Brussels, 25/05/2004 (Agence Europe) - Harri Holkeri from Finland announced on Tuesday that he would be retiring as UN Special representative to Kosovo two months early. The former prime minister, Mr Holkeri, was appointed to the job in mid-august 2003 but is retiring for health reasons. On the announcement of the anticipated retirement, Javier Solana declared that, "the European Union and the rest of the international community are indebted to Harri Holkeri for all his efforts and crucial work at the head of the UN mission in Kosovo. His dedication and personal commitment have been highly appreciated by all local and international political leaders. The Standards Implementation Process launched under his leadership and the direct dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina which he initiated will remain foundations for a positive development in Kosovo. The European Union will remain strongly engaged in Kosovo, with a view to bringing peace, stability and prosperity to its people and to the region…I intend to visit on 7 June, where I will meet with UN and local political representative to look at recent and future developments" . discussion about the replacement of Holkeri will take place the next few days at the EU and UN, indicated Cristina Gallach, Mr Solana's spokesperson, to EUROPE. She explained that the post was very important to the European Union and pointed out that the final decision would be up to Kofi Annan.