January - ACO - NATO

Story and Photos by Lt Clarisse Chopin, French ArmyOn 24 and 25 December 2010, the French army Chiefof Staff, Géneral du Corps d’Armée, Géneral ElrickIrastorza, came to share Christmas Eve with hissoldiers. Having been welcomed by the French armyrepresentative, Colonel Claude Bonnifaix, the Chief ofStaff first came to Camp Film City, to meet KosovoForce Commander (COM KFOR), Major GeneralErhard Bühler. During this interview, COM KFORexplained to general Irastorza the currentdisposition of KFOR, but also, the future layout,which will be deployed after Gate 2.After this first meeting, General Irastorza went toCamp Belvedere to meet the two French combatcompanies which belong to Multinational BattleGroup North (MNBG N), commanded by ColonelFrank Barrera.The honour company was mixed: platoons fromMountain Troops and from Infantry of Marine weretogether to welcome their General.After the parade, everybody availed of refreshments,so that General Irastorza could speak with a lot ofsoldiers, and Christmas Eve celebrations began.General Irastorza took the opportunity to express hissatisfaction concerning the great job done by theFrench troops in the northern part of Kosovo. “TheFrench army is in this part of Kosovo since almost 11year ago. When I see Kosovo today, I am proud ofyour work, and of the work that has been done by yourpredecessors. You contribute everyday by yourprofessionalism, to facilitate the calm situation in thispart of Kosovo.” the General said.20 KFOR Chronicle, January 2011