Italian Government
Minister Crosetto’s Visit to Kosovo: Italy Once Again Takes the Lead of the NATO KFOR Mission
Command Handover for the KFOR Mission Takes Place Today in Pristina
"Italy is once again taking the lead of the NATO KFOR mission at a delicate time for Kosovo, within a stable but fragile security environment. The task will be to ensure a safe environment and freedom of movement, protecting all communities and guiding the evolution of KFOR’s posture toward a more flexible presence—one that is less static and more focused on sensitive areas. For over 25 years, the Italian Armed Forces have been operating here to help ensure stability and defend democracy and freedom. The challenge will be to adapt the force structure to conditions on the ground, while maintaining a credible posture and the ability to prevent tensions and intervene rapidly. The increased involvement of Kosovar security institutions in protecting sensitive sites and controlling the territory must proceed without creating security gaps. The reorganization will be gradual and, in any case, reversible. Each step will depend on security conditions, while maintaining the option to reinforce the deployment if necessary and preserving KFOR’s effectiveness in supporting stability in the Balkans and Europe. Best of luck to Major General Roberto Vergori; I am confident he will carry out this assignment with the utmost dedication and the same seriousness that has distinguished his predecessors. To the outgoing commander, Major General Özkan Ulutaş, I extend my thanks for his service.”
So said Defense Minister Guido Crosetto on the occasion of the change of command of the KFOR mission, at the mission headquarters in Pristina, in Kosovo.
Among others, the event was attended by the Joint Forces Summit Operational Commander (COVI), Lieutenant General Giovanni Maria Iannucci, and the Commander of NATO’s Joint Force Command Naples, Admiral George M. Wikoff. “Toward a National Security Strategy”
