Prishtina, November 18 – The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi, received today the former Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo during the period 1999-2001, Daan Everts.
On this occasion, President Thaçi has awarded him the Medal of Merits for his contribution in the building of the democratic institutions, the advancement of human rights and the establishment of trust between the communities in Kosovo.
President Thaçi has thanked Ambassador Everts for his excellent work for years in the postwar period in Kosovo.
“He has done an excellent job in the initiating of democracy in Kosovo, the commencement of the construction of democratic institutions, political parties, the organization of free elections, local and general, the first in the history of Kosovo in 2000-2001”, he added.
The President said that Ambassador Everts, as Head of the OSCE, has also done a great job in the integration of all communities in society and in the institutions of Kosovo.
“Thanks to this commitment I have decided, as President of the Republic of Kosovo, to award the prize of Presidential Merits to Ambassador Daan Everts, for his role in the building of peace and democracy in Kosovo”, stressed Thaçi.
On the other hand, the former Head of the OSCE Mission, Daan Everts, said he was honored for this presidential decoration, saying that this price is also dedicated to many employees of the OSCE.
“I consider this award as an appreciation for the hard work that we, as a team, as the OSCE have done at that time. It is wonderful to return to the old place and see again old friends and a highly respected friend”, said Everts, adding that it was a great honor for him to be part of the efforts to build a new state.
He said that many projects that have begun at that time, today are a story of success for Kosovo. We have made a very big effort at that time to have a multi-ethnic and gender equality Kosovo Police. I know that the Kosovo Police is being considered as the best police in the region and has a very good reputation. So, this is an initiative of which I feel very good”, he added.
Ambassador Everts said to be happy that he was part of that early development. “I thank you as President, for having offered this opportunity, to me personally, and all my colleagues to give this contribution”, he said.