source: KFOR

The 185th “Folgore” Paratroopers Artillery Regiment concluded its mission in Kosovo, replaced by the 5th Alpine Troops Regiment

Italian commitment in Kosovo going on

The transfer of authority at the Multinational Battle Group West (MNBG-W) and the Italian Contingent deployed at "Villaggio Italia" Barracks in the framework of KFOR mission, in the presence of the COI Deputy Commander General of the Air Division Nicola Lanza de Cristoforis and the KFOR Commander Major General Salvatore Cuoci.

Based on 185th "Folgore" Paratroopers Artillery Regiment and led by Colonel Ettore Gagliardi, the outgoing Contingent has been replaced by the Contingent based on the 5th Alpine Troops Regiment and led by Colonel Ruggero Cucchini. The transfer of the NATO Flag, a formal act of transfer of authority, has been presided by the KFOR Commander, in the presence of several military, civil and religious Authorities.

On that occasion General of Air Division Lanza de Cristoforis has stressed on the importance of the Italian contribution in international missions, focusing on the results reached by Italian soldiers. In his speech General Cuoci has highlighted how all the Forces employed in the mission in Kosovo spent their constant effort, according to the KFOR motto "Enduring Commitment"; in particular he expressed his appreciation for the professionalism of the Unit and the Kosovan Institutions.

During the 6 months of mandate the multinational Contingent, composed of about 650 soldiers from Italy, Slovenia, Austria and Moldavia, has ensured the freedom of movement to the population of Kosovo, guaranteeing safety in a context with a lot of different ethnic and religious groups. The soldiers of the Unit have worked with a constant commitment, monitoring and protecting the Monastery of Decani and realizing CIMIC (Civil Military Cooperation) projects to improve life conditions of the population.

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