On 28 March, Major General Anton Waldner, relinquished his position as Commander EUFOR (COMEUFOR) in a Change of Command Ceremony held at Camp Butmir near Sarajevo. General Sir James Everard, as the Operation Commander, passed the authority of Commander European Union Force to Major General Martin Dorfer who begins his period of command immediately.
Mr Sinno Khaldoun Deputy Head of Mission in the EU Delegation to BiH, Lieutenant General Luciano Portolano Head of the EU Command Element, Major General Senad Mašović Chief of the Joint Staff of the AF BiH, Mr. Perica Stanić Director of the SIPA, and representatives of Members of the BiH Presidency were among the many national and international guests who attended the ceremony.
Speaking at the ceremony, General Everard praised the outgoing COMEUFOR Major General Waldner saying: “I know he would be the first to thank the EU Special Representative (who could not be with us today), and all EU Member States and Partners, and those members of the International Community who are working so hard to give BiH a bright future. And he would also share credit with all those under his command, but today we thank General Waldner for all he has achieved and we wish him the very best in the future.”
On assuming his new position as Commander EUFOR, Major General Martin Dorfer said: “I want the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina to know that I will put do my best for them during my time as COMEUFOR, as will all the personnel of EUFOR. I hope that everyone involved in BiH’s future security will cooperate and work together with EUFOR and our partner organisations so that together we all keep this country progressing on its path to a secure, stable and European future.”
14 EU Member States and 5 Partner Nations contribute personnel and resources to EUFOR Operation ALTHEA , demonstrating the collective determination commitment of the European Union and their respective nations to assist BiH in meeting the requirements of Euro-Atlantic integration and a safe and secure environment for the future.
