NATO forces in Bosnia under new commander

U.S. Brigadier General David Enyeart assumed command of NATO forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina ( BiH) on Wednesday, reported the Bosnian news agency Fena.

After the formal handover of duties at NATO headquarters at Camp Butmir, outside of Sarajevo, Enyeart said that NATO command in BiH would continue to provide the same level of support to the BiH Ministry of Defense and to its armed forces. He also confirmed continued cooperation with the European Union's police mission in BiH (EUFOR).

Enyeart underscored two objectives of NATO under his command: maintaining a secure environment and working toward the realization of BiH's NATO aspirations. He stated, however, that this latter goal could not be achieved single-handedly.

"Our mission in Sarajevo is teamwork," said Enyeart. "No one alone can achieve the goal of BiH becoming a NATO member, because that requires continuous teamwork of the entire community."

Enyeart replaces U.S. Brigadier General John Ballard, who during his farewell speech outlined the progress BiH had made in the spheres of defense reform and security that were recognized when NATO offered BiH to join its Member Action Plan (MAP).

Prior to coming to BiH, Enyeart was deputy commander of the 41st Infantry (forward) Brigade, and 41st Infantry combat team during two peacekeeping tours in Afghanistan.

Source:Xinhua