The task of the LMT (Liaison Monitoring Team) teams forming part of the Polish Military Contingent in Kosovo is to monitor the political, economic and social situation of Kosovo’s residents in the area of operations and to serve as a liaison between KFOR forces, local authorities and international organisations.
The Polish LMT teams report operationally to the head of the Joint Regional Detachment of Liaison and Monitoring Teams (JRD-E) and perform their tasks as part of mixed Polish-American teams. The teams’ area of operations covers five municipalities: Kamienica and Ranilug, Nowobrdo, Kacanik, Strpce, and Hani i Elezit. As part of their daily activities, the soldiers maintain contact with local authorities, school and educational-facility directors, health-centre directors, as well as social-welfare institutions.
Last week, the subordinates of Captain Michał Stańczyk, head of the Polish LMT team, carried out a humanitarian operation in the poorest villages of the municipalities of Kacanik and Hani i Elezit. With the participation of social-welfare-organisation volunteers, Polish soldiers distributed clothing and footwear to residents most in need. School supplies, plush toys and sweets for the youngest residents were also provided.
Captains Agnieszka Kosowska and Agnieszka Górszczyk-Oszczęda know the local population’s social conditions well: “Organised aid operations for residents most in need in the municipalities within our area of responsibility are tangible proof of the activities of Polish soldiers, while the smile of a child receiving assistance provides unique satisfaction.
Captain Michał Stańczyk, who coordinated the operation, emphasises: “Through direct contact with the population, we are able to assess the needs and social attitudes of residents in the area of operations. This assures us that our assistance will be used appropriately. Another, no less important aspect is building trust and creating a positive image of Polish soldiers serving in Kosovo.
The humanitarian operation was supported by soldiers of the National Support Element, who several days earlier had given the team donations collected in Poland and received from the “Schools for Peace” Association.
The Polish KFOR Military Contingent in Kosovo is carrying out a stabilisation mission and forms part of the Multinational Battle Group – East. As part of its operational activities, the Polish contingent performs tasks involving monitoring compliance with international agreements and treaties in order to create conditions for safe living and the normalisation of the situation in its area of responsibility.
The core of the new, 28th rotation of the Polish Military Contingent in Kosovo consists of soldiers from the 23rd Silesian Artillery Regiment from Bolesławiec—the unit responsible for forming and preparing the contingent—as well as the Special Military Police Detachment from Mińsk Mazowiecki and the 1st Storage Battalion from Olsztyn of the 1st Logistics Brigade.
(information: Capt. Remigiusz Kwieciński/ii)