Defense Minister František Kašický and Armed Forces Chief-of-Staff Ľubomír Bulík were in Michalovce on January 10 to see off 160 members of the Slovak armed forces who are heading for the KFOR and ALTHEA missions in the Balkans.
The first group of soldiers will set off on January 16 to join four Slovak officers currently serving at EUFOR ALTHEA headquarters. The ALTHEA unit, which is based in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is made up of 35 military police officers. The operation is the EU's contribution to the stabilization and integration process of West Balkan countries.
The troops heading for the KFOR mission will be responsible for the safety and protection of all ethnic groups and will guard the sensitive monument to the Battle of Kosovo Field, a key event in Serbian history.
The minister also officially opened a refurbished building at the Michalovce base. The building, which cost Sk99 million (nearly €3 million) and includes both office and accommodation facilities, will cover the needs of 120 soldiers. TASR
Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
