29 Aug. 2008
PRISTINA, Film City. On 29 August 2008, 1100 hours the Commander of Allied Joint Force Command in Naples (COMJFCNP), Admiral Mark FITZGERALD, presided over the Commander of KFOR (COMKFOR) change of command ceremony, where Lieutenant General Xavier BOUT de MARNHAC has relinquished command to Lieutenant General Giuseppe Emilio GAY.
This ceremony was attended by numerous international and Kosovo political and military officials.
At this occasion, LTG de Marnhac received 3 very high distinctions from France, USA and Kosovo.
During his speech, the outgoing COMKFOR notably said, good bye and thank you to the people of Kosovo:
“I feel it is also important to communicate my sincere thanks and appreciation to all the people of Kosovo. You have continually demonstrated a high degree of patience and maturity during this historical time in Kosovo’s future. During the past year, I have had the opportunity to visit all parts of Kosovo, including the minority areas. It is the spirit of the ordinary people, and of the children who give me hope for the future of Kosovo.”
Finally, general de Marnhac addressed some words to his successor:
“Giuseppe, I wish you good luck and much success as you begin your journey as COMKFOR. You have many important tasks and demands in front of you. I am sure that you will be highly successful and will witness many changes during your year as COMKFOR."
