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Sarajevo (Fena) – The current EUFOR commander Major General László Sticz handed over the duty of EUFOR commander to his successor, Major General Florin Barbuu, at the base in Butmir.
The handover ceremony was attended by the head of the EU Delegation and special EU representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, ambassador Luigi Soreca, and the operational commander of Operation Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lieutenant General Hubert Cottereau, as well as high domestic and international guests.
In addressing the media, Sticz stated that the people in BiH have always been aware of EUFOR’s activities. He expressed hope that EUFOR has managed to deepen trust and understanding with the citizens of BiH, in order to effectively support local authorities in maintaining a safe and stable environment.
– I wanted to share my experiences in BiH today. My goal was to present EUFOR as a reliable and impartial partner to the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and as forces capable of handling all potential scenarios and having the strength to deter, if necessary – to defend against anyone willing to disrupt a stable environment in BiH – stated the Major General.
He added that some of the goals during his mandate were strengthening military and other types of cooperation between EUFOR and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, providing support to the local population in times of need, such as during natural and other disasters, earthquakes, floods, landslides, and heavy snowfalls, and on several occasions in search and rescue missions.
He noted that EUFOR had close cooperation with members of the international community in BiH, with a special focus on the EU Special Representative and the High Representative, whose political guidelines are of critical importance to EUFOR.
He added that he tried to spend as much time as possible in the field with his troops, personally assessing the situation, which included contacts with representatives of local authorities, starting from the Presidency of BiH down to the municipal leaders and all others supporting the EUFOR mission in any way.
– Likewise, we also paid attention to the youngest ones who are the future of this country, organizing several events aimed at them. I hope that EUFOR’s actions have sent a positive message to the citizens of BiH. I see in the future this country getting closer to the European Union – concluded Sticz. (21.1.)