MNTF North gets new commander

General Jumelet said it is a great honor for him to accept the command of troops from Denmark, Greece, Morocco, Belgium, Estonia, Luxembourg, Spain and France.

"I know I can rely on your professionalism, on your straight behavior, on your determination, on your impartiality and your deep respect for human life," said General Jumelet during his speech at the ceremony.

In his speech, General de Marnhac said General Jumelet faces a tour during a critical time in Kosovo's history. He also said that General Arnaud had a successful tour.

"General Arnaud has provided outstanding leadership for this task force during the past four months," said General de Marnhac. "Though I have not been here for that whole period, I know from my discussions with General Kather (former COMKFOR) and from my own personal knowledge of General Arnaud that he is a leader of the highest character. I know that he understood what was needed in the (area of responsibility), and he did an outstanding job of leading the task force in that direction."

After complimenting the work of General Arnaud, General de Marnhac welcomed General Jumelet. COMKFOR told General Jumelet that the job of MNTF-N is not complete, and he is counting on General Jumelet to take the lead.

"Now it is up to you to take the lead, as MNTF-N moves forward,
operating in this crucial time of utmost importance and interest for the international community and for all the people of Kosovo," said General de Marnhac. "Furthermore, you must advance the progress made with respect to close cooperation with (United Nations Mission in Kosovo), the (Provisional Institutions of Self Government), and in particular, the regional and local authorities, in order to help build self confidence in their ability to gradually take over responsibilities currently in the hands of the international community and KFOR."

Near the end of the ceremony, General de Marnhac told the new commander and all of the soldiers in attendance to remember the motto, "Peace with Determination."

MNTF-N's main mission is to establish and maintain a safe and secure environment. To accomplish this, the task force must provide patrols and checkpoints, gather intelligence and maintain communication with the population, in addition to many other duties.

(Story by Tech. Sgt. Jason Smith)