NATO welcomed on Wednesday the appointment of Joachim Rucker as head of the UN mission in Kosova (UNMIK).
"I congratulate the ambassador (Rucker) and wish him every success in his new duties," said NATO Deputy Secretary General Alessandro Minuto-Rizzo in a statement.
"For their part, NATO and (NATO-led peacekeeping force) KFOR will endeavor to work closely with him for the good of the people and the future of Kosova."
Having served as head of the Reconstruction Pillar in UNMIK, Rucker knows the region well and will be able to provide the continuity which the region needs, he said.
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has appointed Rucker from Germany to replace Soren Jessen-Petersen as his special representative and head of UNMIK. Rucker will take office on Sept. 1.