Prime Minister calls election of Czech general as chairman of NATO's Military Committee a major diplomatic success

The prime minister has called Saturday's election of Czech General Petr Pavel as the next chairman of NATO's Military Committee a "major diplomatic success", for the Czech Republic - one that recognised the Czech Army's contribution within the alliance. The defence ministry reacted similarly, called his election an expression of trust by fellow NATO members towards the Czech Republic. On Saturday, General Pavel was elected to the post at the committee meeting in Vilnius. He will replace the present committee head, Danish General Knud Bartels, next year. General Pavel is the first representative of a NATO east European member country to hold the senior post. The Military Committee chairman is NATO´s highest military authority and chief military adviser to NATO's secretary general.

Author: Jan Velinger