The troops deployed in Kosovo have been awarded NATO medals with the words "In the service of peace and freedom" on them.
Lóránt Balla, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Kosovo, Colonel Carlo Emiliani Commander of MNBG-W (Multinational Battle Group-West), Lieutenant Colonel Imre Mata Director of Staff, KFOR HQ and Lieutenant Colonel Lajos Peszt Chief of Staff, MNBG-W participated in the medal parade held on 29 January.
Lieutenant Colonel László Kanyó, Commander of the Hungarian Contingent emphasized in his speech that the Hungarian peacekeepers reached their goal. They contributed to strengthening security in the region and preventing re-emerging of ethnic hostility.
He outlined that the Hungarian KFOR contingent would complete its mission in the western region of Kosovo under the authority of MNBG-W.
This will end the cooperation between Hungarian Italian and Slovenian troops. Originally MLF (Multinational Land Force) was established for training and practice. From 2006 a whole Hungarian company started peacekeeping operations as an MLF unit in Western Kosovo.
Eight soldiers were presented service signs for peacekeeping and certificates donated by the Minister of Defence of the Hungarian Republic Dr Csaba Hende.
The souvenirs donated by Brigadier General János Huszár, Chief of Land Force HDF were handed over by Lieutenant Colonel Imre Mata.
129 troops were presented Non Article 5 NATO medals, 79 soldiers were given certificates in recognition of their service on mission.
(kormany.hu)
