“The Balkan area has long been recognized as both a delicate and complex region. However, I truly believe that KFOR is a crucial partner in the stabilization process,” said Mark E. Ferguson III, Commander JFC Naples.
Admiral Ferguson met the KFOR commander Major General Francesco Paolo Figliuolo at KFOR HQ in Pristina. This was his first visit to KFOR since Maj. Gen. Figliuolo assumed his duty.
Admiral Ferguson received a comprehensive brief by COM KFOR on the latest developments of the current security and political situation in Kosovo, as well as an update on the wider Balkans region.
Following the briefing, Admiral Ferguson expressed his appreciation for the improved overall security situation in Kosovo and also greeted members of KFOR. He emphasized the importance of KFOR in the delicate and complex context of the Balkans and the need to continue to accomplish the mission promoting progress and dialogue in the region.
During the visit, Adm. Ferguson and Maj. Gen. Figliuolo visited the Multinational Battle Group West, followed by a tour of the Decane Monastery where they met Father Sava.
Adm. Ferguson stated, “I have been once again reminded of the importance of the dialogue among all the stakeholders”. In particular, he highlighted the progress that had been achieved through the signing of an agreement between the Municipality of Deçan/Dečane and the Visoki Dečani Monastery, aided by KFOR’s mediation, which will now facilitate further dialogue as an effective tool to solve the problems related to land dispute issues. “The legal value of the Agreement’s signature reflects the symbolic importance of the act between the two counterparts – representing both Kosovo Albanian and Kosovo Serbian communities”, Adm. Ferguson concluded.
