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Operation of the Slovenian Contingent in the Republic of Macedonia
On today's day, four months ago, a new Slovenian Contingent was established constituent to NATO HQ Skopje (NHQSk). The contingent works under the command of Brigadier David Humar who performs the functions of Commander, NHQSk and NATO Senior Military Representative in the Republic of Macedonia. In addition to the Commander, the NHQSk Contingent includes five servicemembers (four commissioned officers and an NCO) and a civilian. Following the initial acquainting with the environment and work in the HQ, the Slovenian Contingent continues to successfully accomplish the assigned tasks.
The Republic of Macedonia managed to gain independence from Yugoslavia in a peaceful manner. During the conflicts in Kosovo, it welcomed many refugees and supported NATO intervention. In 2001, an interethnic conflict occurred, taking lives of several hundred victims. The conflict ended with an agreement guaranteed by NATO. At the 2008 NATO Summit in Bucharest a decision was taken that the Republic of Macedonia should receive invitation to the Alliance as soon as it resolves the conflict with Greece regarding the name of the country, since accession to NATO is the most important strategic goal of Macedonia (supported by over 85% of the population). Despite the challenges in the field of interethnic conflicts, unemployment and economic development, Macedonia acts as a serious NATO partner offering exceptional support to operations KFOR and ISAF. Despite the aforementioned situation in the country and reductions in defence budget, the Army of the Republic of Macedonia develops successfully.
The NHQSK acts as a NATO representation, assists Macedonia in its way to joining Euro-Atlantic structures and supports operation KFOR in Kosovo. NATO Command in Skopje operates in line with the guidance of Commander, Joint Forces Command, Naples (COMM JFC Naples) and leads NATO mission for providing advice to the governing authorities of the Republic of Macedonia regarding the implementation of defence reforms, and providing assistance for the operation within the membership with the aim to contribute to its integration into Euro-Atlantic structures. It also provides support for NATO-led operations and mission in the Balkan Joint Operation Area (BJOA).
The area of operations of the NHQSK includes the national territory of the Republic of Macedonia. Within the given sovereignty and signed agreements between NATO and the host nation, Commander, NHQSk at the same time function as NATO Senior Military Representative in the Republic of Macedonia.
Members of the Slovenian Armed Forces working within NHQSk perform the following tasks and duties: duties of Commander, Director of Staff and coordinator, liaison tasks between the host nation and NATO structures in the field of intelligence and security support, political advising provided by a civilian, military advising to the Commander, Commander's Group leadership, advising the defence sector in the area of military logistics and NCO corps, and National Support Element tasks.
