Transfer-of-authority ceremony in MNTF West

During the ceremony, Brigadier General Nicolo Falsaperna replaced Brigadier General Antonio Venci as MNTF W commander.

The ceremony was presided over by Commander Kosovo Force Lieutenant General Xavier de Marnhac and Italian Joint Operation Headquarters Commander Lieutenant General Mauro del Vecchio. Representatives from different national KFOR contingents and international and local civilian authorities were present at the ceremony.

At the beginning of the day, the weather was cold and rainy. It was like a usual autumn day in Kosovo. When the TOA started at about noon, the rain stopped and the wind blew softly. Surrounded by light fog, officers, NCOs and soldiers from Italy, Romania, Slovenia, Hungary and Spain occupied the fixed positions on the parade square. All servicemembers from the different nationalities awaited a new commander anxiously. They were prepared to say 'goodbye' to the outgoing MNTF W commander and greet the incoming commander.

Outgoing MNTF W commander General Venci said in his farewell speech that the last six months have been a great time to see soldiers from different nations work together like one man for a safe and secure environment in Kosovo. He thanked the soldiers for their hard work, and he appreciated their high motivation and their multi-national comradeship during their mission in Kosovo.

COMKFOR General de Marnhac thanked the outgoing MNTF W commander and his soldiers for the work well done.

"General Venci provided excellent leadership for this task force during the past six months," said General de Marnhac. "In the short time I have worked with him, it was obvious that he is a great leader. Thank you soldiers of MNTF W for your great work."

Six months after General Venci assumed command, his subordinates did their peacekeeping job very well. MNTF W has contributed to the KFOR mission by maintaining and establishing a safe and secure environment, stability and freedom of movement, engaging to improve the economical and social conditions to encourage the reconstruction of mutual tolerance and democratic common life clime, performed patrols, manned checkpoints and also a lot of different tasks in their area of responsibility.

"General Falsaperna, welcome to the KFOR family. Welcome on board," said General de Marnhac, welcoming the incoming commander. "You must continue to do everything possible to support the people of Kosovo on their way to a prosperous future."

After the change of the symbolic flag between both generals, the new commander, General Falsaperna said in his speech to the troops, "I am privileged to serve as Commander in the KFOR family, and I feel deep pride in soldiers who live and operate here. I'd like to move on, as is the requirement of a clever and constant effort of the commanders at any level in order to ensure a safe and secure environment for everybody in Kosovo, no matter what gender, religion or ethnic background."

After that, the outgoing MNTF W Commander General Venci was awarded with different medals as a sign of respect from different countries for the good work done during the transfer-of-authority ceremony.

All of us wish good luck to outgoing Commander General Venci and also to the incoming commander who will be an example of support for the Kosovo environment and peace, as were his predecessors.

(Story by Captain Valerii Petrushka, Ukrainian Army)