FERIZAJ/UROSEVAC and GJILAN/GNJILANE, Kosovo - Brig. Gen. Al
Dohrmann, commander of KFOR's Multi-National Task Force-East, told local
press clubs here Jan. 26 that the improved security situation in the area is
directly related to positive changes that the people and institution in
Kosovo are making every day.
Dohrmann, a member of the North Dakota Army National Guard, cited recent
municipal elections in Kosovo, and the fact there was no need for KFOR
assistance of any kind, as growing proof that Kosovo is headed in the right
direction.
The elections were successfully run by institutions in Kosovo and the
post-election issues have been handled in a democratic manner, he said, all
signs that citizens in Kosovo are embracing change.
"The positive change I am talking about is one that takes advantage of
opportunities in front of us to build the brighter future I've talked about
sine I arrived in November," Dohrmann said.
The general's comments came during his second Press Coffee event with local
media in the two largest municipalities in KFOR's East Sector. The press
coffees are meant to be informal gathering for the media to discuss
important issues in the MNTF-E area of operation.
Dohrmann leads the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, based in Fargo, N.D.
It is the headquarters unit for all MNTF-E forces in Kosovo, including
troops from the U.S., Greece, Poland, Ukraine, Romania and Armenia.
Dohrmann said positive changes taking place across Kosovo have allowed KFOR
to reshape and adapt to the improving security situation.
One visible sign of this transition will take place Feb. 1, when all KFOR
Multi-National Task Forces will be renamed Multi-National Battle Groups.
"This is not only a change in name but a change in the way we will conduct
operation," Dohrmann said.
Under the new structure, he said, Multi-National Battle Group-East (MNBG-E)
will adjust the number of patrols its Soldiers conduct in urban areas, where
the Kosovo Police and EULEX (European Rule of Law in Kosovo) provide
security.
"This will increase our capability to respond quickly and decisively
anywhere in Kosovo with more agile and flexible forces," he said.
Dohrmann also highlighted the potential being demonstrated by the Kosovo
Security Force (KSF) as another positive change taking place in Kosovo. He
said emergency operations being conducted by the KSF in flood-stricken
Northern Albania shows that it is an effective pillar of the security
sector.
Dohrmann said one thing that will not change for MNBG-E is its primary
mission: to maintain a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement
as a third responder behind the KP and EULEX.
"I think we would all agree that there is a lot of positive change affecting
everyone in Kosovo," he said. "Let's work together and continue this
movement."