Ambassador Obsitnik Salutes Returning Slovak Soldiers’ Military Service in Balkans

August 6, 2008

At the invitation of Slovak Army Chief of Staff, General Lubomir Bulik, Ambassador Vincent Obsitnik spoke at an awards ceremony honoring 131 soldiers who only a few days earlier had completed their tour of duty in the Kosovo KFOR and Bosnia-Herzegovina ALTHEA missions. The August 1 ceremony was held in the main square of the eastern town of Michalovce.  With his remarks Ambassador Obsitnik lauded the soldiers’ service to their country and assured them that the United States and Slovakia are grateful for their service. Joining General Bulik and Ambassador Obsitnik was a Member of Parliament representing Michalovce from the ruling coalition, Ľubica Rošková, and the Deputy Mayor of Michalovce, Benjamín Bančej.  As General Bulik pinned the medals on each soldier, Ambassador Obsitnik shook hands and congratulated them.  The impressive ceremony was covered by four local TV stations and local newspapers.