and transparent dialogue. For airspace management. You ensured the reopening of airlines between Albania and Kosovo, resulting in shorter and more efficient flights in and out. Also, you successfully completed negotiations on the KFOR Unmanned Aircraft System Regulation, ensuring the protection and safety of all aerial activities, to include the enormous increase in drone flights,” added KFOR Commander.
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For Brigadier General Federico BERNACCA, welcome to KFOR. “You undoubtedly have big shoes to fill. I have full faith and confidence that, with the set of skills and experience you have, you will bring professionalism, leadership integrity and a hard working attitude to your new role and continue the strides of excellence our predecessors have left”, Major General Özkan Ulutaş concluded.
The new KFOR Deputy Commander, BG Federico BERNACCA, said the predecessor's professional legacy will be the compass that will guide his tenure for his commitment, dedication, enthusiasm and professionalism with which he has carried out this prestigious task.
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