Kovanda to replace Páleník as military intelligence chief

Prague, Sept 13 (CTK) - Milan Kovanda will replace Ondrej Palenik as Czech Military Intelligence chief as of November 1, Palenik confirmed to CTK Thursday.

The news first appeared on the website of the Respekt weekly this morning. Respekt writes that the government approved the personnel change at its regular meeting on Wednesday.

"I decided not to extend my contract after more than five years in the post. I believe it is a good time for a change in the post," Palenik said.

Lieutenant General Palenik has been the longest serving head of the Czech military intelligence since the fall of the communist regime.

"The government thanked Palenik for his long work for the Czech military, Defence Minister Alexandr Vondra said.

Under Palenik, the Czech military intelligence service won respect abroad, especially for its operation in Afghanistan when it helped catch wanted terrorists. But the service was also criticised for not dealing with dubious military deals signed at the time when Martin Bartak was among the heads of the Defence Ministry, Respekt.cz writes.

Palenik dismissed the criticism in the past.

Brigadier General Kovanda joined the military in 1992. Like Palenik, he operated in Afghanistan. In 2006-10, he was the commander of the 601st special forces group. He also served in Kosovo.

Now he is deputy commander of the Czech military's Joint Forces.