The traditional Moroccan-style tea ceremony ended the celebration
In 1956 the King Mohamed V of Morocco founded the Royal Armed Forces. Their mission is to defend the territorial integrity and the national institutions, as well as assist the population in case of calamity. 54 years later, on 14 May 2010, the Moroccan contingent of KFOR celebrated their anniversary at the Camp “Maréchal de Lattre”, in Novo Selo. The ceremony was attended by 250 civilian and military guests, including Mayor of Vushtrri/Vucitrn, Mr. Mulaku, and Imam of Mitrovicë/Mitrovica, Berisha.
Based in Kosovo since 1999, the Moroccan contingent was an integral part of the Multinational Task Force North. It has also played an important role in the Multinational Battle Group North (MNBG N). The ceremony was presided over by the KFOR HQ Deputy Chief of Staff for Support, Brigadier General Cevat Yazgil, in presence of the KFOR Deputy Commander Major General Antonio Satta, and MNBG N Commander, Colonel Eric Bellenger.
After the inspection of the troops by Brigadier General Yazgili, Lieutenant Colonel Khalid Lkhiel, the Commander of the Moroccan Contingent, read the order of the day of the King of Morocco, His Majesty Mohamed VI, Supreme Leader, and Chief of the General Headquarters of the Royal Armed Forces: “On this beloved occasion, we renew our joy and satisfaction about what has been accomplished by the contingent of our Royal Armed Forces in Kosovo, within the framework of peace keeping mission.
urthermore, we pay tribute to the gratefulness and the esteem that the international community shows for it.” Afterwards, a march-past closed the military ceremony.
In his speech Lieutenant Colonel Lkhiel traced the history of the Royal Armed Forces and emphasized their devotion to peace keeping all over the world, in accordance with the international law: “In conformity with the directives of His Majesty the King Mohamed VI, the Royal Armed Forces participate also in peace keeping missions all over the world to bring relief to the suffering populations”. Major General Antonio Satta thanked the Moroccan soldiers for their manners and professionalism.
The ceremony ended in a cocktail and lunch, prepared according to the Moroccan-style, in honour of the guests.
Story by Lieutenant Abdelatif Lamtakham, Moroccan Army
Photos by Staff Sergeant M. es-Saib, Moroccan Army
Citaat:
The Moroccan Soldiers of the Multinational Battle Group North (MNBG N) stand in formation during the celebration of the 54th Anniversary of the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces at Camp “Maréchal de Lattre” on 14 May 2010, when the KFOR HQ Deputy Chief of Staff for Support, Brigadier General Cevat Yazgil, inspects the troops.
Citaat:
The KFOR HQ Deputy Chief of Staff for Support, Brigadier General Cevat Yazgil, awards Lieutenant Abdelatif Lamtakham with the NATO “Non Article 5” Medal during the celebration of the 54th Anniversary of the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces. The Moroccan contingent based in Kosovo since 1999 and has also played an important role in MNBG N.
Citaat:
The traditional Moroccan-style tea ceremony ended the celebration.