The European Union Force in Bosnia announced on Tuesday that command over the battalion was handed over to Lieutenant Colonel Manfred Leitner, took over the post on Tuesday, EUFOR said in a statement.

The official ceremony was carried out by Major General Reinhard Trischak, who handed over the colours of the Multinational Battalion (MNBN) from Lieutenant Colonel Alfred Sanz to Lieutenant Colonel Manfred Leitner, an EUFOR statement said.

Leitner had previously served in Kosovo and Chad.

“EUFOR’s presence enhances the feeling of security among the local population. We must remain an overt, visible and tangible representation on behalf of the European Union to assure and reassure the citizens of BiH that we care about their security,” Major General Trischak said.

Addressing the new commander, he said that “your commitment and that of the MNBN to getting things done and getting things right exemplifies what we are about.”

“Together, standing side by side, we will be able to meet the challenges that lie ahead and fulfil our mission for EUFOR,” Leitner said.