Brussels, June 25 (CTK) – Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka and Defence Minister Martin Stropnicky Thursday congratulated former Czech chief of staff, General Petr Pavel, on his taking up the post of chairman of the NATO Military Committee on Friday.
Sobotka and Stropnicky wished Pavel a successful start in his new task in Brussels.
Pavel told journalists the work in the top post was a challenge, which he approached with humility.
“This has filled me with big expectations,” Pavel said.
“I like challenges, but I am approaching the extent of the duties and responsibilities arising from the post with a big humility,” said Pavel, now 53.
“The security environment in Europe is quite turbulent, developing faster than we would like to,” Pavel said.
Pavel said the main threats were “notoriously known,” primarily the impact of the conflict in Ukraine, Islamist extremism, the advance of the militant Islamic State in particular, and the risks connected with the latest immigration wave from the Middle East and North Africa to Europe.
Sobotka, Stropnicky and the Chamber of Deputies chairman, Jan Hamacek also thanked Pavel’s predecessor, Danish General Knud Bartels.
Bartels was decorated with the Cross of Merit of the First Degree of the Czech defence minister.
Pavel said earlier he would like to take along with him to Brussels a number of Czech assistants.
These will be six former Defence Ministry staffers and a group of military police to be in charge of Pavel’s security.
Pavel was elected to the post last autumn.
The term of office lasts three years and it can be prolonged.
Chairman of the Military Committee is the supreme military authority of NATO and the main military aide to its secretary general.
