January - ACO - NATO

Story by Lieutenant Mokhtar El Motarajji, MoroccanRoyal Armed ForcesPhotos by Master Sergeant Steffen Maluche, GermanArmyMorocco’s Royal Armed Forces have a long andsuccessful tradition as peace keepers. Among other UNMissions, they have been participating in Somalia,Haiti, Ivory Cost, and in the Republic of Congo.Although not a member of NATO, Morocco has beencontributing contingents also to NATO missions. Theyhave been serving with the Alliance in BosniaHerzegovina and since 1999 in Kosovo.On 04 January 2010, Kosovo Force Commander(COM KFOR), Major General Erhard Bühler, visitedthe Moroccan contingent of Kosovo Force at CampMarechal de Lattre de Tassigny in Novo Selo, wherethey are stationed together with the French KFORtroops and the contingents from Denmark andLuxemburg. He was welcomed by Lieutenant ColonelKhalid Lkhiel, the Senior National Representative ofthe Moroccan contingent, his officers and all Moroccancontingent personnel. Major General Bühler inspectedthe troops, vehicles and facilities and was informedabout the high readiness and the excellent motivation ofthe soldiers. “During all KFOR history Moroccansoldiers have successfully served to maintain peace inKosovo and to increase the safety and the well being ofthe population in the region. So I want to express mygratitude and my respect to all Moroccan comrades andI am sure that they will continue with their strongcontribution for the prosperous and stable future ofKosovo.”22 KFOR Chronicle, January 2011