Feb. 17 – 12 structures belonging to the former military airport of Gjakova, in the south of Pec, were officialy delivered by the Italian K-Four to Caritas Umbria. Caritas has been active in the region since 1999, in Slokucjane, and will use the structures for its operations and training of youths under director Massimo Mazzali. This is a further transitional step towards Kossovo’s pacification, a mission that has seen Italy participate with 500 men. “We are working to develop workshops and other activities for the youths – said Mazzali during the delivery ceremony held at Gjakova’s airport – because we want to make an impact on their future.” The new modules will help set up a cooperative for the Albanians in Kossovo. “We will build a small mill for the organic production for bread, pizza and sweets. These activities will see the participation of 20 young people, who will work in foster homes or with handicapped youths.” The collaboration in Kossovo between Caritas Umbria and the Italian Army is stipulated within the Cooperazione Civile militare, dating back to 1999 and the NATO intervention in the country. “I have very singular memories in this country – explained Mazzali – because the CIMIC projec has sent 400 sick Kossovo children to Italy, in Pisa, to receive the appropriate medical attention. And in this context the Italian military was always very present in the operations, especially under Gen. Del Vecchio.” The commander of the Multinational Battle Group West, colonel Antonio Sgobba, confirms the “excellent relationship with the local population for all the K-for mission, and in particular with the Italian soldiers. This is part of our mission too: we don’t carry out only military operations, but also humanitarian ones.”
