The special representative of the General Secretariat of the Council of Europe (CoE) to Moldova, Vladimir Filipov was decorated, through a presidential decree signed on Tuesday, September 26, with the Honor Distinction of Moldova. The European official was informed about this fact at the meeting with the president Vladimir Voronin, on the occasion of the diplomat’s end of mission to Moldova. According to a press release of the Presidency, the head of state highly appreciated the diplomatic activity of Vladimir Filipov as special representative of the General Secretariat of CoE to Moldova, mentioning about his contribution in settling political equilibrium and stability in society, unification of political forces. Vladimir Voronin remarked the correctness of the decision adopted by PACE regarding the delegation of a representative of the General Secretariat to Moldova. The president emphasized the positive effect applying the advanced mechanism of CoE, grounded on the principles of democratizing state and social institutions on the whole. The head of state expressed his conviction that the steps undertaken in the direction of overcoming the stability crisis in 2002 laid at the base of the consensus established in the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova regarding the strategic option of European integration and reunification of the country. The president mentioned, as well, about the support offered by Vladimir Filipov to Moldovan authorities in fulfilling the engagements taken by the Republic of Moldova on adjusting national legislation to European standards. Vladimir Filipov declared that he will further remain a good friend of the Republic of Moldova and that he is sure about its European and prosperous future. During the meeting, Vladimir Filipov introduced Vladimir Ristovski to the head of state. He will hold from now on the office of special representative of the General Secretariat of CoE to the Republic of Moldova.