Catherine ASHTON, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, today congratulated Xavier Bout de Marnhac, from France, on taking office as the new Head of Mission of the European Union Rule of Law mission in Kosovo, EULEX Kosovo. He succeeds Yves de Kermabon, also from France. The High Representative made the following comments:

"I would like to congratulate Xavier Bout de Marnhac on taking office as the new Head of Mission of EULEX Kosovo, the EU’s largest civilian crisis management mission. I am sure he will lead this mission to greater achievements as it works with the local authorities in improving and enhancing the rule of law in Kosovo. Mr Bout de Marnhac will have my full support and that of the EU as a whole.

I would also like to warmly thank Yves de Kermabon for his dedication and excellent work during his time with the Mission. Under his leadership, EULEX achieved some significant results - quite often under trying circumstances. Thanks to EULEX Kosovo, the Kosovo rule of law institutions are now able to take greater responsibility for the rule of law in Kosovo.

The EULEX mission is a very concrete example of the EU’s support to all the people in Kosovo".

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