ministry for the kosovo security force ......ministry for the kosovo security force newsletter 2015...

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2015 JULY

MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE

Dear friends,

It is my pleasure to introduce you to the 40th edition of the MKSF’s newsletter.

As you may have already been informed, in spring the Ministry in cooperation with the Centre for Integrity in the Defense Sector of the Ministry of Defense of Norway launched two projects aiming to enhance integrity, transparency, and good governance in the Ministry. It is worth mentioning that the projects are in line with the NATO Building Integrity Programme.

In June the Ministry held a conference to discuss in depth corruption risks in the defence and security sector and how to effectively tackle this phenomenon. The conference was particularly focused on the mechanisms applicable for strengthening integrity in the MKSF.

Corruption is a plague from which no society is exempt though in the Western Balkan Region it is an issue of particular concern. It is worth mentioning that the people in Kosovo rank corruption the most important problem after unemployment. Therefore the fight against corruption in the country must be of national importance and supported without any compromise by all Kosovo’s institutions.

I am personally dedicated to adhering to internationally recognized principles for good governance and to raising the standards of ethics in our institution.

Sincerely Yours,

Haki Demolli


On the 23rd of June, Minister Haki Demolli and KSF Commander, Lieutenant General Rrahman Rama, met with Ray

Mabus, United States Secretary of the Navy. Minister H. Demolli thanked him for the support the United States is providing

to Kosovo as a whole and to the MKSF and the KSF in specific, from strategic level and financial support, and all the way to

specific programs, training, and equipment. Minister H. Demolli briefed the US delegation on the transformation process of

the MKSF into the Ministry of Defence and KSF into Kosovo Armed Forces, pointing out that the Government of Kosovo

has approved the Draft Law on amending and supplementing the Laws related to the creation of Kosovo Armed Forces,

these yet must be approved by the Assembly. Minister H. Demolli also informed that the Ministry is working on the

finalization of Strategic Planning Documents Package which provides a Recommendations Implementation Action Plan,

Structure of the Ministry of Defence and Kosovo Armed Forces, and Long-Term Development Plan for the Armed Forces.

Minister H. Demolli reassured the US delegation that Kosovo Armed Forces will be a multiethnic force serving all citizens

of Kosovo.

Minister Demolli Meets US Secretary Of The

Navy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Secretary_of_the_Navy


On the 26th of June, Minister Haki Demolli at a conference of the ambassadors of the Republic of Kosovo "The position of the

Republic of Kosovo in relation to regional and global challenges" informed the diplomatic staff on the KSF transformation

process, Euro-Atlantic integration practices, country challenges for NATO membership, and currently existing forms of

cooperation with NATO. Minister H. Demolli stressed that Kosovo’s ultimate foreign and security policy goal is integration in

Euro-Atlantic organisations and added that Kosovo wants to be a constructive stakeholder in building regional peace, security,

stability, and economic prosperity. “Euro-Atlantic integration is a complex process that requires comprehensive approach and

close inter-ministerial cooperation,” he said. Addressing Ministry’s bilateral and regional cooperation, Minister H. Demolli said

that the MKSF has signed memorandums of cooperation with 11 countries, 9 of whom are NATO member states, and is in the

process of signing cooperation agreements with several other countries. He also pointed out that Kosovo has 6 security

attaches, accredited to Albania, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Turkey, and USA, though in the near future it is planned to

enlarge their number.

Minister Demolli Informs Kosovo Ambassadors

On Country’s Challenges Towards Euro-Atlantic

Integration


Adjutant General Of The Iowa National

Guard Visits Kosovo

From the 29th of June to 2nd of July, Major General Timothy Orr, the Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard, visited

Kosovo. During his visit, Major General T. Orr met with Minister Haki Demolli and KSF Commander, Lieutenant General

Rrahman Rama, and received update briefings on the progress of the KSF and KSF transformation process in Kosovo Armed

Forces as well as discussed further cooperation plans. Minister H. Demolli highly assessed the good and very intensive

cooperation between the Iowa National Guard and the KSF in areas of training, education, donations, special programs, and

advising. While in Kosovo Major General T. Orr visited Rapid Reaction Brigade, Operational Support Brigade, and Civil

Protection Regiment as well as spoke at KSF cadet graduation ceremony at the Training and Doctrine Command in Ferizaj.

Since 2003, more than 750 Iowa National Guard soldiers have deployed to Kosovo as a part of the NATO-led KFOR mission;

two members of the Iowa National Guard have been posted to the NATO Advisory Team, supporting and advising the MKSF,

and two members to the NATO Liaison and Advisory Team that is advising the KSF. In March 2011, the State Partnership

Program with the National Guard of Iowa was established. On the 7th of July, 2013, Kosovo President Atifete Jahjaga and Iowa

Governor Terry Branstad signed an agreement officially recognizing Kosovo as Iowa's sister state partner.


MKSF Is Dedicated To Strengthen IntegrityAnd

Good Governance Principles

On the 30th of June, the MKSF and the Centre for Integrity in the Defence Sector of the Ministry of Defence of Norway

(CIDS) organised a conference “The Prospects of Building Integrity in the Ministry of Kosovo Security Force”. The conference

was attended by international community in Kosovo, civil society representatives, and media. The aim of the conference was

to introduce the basic principles of integrity framework on the basis of NATO Building Integrity Programme, established as a

NATO discipline at the Chicago Summit in 2012. The panelists provided key findings of the integrity assessment conducted in

the defence sectors of South East Europe, spoke about the state of play of the integrity in the MKSF, and provided civil

society’s perspective on existing integrity framework in Kosovo. Jan Braathu, Norway’s Ambassador to Kosovo, expressed

contentment with the fact that the MKSF is committed to NATO’s principles of strengthening good governance in the defence

and security sector. Minister Haki Demolli in his welcome note pointed out that integrity, before all, should be understood in

terms of building and developing mechanisms that enable the prevention of corruption and other misuses on duty. Minister H.

Demolli stressed that: “Enhancement of MKSF integrity must not be seen only as one of the tasks that needs to be fulfilled, but

as a norm and value that needs to be integrated, respected and strengthened at all levels of the MKSF and the KSF.”


KSF Is Developing Strategic Communication

Network

In June, a Kosovar Software Development, Telecommunication, and Education Company “InterAdria” finished construction of

the MKSF/KSF Strategic Communication Network (SCN) establishing a micro-wave ring connection through Golesh and FSK

barracks which will provide a stable platform for KSF communication. Implementation of the SCN project will provide a

unique Kosovo country wide interoperable communication system with advanced digital technology by the standards of armies

of member states of NATO and other countries of the Western Balkans. This network will provide enough speed and capacity

to transfer data, video, and telephone communications such as Radio; Radio Networks at strategic, operational and tactical

level; Voice over IP Telephony; Video Tele Conference; and Computer Networks (Intranet and Internet). The SCN is

interoperable with other Kosovo governmental agencies and partners which will provide a reliable means of inter-agency

communications during training, operations, emergencies, and in the event of natural disasters. KSF Commander, Lieutenant

General Rrahman Rama, thanked “InterAdria” for the excellent job with developing the KSF communication network. He also

thanked the US for their financial support and guidance throughout the project. Gazmend Kajtazi, “InerAdria” President,

pointed out that realizing the complex SCN for the MKSF/KSF was a task and duty which could not be completed without

professional assistance of the MKSF/KSF staff. “This Network can achieve all governmental security needs in case of crisis,

emergency and public safety, Integrated Command and Control, and empower Command Centre in full its strength to deliver a

comprehensive response,” said G. Kajtazi, adding that “InterAdria” is fully committed to support the Kosovo Security Sector

and to have more and more complex projects, through which the Company can show its ability to further develop its research

and development products dedicated to security and public safety.


KSF Pairs With Iowa National Guard To Develop

Mutual Understanding Of Communication Capability

From the 15th to 19th of June, the Iowa Army National Guard in support of the State Partnership Programme provided communication

experts Captain Robert Snow, Chief Warrant 3 Thomas Pittman, and Staff Sergeant Timothy Wilson to work with and mentor the

KSF. The focus during this time was on communications planning, standard operating procedures, load plans, and video

teleconferencing (VTC) operations. The team had great success during their five days of partnering with the KSF, completing a draft

template Annex H, Communication Support Plan, Vehicle Load Plan, and VTC management which culminated with a test session with

the Iowa National Guard. During the test session communication personnel from the MKSF/KSF and the Iowa National Guard

partnered together to achieve success with a first ever VTC connection from the MKSF to the Iowa National Guard, Joint Forces

Headquarters. Key to this week-long event was the continued on-going relationship between the KSF communication leadership and

the mentorship of the Iowa communication experts. The training ended with a certificate ceremony during which KSF Commander,

Lieutenant General Rrahman Rama, pointed out that modern and reliable communication systems are essential to success therefore the

KSF is investing in communication and information systems that are efficient, cost-effective and interoperable with those of partner

countries. “We are eager to learn, and the seminar provided participants with a great opportunity to exchange knowledge and

expertise,” added Lieutenant general R. Rama.


In April Lieutenant Colonel Darren Doherty, from the UK Ministry of Defence, lead a seminar with key personnel from the

KSF on reserve force issue developments in the UK. The seminar initially focused on the history of Army Reserves in the UK.

Discussions were held on how the force developed over the last century up to the present day, talking about the growth of

reserve forces and the challenges that Armed Forces face today. Lieutenant Colonel Doherty provided participants with how

Civil Protection Regiment Conducts

Field Training Exercise “Savior 2015”

From the 16th to 18th of June, Civil Protection Regiment conducted an annual field training exercise “Savior 2015”. The goal of the

exercise was to assess operational capabilities of the Civil Protection Regiment and regiment members’ skills for using personnel,

specialized equipment, and vehicles. For three days 222 Civil Protection Regiment members were assessing their readiness and

capabilities to respond to emergency situations, such as floods, fire, chemical pollution, and explosive threats near Battlava Lake and

Orllan village. On the 18th of June, KSF Commander, Lieutenant General Rrahman Rama, visited the exercise site where he was

briefed about the scenario and objectives of the exercise and observed task execution.


Cadets Develop Key Skills On Summer Camp

From the 5th to 20th of June, cadets of the Centre for University Studies participated in a summer camp which was held in Zhegoc

village, Municipality of Gjilan. After building the camp, 44 cadets next had to master up and prove their skills in planning,

preparation, and execution of field operations. The camp helped cadets advance their interpersonal skills, character and leadership

qualities, essential for an officer career, and strengthen mental and physical abilities. Throughout the camp, the staff members of

the Centre for University Studies evaluated the performance of cadets: 1st year cadets were assessed individually; 2nd year cadets –

collectively; performance of the 3rd year cadets - at squad level; and 4th year cadets - at platoon level.


Cadets Graduate From The Centre For University

Studies

On the 30th of June, family members and relatives gathered at the Training and Doctrine Command to cheer 11 cadets on the

occasion of their graduation from the Centre for University Studies. “Now, after 4 years of your engagement, sacrifice and

persistence you are accomplishing your dream, by solemnly becoming career officers in the KSF uniform, which is a sacred and

very valued uniform by the people of Kosovo,” said H. Demolli in his commencement speech. Minister H. Demolli specially

thanked the academic and training staff of the Centre for University Studies for their untiring work in training the cadets, and

pointed out that he is confident about young officers’ ability to successfully accomplish all their future obligations and

professional challenges. “I want to assure you that we will work together and that you will have full support of senior officers,”

said the Minister. KSF Commander, Lieutenant General Rrahman Rama, awarded the prize of “Best Cadet of 2015 Generation”

to Second Lieutenant Shpend Hajdini. “It was the honor and the privilege to be selected from so many applicants and to be one

of 11 who succeeded to enroll at the Centre for University Studies; therefore, I think the prize could have belonged to each of

us, for the mere fact that all of us have successfully completed the studies,” said Second Lieutenant S. Hajdini, adding that the

graduation is only the beginning of a very rewarding career in the KSF.


KSF Commander Meets Kosovo Business Alliance

President Agim Shahinin

On the 2nd of June, KSF Commander, Lieutenant General Rrahman Rama, met President of the Kosovo Business Alliance (AKB),

Agim Shahinin. AKB’s President commended the KSF on supporting national businesses and consuming local products. He also

presented an Acknowledgement Letter with a slogan “I consume local products, do you?” that has been following the AKB for 13

years and aims to change the consumption awareness among citizens, to Lieutenant General R. Rama. The KSF Commander

pointed out that the production sector should be supported by all, underscoring that the best assistance that can be provided to

local entrepreneurs is to consume the products they offer.


Secondary School Pupils Attend “Youth Camp 2015” At

TRADOC

From the 1st to 5th of June, 46 Kosovo secondary school students from several municipalities attended the “Youth Camp 2015” at

the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) in Ferizaj. Students of the camp were familiarized with military order, KSF

history, structure and mission as well as the many activities of KSF members. Participating students appeared very enthusiastic

about their one-week stay at TRADOC and felt proud with the KSF uniform that they wore during this week. Most of them said

that they would like to be part of the KSF in the future. KSF Commander, Lieutenant General Rrahman Rama, at the certification

ceremony wished students much success in their schooling and life. “I believe that now you have a good understanding of KSF’s

mission and duties. We as Kosovo Security Force are always at the service of the citizens of our country and always prepared to

assist everyone asking for help,” pointed out the KSF Commander. This was the second time TRADOC with support of the MKSF

and in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Municipal Education Directorates organized a youth camp for

schoolchildren.


KSF Supports An Art Installation Devoted To War

Rape Victims

To commemorate survivors of rape during Kosovo’s war, in June a football pitch in Pristina was turned into a huge art installation,

with some 5000 skirts and dresses stretched on clotheslines across the football pitch. The dresses were donated in response to a call

by Alketa Xhafa-Mripa, a Kosovo-born British artist. They were brought by Kosovar women and had been worn on special days:

weddings, birthdays or funerals. Many of them were given by rape victims themselves or their husbands, brothers and sons. Women

serving in the MKSF and the KSF contributed generously to this worthy event. The goal of the art installation, supported by the

President of Kosovo, Atifete Jahjaga, and sponsored by the National Council for the Survivors of Wartime Sexual Violence, was to

convey the scale of the problem of sexual violence during the war and raise awareness of the plight of war rape victims. Although

there are no official records, it is estimated that around 20,000 women were the victims of sexual assault during the 1998 – 1999

war.


Nottinghamshire Band of the Royal Engineers And

KSF Wind Orchestra Jointly Perform At The Queen’s

Birthday Party

In June, five members of the Nottinghamshire Band of the Royal Engineers spent a week in Kosovo working alongside the KSF

Wind Orchestra. Over the last six months or so the East Midlands based Royal Engineers Band has been developing a strong

professional relationship with the KSF Wind Orchestra, and this was the second occasion that they engaged in a bilateral Short

Term Training Team support initiative in Kosovo. This time the focus of the training was to broaden further the KSF repertoire

and provide an opportunity to perform military and non military music. The culmination of the training was to see a joint KSF

and Nottinghamshire Band playing at the Queen’s Birthday Party that was attended by the great and good of Kosovo, including

President Atifete Jahjaga and Prime Minister Isa Mustafa. Ambassador of the United Kingdom, Ruairi O'Connell, stated that the

Nottinghamshire Band of the Royal Engineers was a marvel. “The music was fantastic; but even better was the attitude of the

band that came here, they got down to work, and, in a spirit of partnership with the KSF, achieved something remarkable.

Taking the time to work with Kosovo, as a partner, means a lot here, and showed that the United Kingdom really means it when

we say that we are ready to support Kosovo – Europe’s newest state,” said Ambassador R. O'Connell.