During the visit, the Head of SME was updated on the current socio-political situation and the state of security in Kosovo and on the fundamental role played by NATO missions as a crucial partner in the stabilization process of the delicate Balkan area. Subsequently, General Graziano met the army personnel stationed in “Film City”, expressing words of appreciation for the level of professionalism, edition and for the commitment of the Italian soldiers employed in this complex theater of operations. “Kosovo today - he stressed - thanks to the commitment of the international community and the Italian military, is relatively safe. Maintaining a presence here is absolutely important for the sake of world peace but also for the interest of our country, since Kosovo is not far from countries that are in the absolute and direct interest of Italy ”.
The visit continued with the meeting with the Italian ambassador in Kosovo Andreas Ferrarese. During the meeting, the importance of the collaboration and synergy in place between the NATO mission and EULEX, which are currently both Italian-led for the first time, was also underlined. The joint commitment of the two organizations contributes decisively to the achievement of the objectives required by the international community and to the creation of the necessary conditions for the development and complete pacification of the area.
In the afternoon, General Graziano, accompanied by General Figliuolo, went to Belo Polje at the "Villaggio Italia" camp, headquarters of the Multinational Battle Group West, where he met the men and women of the Italian contingent operating in the western sector of Kosovo , under the command of Colonel Angelo Minelli. During the meeting, the head of SME expressed his deep appreciation for the professionalism, dedication, altruism and the results of absolute importance obtained by the Italian military, based on the 8th “Lancers of Montebello” regiment.
The visit ended with a meeting with Father Sava Janjic, abbot of the Orthodox Monastery of Decane, during which the importance that religious communities have in contributing to the improvement of relations between Kosovar citizens and in promoting creating an environment that leads to peace and tolerance in the region, while respecting diversity.
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Source: Army General Staff - Press Office
