EU appoints new Chief of Mission in Kosovo

The EU rule-of-law mission in Kosovo, EULEX, has announced that Xavier Bout de Marnhac, a retired French army general, has been appointed as the new head of mission.

Bout de Marnhac, who will succeed Yves de Kermabon, will take up his duties on October 15. His appointment is renewable for one year. De Kermabon has served as the EULEX chief since February 2008.

“The decision was taken by the European Union Political and Security Committee on a recommendation by the EU High Representative of the Union for the Foreign and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton,” EULEX said in a press release.

Ashton said that Bout de Marnhac has the leadership needed to conduct a large rule-of-law operation in a complex environment.

“His experience in crisis management and his knowledge about the situation on the ground constitutes the appropriate background to lead EULEX through the next period,” Ashton said.

Bout De Marnhac served previously as the commander of the NATO Kosovo force from 2007 to 2008.