New Zealand Defence Force
24 June 2005
Army Officer Heads to Kosovo
Lieutenant Colonel Jim Blackwell leaves New Zealand today to take up a UN posting in Kosovo. He will take over from
Commander Andrew Brown at the UN Headquarters in Pristina. Commander Brown is due to return to New Zealand early next
month.
As a Military Liaison Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Blackwell will monitor international security forces deployed to
Kosovo and will liaise with civil authorities and military personnel.
New Zealand’s commitment to Kosovo dates back to 1999, when the UN Security Council authorised the establishment of an
interim civil administration, the UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). New Zealand contributes one observer. In May this year
the Government approved the current contribution to UNMIK until June 2006.
ENDS