PALMA
THE first 230 troops belonging to Balearic military tactical units destined for peace-keeping missions in Kosovo, left yesterday morning from the Son Sant Joan air base outside Palma on an Air Europa flight.
The Spanish central government's Defence ministry confirmed that the soldiers were to remain for a period of four months at the Spanish base in Istok from where they will take part in wider United Nations operations codenamed Sierra Kilo XX. The Balearic military are replacing their counterparts from the Spanish cities of Ceuta and Melilla in North Africa who will be leaving for home. It is the second time a Balearic command has led peace-keeping forces, the first being in 2006 in Bosnia Herzegovina. Its recommissioning is an acknowledgement of the readiness of the land army for the tasks ahead and the efficiency of its leadership.
A week ago, Balearic president Francesc Antich had given the Spanish contingent an official send-off in the Paseo del Borne in Palma, emphasizing that the sortie is one of providing assistance to the local community, partly through reenforcing damaged or inadequate infrastructure. Lieutenant general Virgilio Sañudo Alonso said that nevertheless, his men had gone through a rigorous training programme to ensure their efficacy in Kosovo.
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