UNMIK/PR/1400
PRISTINA – The DSRSG for Civil Administration, Francesco Bastagli, has been appointed by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan as the new head of the UN mission in Western Sahara (MINURSO), UN Headquarters in NewYork announced last week.
“I am honoured by the Secretary-General’s decision and look forward to the new assignment. Yet, I leave Pristina with some regret. My three years in Kosovo have been highly rewarding both personally and professionally. In close partnership with the Kosovo leaders and institutions, we have managed to transfer successfully practically all civil administration functions to local administrations and Ministries. Most of all, I have seen Kosovo grow in its leadership, institutions and civil society and become better equipped to forge a future which will meet the needs and expectations of all its inhabitants”, said Mr Bastagli.
PDSRSG Larry Rossin thanked the DSRSG for his work at the helm of Pillar II and wished him well in his new post.
Mr Bastagli will depart Kosovo on Saturday. His deputy, Patricia Waring, will take over as acting DSRSG for Civil Administration.