The First Contingent departs in the mission "KFOR - 1" in Kosovo, Peleshi: We increase the responsibility in these days of challenges for peace

Published: Friday, 25 February 2022 11:26

 A group of 30 commandos from the Albanian Armed Forces have joined the NATO international mission, codenamed "KFOR - 1" in Peja, Kosovo. The deployment ceremony of the contingent in this mission was held in the presence of Defence Minister Niko Peleshi, the Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces, Major General Assoc. Prof. Bajram Begaj and the commanders of the forces.

In his speech, the Defence Minister described this as a mission of great importance for Kosovo, but also for the Western Balkans region. "After the withdrawal and closure of the mission in Afghanistan, we pledged to continue to increase our participation in NATO and international missions in general, and this is the case. We are materializing the increase of our presence in KFOR, for the first time we lead in this mission, the mission "KFOR 1", a special contingent of the best boys and girls we have in the AF. In these challenging days of global peace and security, this doubles and increases the attention, but also the responsibility of each of us and each of you to serve professionally, with military discipline, with dignity in respect of the code of ethics and values of our alliance.", - said the minister.

Speaking about the situation in Ukraine and the messages given by NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg, Minister Peleshi said: "Not an inch of this Alliance can be touched, because NATO is the most powerful military and political alliance in the world.“. Addressing the troops who left with a mission, the Defence Minister stressed: “I would like to see your work there every day as a contribution to global peace and security, as a contribution to the freedom of our citizens, the citizens of the world, the citizens of the region because in the last 48 hours the normality as Secretary-General Stoltenberg said has changed; we are in new normalcy. So, in a biased way, a power like Russia gave up the pillar principles that held the world order as one and turned history back, in the time of spheres of influence even the conquest of a weaker state by a more powerful state. We have to be vigilant, we have to be vigilant, we have to be dignified with our allies and make our flag fly proudly alongside other Alliance flags." 

On his part, the Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces, Major General Bajram Begaj said: “Such missions hold responsible due to the pandemic situation, but currently, the defining feature is the very turbulent security situation that is developing and is precipitating in dangerous and extremely threatening escalations in the East Wing of the Alliance. Global security is more endangered and threatened than ever. Our region and country are not immune to the actions of Russia. So in these hot situations, you will be there for a great understanding that becomes even more meaningful and significant, for security, freedom, peace, to serve the Alliance and our country."
The 30 Commando troops will serve in this mission alongside the Croatian and Italian allies.