23/07/2015 - The press conference of Major General Francesco Paolo Figliuolo took place this morning in the RTK building in Pristina, a few weeks after the end of his term as commander of KFOR XIX. 

Take preventive action to anticipate events, adopt a more dynamic attitude by increasing the number of patrols - commented General Figliuolo -  these are the principles inspired by KFOR XIX. Furthermore - he added - one of the key factors of success in Kosovo is the comprehensive approach that allows for the creation of solid and effective partnerships with the international community and with Kosovar institutions. 

Responding to the question of a journalist, COMKFOR reiterated that terrorism is a global threat from which no nation can feel immune. Kosovar institutions have shown great attention to this phenomenon also by adopting a law against foreign fighters. The commitment of the Kosovar security organizations has been very effective so far - concluded COMKFOR 

In the 11 months of command of General Figliuolo KFOR XIX has always acted in accordance with the UN's mandate and resolution 1244, ensuring a safe and stable environment and freedom of movement for all Kosovans without ethnic or religious distinction.

Since September 2014, the men and women of KFOR XIX have carried out more than 6500 patrols and over 150 synchronized patrols with the Serbian Armed Forces along the Kosovo - Serbia administrative border. KFOR helicopters have flown for over 4300 hours in operational and training activities and the units of the Mulltinational Force have carried out over 100 joint training activities with the Kosovo Police, the Border Police and the Kosovar security forces. Key Leader Engagement activities carried out by all the KFOR units are also of fundamental importance to ensure safety and reduce tensions, over a thousand meetings with local administrators, with religious and civil authorities but also with ordinary people. 

Finally, the "diplomatic" activity carried out by General Figliuolo was also very intense. In addition to the 8 meetings with the Chiefs of Defense of Albania, FYROM, Montenegro and Serbia with the aim of sharing the information necessary to strengthen the security of Kosovo and more generally of the entire Balkan area, the commander of KFOR XIX has had more than a hundred meetings with ambassadors of the nations that support the multinational force and over 50 meetings with the Kosovo authorities, with the President of the Republic, the prime minister and numerous representatives of the government but also the mayors of the most important municipalities.

Source: KFOR PAO Chief - ten.col. Andrea Martellotti