SANTO DOMINGO. - The Dominican president, Leonel Fernandez, granted yesterday the highest Dominican Republic decoration to UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, for his service in favor of Pease and progress.

Annan received the "Duarte, Sanchez and Mella Order to merit", in the "Great Cross Plate of Silver" degree, during a ceremony celebrated in the National Palace.

Dominican chancellor, Carlos Morales Troncoso, said during the ceremony “Annan has accomplished a brilliant career in the UN" since he began in 1962 as the organization’s administrative officer in Geneva, Switzerland.

"Mr. Annan merits exceed in qualifications for him to receive this warm and sincere recognition from the Dominican Government and it’s people”, he added.

The Ghanaian diplomat, who visits Dominican Republic for the first time, was thankful for the decoration extended and the hospitality the nation has offered him.

“Dominican Republic receives a visit from a UN Secretary General for the first time which, we accepted without complaints, especially after that organism’s 61 year history and, when the visit is in the person of a man with the  virtues, sensitivity, intelligence and the courage that characterizes  Kofi Annan", said President Fernandez.