January - ACO - NATO

It’s a tradition of the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces toparticipate in peace keeping missions and, with regardto the cold and the winter weather, COM KFORexpressed his respect that the Moroccan soldiers,normally serving in more sunny regions of the world,had no problems with the very low temperatures.Moroccan soldiers have been part of Kosovo Forcesince 1999, when the Moroccan contingent started, notonly with a military contribution to KFOR, but also withmedical aid operations for the suffering Kosovopopulation. At that time a Battalion was stationed inMitrovica with a hospital and two companies. Moroccohad deployed 450 soldiers when KFOR had initiallybeen established. As KFOR reduced its presence overthe years, the Moroccan Armed Forces contingentdecreased as well but maintained a strongcontribution to the mission in Kosovo. Today, thecontingent is composed of more than 200 officers andsoldiers serving in KFOR Headquarters andMultinational Battle Group North. The soldierscontribute to provide a Safe and Secure environmentand also Freedom of Movement especially in the North.Their vehicle check points and their patrols help tostabilize the situation in their Area of Responsibility inthe North-West and North-East. Moroccan soldiers havea good relationship with all elements of the populationand are well respected. The Moroccan contingent willstay in Kosovo after the adaptation and the restructuringof KFOR which will be completed in March 2011.Around 150 soldiers will continue to serve in Kosovo tocontribute to security and stability.COM KFOR expressed his admiration that theMoroccan soldiers are so professional in the commandstructures and the procedures of NATO: ¨The Alliance isproud to have the Moroccans at their side.¨ On theocasion of his visit, COM KFOR was invited byLieutenant Colonel Lkhiel to take part in the traditionalMoroccan cous cous meal. COM KFOR praised thedelicious meal and wished it could become the commondish of KFOR soldiers.KFOR Chronicle, January 201123