April 9, Lithuanian military personnel were welcomed back from NATO’s Kosovo Force (KFOR) at a homecoming and awards ceremony. The Lithuanian Armed Forces Contingent formed by Duke Vaidotas Infantry Battalion of the Iron Wolf Infantry Brigade supported by specialists from other Lithuanian Armed Forces units carried out a six month tour of duty as part of the German Contingent to ensure stability and security in the region.
“NATO’s Kosovo Force shows how security is no its own business of a country concerned, but rather an allied responsibility. The German Brigade Litauen guards Lithuania on a constant basis, while Lithuanian military personnel incorporated in a German Company in Kosovo for the very first time. This mission not just ensures security in the Balkans but also gives out troops practical skills to come back home with,” says Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas.
This was the first deployment of a Lithuanian contingent since the Seimas passed the decision to increase Lithuania’s contribution in KFOR from 5 to 60. The Lithuanian troops served in the area of responsibility of the Regional Command-East (RC-E) headquartered at Camp Bondsteel in the vicinity of Ferizaj, southeastern Kosovo. RC-E provides coordination to security effort in the region and supports enduring peace and stability.
“I wish to express sincere gratitude to our soldiers – you have fulfilled your duty honorably and represented Lithuania as her ambassadors in this multinational mission. I thank the commanders who trained you and supported you every step of the way, as well as your families for the patience and being there always. Your experience and new skills have made you better soldiers and your progress makes the Lithuanian Armed Forces grow in professionalism and solidarity,” said Commander of the Lithuanian Land Force Brigadier General Nerijus Stankevičius.
Kosovo Force (KFOR) is a NATO-led multinational security force operation established subsequent to the Kosovo War in 1999 to ensure peace, security and stability in the region. It is conceived to create a safe environment for Kosovo residents, minimize the risk of conflict and protect civilians from violence and other threats. KFOR promotes peaceful cooperation among different ethnical groups and contributes to the development of a lasting regional security. Besides that, KFOR renders humanitarian aid to civilian population, takes part in infrastructure reconstruction projects and crisis response activities. The operation is an important part of the European security architecture which supports stability and peace in the Balkans.
Photo credits: Lithuanian Armed Forces
