COMEUFOR and EUSR Highlight the Importance of Mutual Support in the European Union Community
On the 7th March 2017 members of the international diplomatic community in BiH were invited to EUFOR HQ, Sarajevo by Commander EUFOR, Major General Friedrich Schrötter for a Heads of Mission (HoMs) meeting. The HoMs meeting is a gathering of representatives from European Union countries and headed by the European Union Special Representative in BiH, His Excellency Lars-Gunnar Wigemark. Ambassadors and other diplomatic staff from 18 different nations attended the day-long event consisting of talks and presentations on the role of EUFOR Operation Althea in the country.
The day started with briefings from COMEUFOR and his branch heads in the morning, then after a hosted lunch the party was transported to the Camp Butmir helicopter hanger for static and dynamic displays of EUFOR’s capabilities. As well as examples of EUFORs weapons and equipment, the capabilities demonstrated included helicopter operations, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, medical support and videos of previous exercises.
Major General Schrötter said: “EUFOR is well received within the international community and a permanent member of the European Union Heads of Mission meeting in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Exchange of information within our community is particularly important as is EUFOR’s role in providing information for overall assessment and aspects of security for the international community. This close cooperation clearly indicates the high acceptance of EUFOR within the international community and the mutual support between the European Union Special representative and EUFOR.”
European Union Special Representative HE Lars-Gunnar Wigemark said: “In line with its mandate, EUFOR provides confidence to the EU community in maintaining a Safe and Secure Environment for the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
EUFOR in BiH consists of 600 troops from 19 different nations plus an additional 200 personnel who are required for logistical support, provided by the National Support Elements of the Troop-Contributing Nations. EUFOR retains the ability to call upon substantial reserve forces at short notice, should the need arise. The Executive Mandate of Operation Althea is to maintain a Safe and Secure Environment.
ST
