This morning, in the presence of the deputy commander of the IOC, air division general Nicola Lanza de Cristoforis and the commander of KFOR, division general Salvatore Cuoci, the changeover in command of the Multinational Battle Group West (MNBG-W) and the Italian contingent located at the base of "Villaggio Italia" as part of the KFOR mission.
The outgoing contingent, based on the 185th “Folgore” parachute artillery regiment and under the command of Colonel Ettore Gagliardi, was alternated by the incoming contingent, based on the 5th Alpini regiment, commanded by Colonel Ruggero Cucchini. The passage of the NATO flag, a formal act of transfer of responsibility, was chaired by the commander of KFOR, in the presence of numerous military, civil and religious authorities. General Lanza de Cristoforis highlighted the importance of the Italian contribution in international missions, focusing on the results achieved by the Italian military. General Cuoci stressed theEnduring Commitment expressed by the armed forces involved in the mission in Kosovo, expressing heartfelt words of satisfaction for the professionalism shown by the unit and for the appreciation of the Kosovar institutions.
During the 6 months of mandate, the multinational contingent, made up of about 650 soldiers from Italy, Slovenia, Austria and Moldova, ensured the freedom of movement of the citizens of Kosovo, guaranteeing a safe and protected environment in the pluralism of ethnic groups and confessions religious present in the Balkan territory.
The approximately 650 soldiers from Italy, Slovenia, Austria and Moldavia who make up the unit, have worked with constant commitment, watching over and protecting the Monastery of Decane as first responsible and carrying out CI.MI.C. (Civil and Military Cooperation), aimed at improving the living conditions of the population.
