also thanks to the ability of the military component to pool resources and perform joint force and joint ministry operations. b. The contribution of the armed forces to the management and resolution of international crises and conflicts, such as the operations in Kosovo, was decisive and strengthened the image and position of the nation the international arena. c. Military operations conducted to protect defenceless populations and to establish fundamental human rights, such as those under way in Iraq, have demonstrated the ability of the military to conduct specific tasks within limited time-frame, efficiently and effectively. d. In the fight against international terrorism, the Defence has made an important contribution not only working outside national territory, but also supporting the action of the police force within the nation both with specialist contributions and by overseeing important metropolitan areas. In their contribution to humanitarian and rescue operations in the case of catastrophic events, the armed forces have demonstrated a versatile capability, fast action and intervention capability even in the critical early stages, allowing the nation to prove its willingness and ability to act globally. 83. The need to put in place rapid and unplanned conventional operations in the Balkans to implement the UN resolutions regarding Kosovo, or more recently, the need to reassure Allies in Eastern Europe by demonstrating the ability to act jointly and quickly, have confirmed the need to maintain a capability able to provide a conventional response and deterrence. 84. The transformation of the military in order to improve its capability to send and support forces outside national territory has proved to be a valid concept, and it has been the key to achieving significant operational success. The ability to provide this capability quickly has been successful not only in managing typical military operations, but also in support operations in the event of severe natural disasters, such as the earthquakes in Pakistan and Haiti. 85. Joint operations have become standard procedure. The progressive development of the national capability to integrate ground, sea, air and space activities, as well as logistics and communications, has produced more effective and efficient operational results. - 44 -