Pristine - The EULEX Head of Mission, Ms. Alexandra Papadopoulou appointed on 14 December Dr. Ekaterina Trendafilova to the position of President of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in accordance with the mandate provided by the Law on Specialist Chambers and Specialist Prosecutor’s Office. 

Ms. Papadopoulou wishes Dr. Trendafilova success in the execution of the mandate of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers. She also reiterated EULEX’s full commitment to the Specialist Chambers in the Hague and its contribution to the rule of law in Kosovo.

Upon her appointment, President Trendafilova stated: “I am truly honoured to have been appointed as the first President of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers. At this decisive moment in the early existence of the Specialist Chambers, I feel privileged to have been entrusted with the leadership task."

"I recognize the immense responsibility to ensure that the Specialist Chambers apply the best judicial practices and deliver fair and impartial justice for those brought to account, as well as the victims of the crimes allegedly committed. I intend to accomplish this mission independently, with determination, vigour and to the very best of my abilities. It is vital that we implement our mandate in an efficient, professional and secure manner.”

The President of the Specialist Chambers is responsible for the judicial administration of the Specialist Chambers and other functions conferred upon her by the Law.

The President also serves as presiding judge on Supreme Court Panel of the Specialist Chambers.

President Trendafilova has been appointed for a term of four years and is to be deployed as of January 2017.