On the 31st of August, a flag lowering ceremony took place in EUFOR Camp Butmir, recognising the ending of the French military presence within EUFOR. Deputy of the French Ambassador, Madame Catherine Veber and Warrant Officer Gueneau of the French Defence Attache attended the ceremony.
Twenty Three Year Involvement’
The departure of the last French military person from EUFOR brings to an end a commitment that has been unbroken for 23 years. During the course of this service, 116 French soldiers lost their lives, a fact that is recognised by a memorial within Camp Butmir.
‘A significant commitment’
Speaking at the ceremony, COM EUFOR Major General Johann Luif said, ‘While the French military presence here is ending today we should acknowledge that France remains a very important financial contributor to EUFOR Althea’ ‘France has had a military presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina continuously since the establishment of 1992, through IFOR, SFOR and most recently, EUFOR. This very significant commitment is very much appreciated by all’