Hans Haekkerup, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Kosovo and head of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) announced his resignation in a radio address in Kosovo, saying that his wife is expecting a child early in the new year and "this was a very good occasion to take a break from the very intense work here."

Kofi A. Annan, the UN Secretary-General, whom Haekkerup had consulted before announcing his decision, released a statement Friday, saying that he respects Haekkerup's departure, although he respects his decision, and expressed his deep appreciation for Haekkerup's work.

"Mr. Haekkerup served as Special Representative since 13 January 2001," the statement read. "Under his leadership, significant progress was made in implementing Security Council resolution 1244 (1999), and Kosovo is now on the verge of establishing Provisional Institutions of Self-Government to which substantial powers will be transferred from UNMIK. The fulfillment of this key provision of Security Council resolution 1244 was made possible by Mr. Haekkerup's skilful management of the process that led to the adoption of a constitutional framework and the successful election held last month. He also succeeded in reaching an understanding with the authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia that places the relations between UNMIK and them on a sound footing. Mr. Haekkerup did much to strengthen the rule of law in Kosovo and hands over a fully-funded budget to the incoming Kosovo administration."

Haekkerup said Kosovo had seen numerous accomplishments over the past year. "Maybe if you had asked people a year ago 'do you think that we would have been where we are now, that we have had elections, that we have a Constitutional Framework, that we soon will have a government in Kosovo - a self-government - with the participation of all communities?' I think many people a year ago would have said: 'Well, Mr. Haekkerup, you will never get there,' but we did."

The outgoing envoy said the international community would reject any attempt to hamper democracy in Kosovo. "I am sure that we would not accept anybody who would try to obstruct the process of creating a government," he said.

Making a direct appeal to the people of Kosovo, he said: "Every day you make a choice in what you are doing and not doingŠ UNMIK, KFOR [the international protection force] and the international community can do a lot but in the end it's the population of Kosovo, you yourself, who [are] making this choice."