Oberneyer for transformation: KSF has only passed its first 50m marathon

Interconnection Consultative Team NATO (NALT) today has made a switch for directors, where General Michael Oberneier became new chief of this team.

At the duty's accession ceremony, KSF progress was praised, but it was said that there is still work to be done to complete transformation into the army and that there must be patience, endurance and perseverance, as stated by the long marathon hosting the KSF.

Among the many military, ambassadors and foreign representatives was Ramush Haradinaj's prime minister, who said Kosovo's main goal and vision is to join NATO and therefore called for international confidence.

Haradinaj: We have a goal and vision like Kosovo to join you

“We're trying to build trust among ourselves. For a new country like Kosovo, it is not easy to gain confidence -- first around its people, including ethnic communities in this state, Kosovo Serbs and other communities. Then neighboring countries and partners. It's very important for us to trust you and our friends and partners. We not only trust you but take you as our own people. KFOR is considered our army. We see the NATO mandate as the best peace and stability service in our country... We have a goal and vision like Kosovo to join you, your family. So we are preparing for this diligent task”, Prime Minister Haradinaj said.

During duty admission, until now the director of the post NALT, Brigadier General Wewe Becker, expressed satisfaction with the co-operation he had with the KSF and the Ministry of Defence.

But despite the KSF's achievements, he said there is still much work to be done, especially for transforming the KSF into the military.

For this, it called for stability, perseverance and strong anger for the Kosovo side.

Becker: Though accomplished, much remains to be done

“Even though it's done a lot, there's a lot to be done. The gradual and transparent process of transition co-ordinated with our friends and partners is a complex work and will not only consume time, but resources. It will require most of the time strong nerves, endurance, perseverance. It's a way that won't always be straight, but with thorns every now and then it's a worthy way up is the road to the future with very clear intentions”, Becker said.

Good appreciation for the achievements of the KSF, there was also the appointed director, Brigadier General Michael Oberneyer, who promised his commitment to further progress.

But he demanded that there be more attention in the process of transforming KSF into the army, saying only the first 50m of the long marathon has been passed.

Oberman: We ran only the first 50 meters of the marathon.

<x) Consequently, there will be many more challenges ahead of us that will require stability, pragmatism and the will for co-ordination. Under our mandate we as a team will stand ready to join this journey to offer advice”, Oberneer said.

Meanwhile, KFOR Commander Lorenzo Daddario said their role has been and will be for regional stability and Kosovo's development.

Dadario: KFOR has been for stability in region

“KFOR has been for stability in the region, aiming for a safe and secure environment and free movement for all citizens of Kosovo, through a reliable and peaceful vision and safe-term”, KFOR commander said.

Defence Minister Rrustem Berisha, who expressed thanks to General Becker, praised all his commitment to the development of the KSF. While KSF commander Nundman Rama said the KSF will continue to train and operate professionally.