MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE 1 Dear all, I am happy to inform you about the content of 47-th edition of News Letter of the Ministry for Kosovo Security Force. The beginning of this year was overwhelmingly busy with activities in terms of political developments for transformation of Kosovo Security Force into Armed Forces, or exchange of visits by domestic and international figures from security and defense fields, or with activities from Ministry for Kosovo Security Force which made MKSF and KSF as a headlines not only for the public opinion but also for decision makers too. Now I would like to highlight my addressing speech in the assembly of Republic of Kosovo to the national elected members, and spoke on development, capacities and preparing measures by Kosovo Security Forces for the transformation process into Kosovo Armed Forces. Of special importance is the visit by NATO secretary general Mr. Jan s Stoltenberg in the Republic of Kosovo, with whom we had an outstanding constructive meeting. It is worth mentioning the reporting of KSF commander Lt General Rrahman Rama and director of NATO advising and liaison tem for ministry of KSF general Ditmar Mossman in the NATO HQ in Brussels. Moreover, humanitarian actions are worth mentioning in the mixed living sites where minorities (Serb community) live, now clearing activities, as well as lectures on unexploded ordinances which were conducted by EOD specialists in primary and secondary schools, students from all communities. Besides this, a large number of KSF members have positively responded to the call for volunteer blood donation for the NBTC when the center had urgent need for reserves doses of bloods. It is also important to mention trainings, educations and exercises home and abroad as well as visits exchange in line with mutual cooperation. Ministry for Kosovo Security Force and Kosovo Security Force are committed towards professionalization and development of KSF transformation into Kosovo Armed Forces and NATO and European Union membership. Sincerely, Haki Demolli KFS minister
MINISTER HAKI DEMOLLI HOSTED THE AMBASSADOR OF MONTENEGRO IN KOSOVO FERHAT DINOSHA Pristina, February 1 2017. The minister of ministry for the Kosovo Security Force Mr. Haki Demolli has hosted for the first time, all-powerful ambassador of Montenegro in Kosovo Mr. Ferhat Dinosha. In this meeting, besides congratulating new post to Montenegro diplomat, he also informed him with mission, duties and activities of Ministry and Security Force; for the MKSF and KSF development as well as successful cooperation of MKSF and KSF with regional and wider strategic partners. Furthermore, minister Demolli said that good neighborhood relations between Kosovo and Montenegro respectively between ministry for KSF and ministry of defense must continue nurturing as relation between two countries and institution which aspire to integrate into European Union and NATO. Also minister Demolli spoke of process of KSF transformation into armed forces, for Kosovo ambition to integrate in NATO, European Union and regional European and global initiatives.,.. From his side, Montenegro ambassador in Kosovo Mr. Feraht Dinaosha expressed his unflinching support for Kosovo in its European path, and also said that great relation between Montenegro and Kosovo will continue in the future, knowing that a peace and prosperity of Kosovo is for the benefit of entre region. 2
MINISTER DEMOLLI TOOK AN EULOGY IN THE REBURIAL OF ZAHIR PAJAZITI HERO Pristina, 02 February 2017. A delegation from ministry for Kosovo Security Force presided by minister Haki Demolli and accompanied by deputy minister Muhamet Latif and Lt General Rahman Rama KSF commander, in the 20 anniversary of the fall of national heroes Zahir Pajaziti, Edmond Hoxha and Hakif Zejnullahu took part in the reburial ceremony of hero Zahir Pajaziti. In this ceremony a few words were said the minister for Kosovo Security Force Mr. Haki Demolli, after greeting families of heroes and martyrs, co-fighters, KLA veterans, leaders of institutions and attends said: the fall of Zahir Pajaziti, Hakif Zejnullahu and Edmond Hoxha in January 1997 added to the list bloody Januaries of our national history another three devoted martyrs who somehow heralded of our glorified KLA freedom fight, finally resulting with entire liberation of Kosovo from Serb occupation, as I at the beginning of the speech minister Demolli adding that Zahir and his comrades were killed during the preparatory period for patriots and homeland MARTYRS lead by legendary commander Adam Jashari to wage war against century long Kosovo occupier, valuing the freedom more than a life, therefore war was inevitable to defeat the Serb occupation once and for all.. Fair and freedom fight, killings, tortures, massacres in civil population knocked in the conciseness of civilized world, who created a joint frontline with the biggest military alliance in the world NATO, lead by US and other world democracies, that finally brought freedom in Kosovo. Furthermore minister Demolli said the freedom of Kosovo was a dream come true for all our martyrs, dream come true, sacrifice and blood of all fighters, activists and freedom martyrs, turned into reality the aspirations of many generation of our nation., turned into reality the Project of our freedom architect and Kosovo independence, historical president Ibrahim Rugova. Now the republic of Kosovo is sovereign and independent country, gradually strengthening the state subjectivity at national and international level. A state that amongst its activities in consolidating its vital state bodies, will undertake all legal and constitutional activities for the transformation of KSF into Kosovo armed forces. A state that will meet criteria and standards for membership in NATO, as well as other relevant international bodies. Exactly this way of building Kosovo state as an independent and democratic country will in the best manner possible fulfill the mission of Zahir and his comrades, as well as all heroes, martyrs and activists who sacrificed and contributed for the freedom said minister Demolli 3
KSF VOLUNTARILY DONATED OVER 560 DOSES OF BLOOD Pristina, 03 February 2017. From the ministry for Kosovo Security Force and in the Kosovo s Security Force, are donated 568 doses of blood to the national blood transfusion center, for the needs of Kosovo s citizens. Department for civilmilitary cooperation, in line with 2017 annual plan, and in cooperation with MKSF medical department and national blood transfusion center, have organized and event for volunteer blood donation by MKSF and KSF members. This activity is anticipated twice a year based on the CIMIC working plan, in 2017 as an important activity. This blood donating activity took place in all KSF barracks, based on the previously compiled plan. Obviously, just like previous times, KSF members positively responded to this call and to the needs of citizens of the republic of Kosovo. The humanitarian volunteer blood donation activity took place between 16-27 January 2017. US AMBASSADOR GREG DELANIE GAVE A SPEECH FOR KSF CADETS Pristina, 03 February 2017. The United States of America s ambassador in Kosovo Mr. Greg Delanie visited Adam Jashari barracks in Pristina, hosted by its commander Lt general Rahman Rama. In this occasion general Rama personally thanked US ambassador for the unsparing support that US is giving to KSF, and informed ambassador Delanie about the KSF cooperation with Iowa National Guard for the trainings occurring here in KSF. While in his visit in the KSF university study center, the commander of its units through a presentation informed Ambassador Delanie about its activities such as professional education and trainings taking place in the KSF university study center. Ambassador Delanie expressed his gratitude for his visit in the KSF university study center and hailed the cadets and staff for the overall achievements. Afterwards, he proceeded with a lecture for cadets, focusing on corruption as a malign for the society in general. This problem ails not only developing countries but also developed ones. This topic triggered a huge interest from cadets, many of them addressing questions for Ambassador Greg Delanie. 4
MINISTER DEMOLLI HAD A MEETING WITH NATO SECRETARY GENERAL JANS STONTELBERG Pristina, 03 February 2017. Minister of ministry for Kosovo Security Force Mr. Haki Demolli and KSF Commander Lt general Rahman Rama had a joint meeting with NATO secretary general Jans Stoltenberg. In this meeting they spoke about domestic security, steps to undertake to preserve peace and security and stability in Kosovo, as well as security institution capacities in the republic of Kosovo. From his side, minister Demolli informed NATO secretary general Jan Stoltenberg on professionalization of Kosovo Security Force, on progress towards mission fulfillment, supporting institution and citizens, especially in creating an expedient environment for minorities living in Kosovo and for those serving in Kosovo Security Force. Furthermore minister Demolli expressed his gratitude for the NATO commitment in Kosovo s peace through KFOR troops. He also stated that republic of Kosovo currently is striving to consolidate its own security mechanisms, always with internal political consent and in coordination with international factor. From his side alliance secretary general Mr. Stoltenberg offered his unflinching support for KSF through NATO advising leasing team, its mission and its capacities, professing high appreciation for so far professionalization and commitment. IN TRADOC WAS HELD A LECTURE ON KOSOVO STRATEGIC CHALLENGES Ferizaj, 06 February 2017. The Kosovo Security Force command on doctrine and training, in close cooperation with Kosovo education and security institutions, days ago has commenced and cycle of lectures together with Kosovo center for strategic studies. Few topics were debated such as: Kosovo s strategic challenges, NATO and Kosovo, dialogue and current relations with Serbia and violent extremism by lecturers of this center Florim Cehaja, Plator Avdium Donika Emini and Skender Perteshi. Commander of doctrine and training command brigade general Enver Cikaqi met with KCSS lecturers, and spoke on models of cooperation between two institutions in the future. General Cikaqi highly appreciated the contribution of the lecturers of this center, which, through these lecturers are providing great knowledge in security fields for KSF members. 5
And in the past command of doctrine and training had agreement of cooperation with education and security institutions, and this cycle is only the continuation of this cooperation coordinated by liaison office. This lecture cycle lasted for three weeks, participated by members of different units of Kosovo Security Force. While in classrooms, and through interaction, were debated current topics like Kosovo s achievements and its challenger down the road. Topics were quite actual and profoundly attractive to audience, triggering many questions for lecturers, thus were happy about the audience s interests that with their discussions contributed to these lecturers. In the end, commander of TRADOC, general Cikaqi thanked the lecturers of Kosovo center for security studies for mutual cooperation. Both parties agreed on mutual institutional cooperation in the future. KSF DONATED A DENTAL CHAIR TO ARTANE MUNICIPALITY Pristina, 09 February 2017. Amongst innumerable activities, Ministry for Kosovo Security Force pays special attention to execution of different humanitarian activities, for the benefit of all citizens of Republic of Kosovo. Today, under the organization by Department for civil-military cooperation of MKSF, a dental chair was donated to Artane municipality, dedicated for Llabjane village. In the handover ceremony were: mayor of Artane municipality, officials from Ministry of Health, medical personnel from Llabjan Village, senior MKSF/KSF officials, as well as the defense attaché of USA major Murillo. 6
This donation coming from Kosovo dental clinic center is aimed to ease the needs of Artane citizens, and enable them to carry out some dental services in this village s ambulances On behalf of KSF commander LT general Rrahman Rama, LT colonel Afrim Veseli, chair was given to Artane municipal mayor Mr. Ivanoviq, citing that KSF is serving the needs of all Kosovo communities. He promised that in future KSF will continue serving regardless ethnicity, language or religious background. While Artane municipality mayor Mr Sevetislav Ivanoviq, on behalf of all municipality citizens thanked KSF for the help offered, by saying: this dental chair was for us a priority, as a very important tool for serving the needs of all citizens, especially for kids and students concluded his speech Mr. Ivanoviq. 50 KSF MEMBERS ARE CERTIFIED FOR WARRIOR LEADER COURSE. Ferizaj, 13 February 2017. The command of doctrine and training is gradually enhancing its training capacities. Thus today 50KSF members got certified that successfully completed warrior leader course. TRADOC commander brigade general Enver Cikaqi among others said: we are ready to work towards full filing our mission. Members who took part in this course, with their commitment made course more important, while American instructors from bond steel who endorsed this course made this course complete weather in planning, execution and 7
evaluation aspect. He went further saying that these 50 members who completed this course will alleviate tasks in the units they serve. This course which lasted four week will surely enable participants to advance professionally and also will help them in terms of their military career. Commanding sergeant major from bond steel Jeffrey Schuster said to have seen and incredible commitment from instructors to give their utmost while preparing KSF members. He went further stating to be able to continue cooperating in future trainings, whether to similar exercise or any sort of exercises KSF needs and demands support.. KSF MEMBERS ARE LICENSED FOR MARTIAL ARTS INSTRUCTORS Pristina, 13 February 2017. In the Adem Jashari barracks in Pristina 10 members are certified in physical training for instructor in the martial arts field, a training that was conducted by Mobil team of unite stated marine s instructors. Part of this cortication ceremony was also land force command deputy commander brigade general Gezim Hazrolli and other officers. In this case, general Hazrolli addressed the audience: this training is a new value, new skill and new possibility. In this context, I would like to assure you that we will utilize these new values and skills, by including in the officer development curriculum, and no doubt will serve as a great opportunity for making capable all KSF members. Furthermore, general Hazrolli on behalf of COMKSF those who got certified and also thanked us embassy for the support in the martial arts. Five members among those certified got license as instructors of martial arts, who in the future will conduct trainings for members of all KSF units. The aim of this training is, that parallel to professional development in their fields, KSF members be able physically cope with any sort of hurdle, physical or mental. 8
KSF CONTINUOUS LECTURES REGARDING THE AWARENESS OF STUDENTS ABOUT THE RISK OF UNEXPLODED ORDNANCES KSF demining company instructors today held a lectures for the students awareness about unexploded ordnances, is several primary schools in Kastrioti municipality ex Obiliq like in Dositej Obrdoviq ( with Serbian students) and Ibrahim Rugova. These lectures are organized under civil-military cooperation Department of MKSF and are executed by KSF demining company. While conducting these lectures in schools of Kastriot, present were commander of civil protection regiment colonel Sahip Haziri, NALT director brigade General Ditmar Mossman, NALT advisers and other NATO and KFOR guest. Students were initially greeted by CPR commander colonel Shaip Haziri and NALT director general Ditmar Mossman, who expressed their joy pertaining the interest students showed about learning more on dangerous devices. Amongst other things they advised students to be careful when running into strange ordnances which may pose risk for their lives, and wished them a maturity in peace a freedom without unexploded ordnances. All students that took part in these lectures whether Serbs or Albanians expressed their desire to learn more about these ordnances, implied by many questions addressed to lecturers. These lectures are part of 2017 plan, compiled and coordinated by CIMIC department in MKSF in cooperation with education director from all Kosovo s municipalities. KSF demining instructors with continue with their mine awareness lectures in schools of republic of Kosovo until March 9 where summer season begins. 9
MKSF MINISTER HAKI DEMOLLI WAS HOSTED WITH MILITARY PARADE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENSE OF REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA BY MINISTERS MIMI KODHELI Pristina, 13 February 2017. Minister of ministry for Kosovo Security Force Mr. Haki Demolli today was hosted with military ceremony, during official visit in Tirana by defense minister MS Mimi Kodheli. Initial both ministers discussed about mutual interest matters and bilateral cooperation plan between KSF ministry and ministry of defense of republic of Albania. Moreover, minister Demolli and minister Kodheli talked on recent security development in Kosovo, especially the developing events in the northern part. In this meeting they also spoke about doubling of Albanian soldiers in NATO mission in Kosova, KFOR. They also talked about the latest visits of Mr. Stoltenberg, NATO secretary general in Kosovo, when Mr. Stoltenberg stated the continuous support NATO is giving to the Kosovo s peace and stability, adding that KFOR troops will stay and provide full security environment in Kosovo. After this meeting both ministries signed a 2017 mutual cooperation plan which is focused on joint trainings and exercise. From his side, minister Demolli, to Medias in Tirana said to have thanked minister of republic of Albania that continually supporting peace and security in Kosovo, as well as the development of Kosovo Security Force. Furthermore, minister 10
Demolli said: the aim of this meeting is to evaluate the up-to-now cooperation and from 2017 to expand this meeting in all possible segments.. In the end KSF minister Mr. Haki Demolli said that jointly agreed that both ministerial working groups have completed all activities in 2016 and also agreed and signed 2017 action plan, which in details anticipates activities between two ministries. At the end of meeting, while addressing Media, minister Mimi Kodheli said: with Mr. Haki Demolli, minister of Kosovo Security Force talked on bilateral relations, on western Balkan situation and obviously on detraining situation of latest period related heavily with our joint future, with Kosovo euro athletic future, of course with Albanian European future, about upgrading relations in terms of border security, of citizens whether in Albania or Kosovo. She added: Albania follows closely the developments on Kosovo, and obviously the deteriorating situation in the northern part. Kosovo s history remains a story of success of democratic world, more precisely of northern alliance. Consolidation of the state of Kosovo and security of its constitutional borders remains priority of our joint agenda, actually it was main topic of our discussion. Minister of ministry of defense of republic of Albania MS Mimi Kodheli in the end added: with minister Demolli also talked about mutual cooperation that is now a palpable, open and exempts from any sort of burocratic procedure. Have signed 2017 cooperation plan, aiming to focus our joint activities towards joint trainings and exercises. Military education curriculums at all levels are fully accessible for Kosovo Security Force personnel and the relation in this field turned out to be very fruitful. 11
MINISTER HAKI DEMOLLI MET WITH MATTHEW PALMER, DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL AND SOTHERN EUROPEAN MATTERS IN US STATE DEPARTMENT Pristina, 14 February 2017.In this meeting with minister Demolli and American delegation, accompanied by deputy minister Muhamet Latifi, commander of Security Force Lt general Rahman Rama and chief of cabinet Mr. Latif Leka, talked about domestic politics and security events, process of KSF transformation into Kosovo armed forces as well as mutual cooperation between Kosovo and international security mechanisms, with strategic partners and with other partner countries. From his side minister Haki Demolli informed Mr. palmer about domestic security situation, about KSF capacity development and about its transformation process, government and ministry plans about transformation process, readiness for transparency in this process as well as the necessity for coordination with NATO, strategic partners ( US, Germany, Great Britain ETC) and all next necessary steps to wrap up this highly important process of Kosovo state building. Mr Demoli said that Kosovo aims to build a multiethnic force, a defensive one and ready to contribute to the regional and wider security and peace. However minister Demolli expressed his gratitude for NATO commitment in preserving peace through KFOR troops, he also said that the republic of Kosovo is currently working hard to its security mechanism for the future, based on the internal consensus and in accordance with international players. While Mr. Mathew Plamer expressed his full support for the Kosovo s euro Atlantic journey. He explains that US support KSF transformation into KAF and is committed to have this process backed up by all those in Kosovo s parliament. 12
FRUITFUL COOPERATION BETWEEN MKSF MEDICAL DEPARTMENT AND THEIR COUNTERPARTS FROM GERMAN KFOR IN PRIZREN Pristina, 15 February 2017. Director of medical department in the ministry for Kosovo Security Force colonel Xhevdet Tahiraj hosted a German KFOR delegation led by Lt colonel commander of Muar company and medical company in the German KFOR hospital in Prizren accompanied by MKSF adviser m. Gierse. In this meeting they talked on how to continue cooperation between KSF medical service and German hospital in Prizren, and also about the possibility of sending once a month KSF teams to German hospital in Prizren. Underscore the fact that cooperation between KSF medical service and health sector of German KFOR is pretty good and both sides pledge to even strengthen this cooperation in future. 13
MINISTER HAKI DEMOLLI HOSTED THE COMMANDER OF KFOR JOINT SOUTH REGION DETACHMENT COLONEL MUSTAFA TAVAZAR Pristina, 15 FEBRUARY 2017. Minister of Kosovo Security Force MKSF Mr. Haki Demolli hosted the commander of KFOR joint south regional detachment colonel Mustafa Ihsan Tacvazar, the incumbent Turkish KFOR commander. In this meeting with minister Demoli and colonel Tavahzar was discussed about home security situation, KSF development and KFOR commitment in providing safe and secure environment, especially about continuous contribution by Turkish contingent within KFOR that has continually supported the development of Kosovo Security Force capabilities. Congratulating colonel Tavazar for the position, he also expressed his gratitude for enormous support turkey and, ministry of defense and armed forces have given to Kosovo and KSF, through unsparing commitment of Turkish training teams. Colonel Mustafa Tavazar also expressed his commitment to further expand cooperation between MKSF/KSF and their side, and also reiterated the Turkish support in strengthening Kosovo s security mechanisms. IN MKSF TOOK PLACE THE WOMEN S MEETING FROM SECURITY SECTOR Pristina, 16 February 2017. Today in MKSF took place the women s meeting from security sector Today, in the ministry of Kosovo Security Force took place the second meeting of women s representatives which work in the security sector and civil society associations. The purpose of having this meeting was to coordinate activities and objectives in support of women in security sector, by committee on internal affairs, security and KSF supervisions. in this security meeting, despite women from Ministry of KSF, took part also women from Kosovo Police, Ministry of Internal Affairs, from Kosovo s assembly, civil society association, KIPRED, OSCE, DCAF, UNWOMEN etc. 14
Meting was opened by the coordinator of MKSF human right unit MS Halime Morina, initially greeted the participants and thanked them for their participation in this security meeting. In this women s meeting some lectures were given by MKSF minister Mr. Demolli, secretary general Mr. Shkelzen Syla and Ganimete Musliu, member of Kosovo s assemblycommission for internal affairs and KSF supervision. MKSF minister Mr. Haki Demolli, in this occasion greeted women participating along with deputy Ganimete Musliu, hailing the initiation women are conducting in terms of women in security field. e said: as a ministry are very committed in promoting the role of women in the security field. He also said we are proud of the role women are exerting in MKSF and KSF, their respect and multi ethnicity in MKSF and KSF. KSF MINISTER AND COMMANDER PAID TRIBUTE TO ADEM JASHARI CEMETERY IN PREKAZ AND TO BURIAL PLACE OF PRESIDENT RUGOVA IN VELANI Pristina, 17 February 2017. MKSF minister Haki Demolli, deputy minister Muhamet Latifi and KSF commander Lt general Rrahman Rama along with senior staff of MKSF staff for the 9 anniversary of declaration of indolence, in honor of legendary commander Adam Jashari, Jashari family and all national martyrs visited today Prekaz where they paid tribute and placed flowers.. Also MKSF minister Haki Demolli, deputy minister Muhamet Latifi and KSF commander Lt General Rrahman Rama along with other MKSF senior staff, for the 9 anniversary of independence, in honor of former Kosovo s president Ibrahim Rugova placed flowers and paid tributes at his grave. 15
In this occasion KSF minister Mr. Haki Demolli said: today visited memorial complex Adem Jashari in Rrekaz and the grave of president Ibrahim Rugova, and as a sign of respect for their deeds that legendry commander Adam Jashari and president of Kosovo Ibrahim Rugova did, along with commander and senior officers came here to pay our respect in the 9 anniversary of Kosovo s independence, wishing to provide our contribution in building our country, legal state and state for all citizens.. KSF SOLDIER GRANIT KRYEZIU TOOK FIRST PLACE IN SPORT ACTIVITY CALLED RUNNING DAY CISM2017 Pristina, 17 February 2017. Ten KSF members took part in the sport activity running day CISM 2017 organized by republic of Albania armed forces that coincides with 9 anniversary of declaration of independence of Kosovo. KSF members upon invitation from armed forces of republic of Albania took part in a in the annual sport activity of Albanian armed forces running day CISM 2017. This activity unfolded in the land force barracks Zall Herr in two disciplines; 5 km for males and 3 km for males and drew a great 16
attention by senior ARF senior staff. Among male contenders, KSF Soldier Granit Kryeziu from rapid reaction brigade, easily won first place, and was rewarded with trophy. While among female contenders, second place went to Corporal Mimoza Morina from TRADOC. It is worth mentioning that all KSF members, who took part in this competition, showed high preparation and discipline, which also were praised by the leaders of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Albania. MINISTER HAKI DEMOLLI TOOK PLACE IN THE DIRECTOR S SUMMIT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMISSION Pristina, 21 February 2017. Minister of ministry for Kosovo Security Force Mr. Haki Demolli took part in the directors summit of foreign affairs commission organized by Kosovo s assembly commission for foreign affairs with topic on Balkan s European future and euro Atlantic integration. During this summit, minister of Kosovo Security Force Mr. Haki Demolli had a presentation on: the intensification of cooperation between Balkan countries toward integration in international organization/overcoming regional political impediments. Focusing mostly on two most important themes such as: MKSF bilateral and regional cooperation, as a important player for eurothalntic integration and cooperation between MKSF and NATO mechanisms. Furth more minister Demolli added: it is undisputable fact that the republic of Kosovo, as a independent and new country may be stable and safe and oriented towards economic development and prosperity only if region or Balkans and European countries are safe and secure and only if these mechanisms are jointly mowing in a path towards membership and integration in the regional and international organizations. The KSF minister stated that the strategic aim of republic of Kosovo is the integration in the European Union and NATO structures, but also in other regional and international security mechanisms. This path as minister said is fair and adequate and reasonable, since Kosovo nurtures no territorial ambitions towards any other regional country, therefore it expects same approach countries to nurture such policies, a constructive one and spirit of regional and international cooperation and integration. In the end minister Haki Demolli said that republic of Kosovo will continue to work for its internal and external security, adding that building armed FORCE will help achieving national security objectives and interest. Lurching towards NATO membership will immensely help Kosovo and its armed forces develop upon highest North Athletic principles. 17
KSF MINISTER HAKI DEMOLLI HOSTED A MILITARY DELEGATION FROM GERMANY Pristina, 21 February 2017. A military-expert delegation from the Center for leadership development and civil, education of German armed forces lead by commander Volker Brasen and Lt colonel Martin Gerster. German delegation was hosted separately firstly by minister Demolli, secretary general Shkelzen Syla and director of department for operations brigade General Zymer Halimi. Minister Demolli thanked German military delegation for the unsparing German support given to KSF for years in military training and education, as well as for support in Kosovo integration in international organizations. Minister also informed military experts with overall KSF achievements such as: international cooperation, professional achievements and especially with KSF transformation into KAF. KSF minister expressed his desire to German delegation to expand this cooperation to other filed of mutual interests. Subsequently this delegation of military experts was hosted by KSF secretary general Mr. Shkelzen Syla and director of directory for operations brigade General Zymer Halimi and both of them thanked German delegation for the all sorts of support Germany is providing for KSF and its members professionalization. It is worth mention that German delegation, based on the mutual cooperation plan between MKSF and Germany, from February 2017 has begun with a seminar called armed forces in democracy, and will continue till February 24 2017. In the end German military experts thanked minister Demolli, secretary Sylaj and general Halimi for their hospitality and also promised an expansion of cooperation between KSF and German armed forces. 18
KSF COMMANDER AND NALT DIRECTOR REPORTED TO NATO COMMITTEE ON OPERATION AND POLICES IN BRUSSELS Brussels, 21 FEBRUARY 2017. KSF Commander Lt general Rrahamn Rama along with NALT director brigade general Ditmar Mossman were on two-day official visit in NATO HQ in Brussels, respectively in committee on operation and policies. KSF commander Lt general Rrahan Rama addressed this committee telling about cooperation with NALT and NATO, for the 2016 overall KSF achievements and for the KSF vision and future objectives. While general Ditmar Mossman, the director on NALT spoke of NALT development, on support and cooperation with KSF and for future tasks. While KSF commander Lt general Rahman Rama had meeting with other NATO representatives and chairman of committee for operation and policies Mr. Michel Soula.. Presentations by both general Rama and general Mossman drew great interest by attendees and were hailed by representatives of this committee for achievements and for the vision of KSF development. MACEDONIAN ARMY CHIEF OF STAFF STAYED FOR AN OFFICIAL VISIT IN KSF Pristina, 23 February 2017. Chief of Staff of Army of Macedonia made an official visit to the KSF Commander of Kosovo Security Force (KSF) Lt. Gen.Rrahman Rama hosted for a visit Chief of Staff of Army of Republic of Macedonia. Lt.Gen Metodija Velickovsk as Head of a senior delegation from Macedonia`s Army. Chief of Staff of Macedonia is hosted with Military Ceremony from Ceremonial Unit and the KSF Band. KSF Commander, Lieutenant General Rahman Rama and Minister Haki Demolli, where was, also Deputy Minister Muhamet Latifi, held separate meetings with Chief of Army of Macedonia, General Velickovski, whom they thanked for the so far cooperation between the KSF and Army of Macedonia, as well notified with overall achievements of the KSF. Also, Minister and Commander told that the relation and cooperation among Ministry and the KSF with Ministry of Defense and army of Macedonia are at high level and showed readiness to make it deeper and further continue this cooperation based on good existing relations and making concrete the Cooperation Agreement between two Forces and two countries. 19
Despite meetings with Minister Demolli and COMKSF General Rama, the Macedonian delegation comprised of; Ambassador of Republic of Macedonia in Kosovo, Mr. Ilija Strashevski, Colonels Donche Kuzmanov, Zoran Dodevski and Goran Nelovski and LTC. Mile Markovski and Besnik Emini had a meeting with a delegation of MKSF, comprised of Generals; Bashkim Jashari, Zymer Halimi and Gëzim Hazrrolli, Col. Fadil Hadërgjonaj and LTC. Ali Krasniqi and Ismajl Brahimi. On this occasion, LTC Agron Bajrami, Director of Department of Transformation, Modernization and Standardization presented a short picture on subject: KSF and Future Planning. Delegation from Macedonia accompanied by the COMKSF, General Rama visited University Study Center of the KSF, in the barrack Adem Jashari, where from its Commander Major Avni Kiqina are notified on activities of this Center. Afterwards visited the Civil Protection Regiment in Pomozotin,where they were hosted by the Commander of this Regiment by Col. Shaip Haziri. The Commander of the CPR informed the Chief of Staff of Army of Republic of Macedonia in regard to function and capacities of KSF. Commander General Rama with the Chief of Staff of the Macedonian Army, General Velickovski together with both delegations, closely followed demonstration of members of the Urban Search and Rescue. As Chief of Staff of the Macedonian Army, General Velickovski expressed pleasure for the good cooperation between the Macedonian Army and the KSF and praised members of the KSF for their successful demonstration. He reaffirmed readiness for the future cooperation either in the area of education of the KSF cadets (from minority) in Military Academy in Skopje or participation to joint trainings (cadets) like in the Center of Search and Rescue in Pomozotin or at Military Ranch in Krivollak. 20
KSF MINISTER HAKI DEMOLLI HOSTED FRANCE AMBASSADOR DIDIER CHANBERT AND GENERAL DANIEL ARGENSON Pristina, 24 February 2017. KSF minister, Haki Demolli hosted France ambassador Didier Chabert and General Daniel Argenson. A delegation from national high security study institution of France Defense Ministry paid a formal visit in the ministry of Kosovo Security Force. the France s support for Kosovo in terms of building and having functional security sector, especially KSF transformation in Kosovo armed forces is very necessary, through mighty institutions that France has anywhere in well-known European and wider organizations. this is how was quoted as saying KSF minister Haki Demolli, when in meeting with incumbent ambassador of republic of France Didier Chabert and general Daniel Argenson as leader of delegation. Part of this meeting were also MKSF deputy minister Muhamet Latifi and KSF commander L t general Rrahman Rama. Minister Haki Demolli has highly valued the contribution of France contingent in KFOR, but also the continuous efforts France has put for Kosovo. He also, in front of them expressed his wish that this meeting shall not be last one, but to continue with concrete meetings in the future for the benefit of mutual cooperation. While form the other side, France ambassador in Pristina and general Argenson professed their desire to 21
profound the cooperation between two countries and two forces. After that the delegation from high national security study institution of France ministry of defense continued meeting in the hall of conference where director of department for transformation, modernization and standardization colonel Agron Bajrami through a presentation informed all guests for mission, structure, education, trainings and process related to the KSF transformation. 22 KSF MEMBERS ARE CERTIFIED AFTER TRAINING NCO ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY- MEDIUM LEVEL Pristina, 24 FEBRUARY 2017. In the Adam Jashari barracks took place certification ceremony of KSF members who completed a week-long trainings called noncommissioned officers role and responsibilities-mid level. Training was conducted by Iowa national guard instructors of unite states of America. KSF commander Lt General Rahman Rama thanked Iowa National Guard Mobil team for successfully executing this trainings. He said: it is important that we acquire experiences of our partners and have them tailored to our needs, especially experiences of Iowa National Guard since our concept is built in line with concept and doctrine of unite states of America. Therefore, in order to interact with our partners, it is necessary to upgrade English language level in order to alleviate communication. I m pleased to know that our officer and noncommissioned officers are closely cooperating with our partners from Iowa, so this kind of cooperation will influence the surge of our stands in all units, by delivering and disseminating all that knowledge acquired from this training. More programs with our partners will happen in future with our partners in line with our needs. While, LFC deputy commander brigade general Gëzim Hazrolli highlighted the role and importance the mid-level of officers has, because they bear the burden of work. In the end of ceremony KSF commander general Rama and LFC deputy commander Hazrolli gave certificates of imprecations for Iowa national guard instructors for conducting this training and enhancing the support channel of noncommissioned officers with Kosovo Security Force. 22