Public Notice Detail

 DAKOTA COUNTY, Minn. (Oct. 11, 2002) – Dakota County District Court Judge Timothy Blakely returned from duty this week after serving in support of Macedonia’s recent parliamentary elections.  He was awarded the NATO Medal by the Commander of Operation Amber Fox for his service. 

Judge Blakely is a Lieutenant Commander in the Naval Reserve, based in Rosemount, Minn.  Because of his combined military and judicial experience, Blakely was chosen to serve as political and legal advisor to NATO’s Senior Civilian Representative, Ambassador Nicolaas Biegman, in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. 

“The support of my family and the willingness of our District Court team to accommodate this support of the NATO mission has been wonderful,” Judge Blakely said.

In 2001, NATO began Operation Amber Fox in Macedonia in response to a request by government authorities.  The NATO mandate is to contribute to the protection of international monitors who oversee the implementation of the peace plan in Macedonia. The mission consists of more than 700 military personnel.  The operation continues efforts toward stabilization in Macedonia and throughout the Balkans.

Blakely served in Macedonia during the past two months in support of the country’s September 15 parliamentary elections, which were deemed free and peaceful elections by members of the international community.  In recent years, the country’s elections have been marred by heightened political tensions and violence.

For information about Operation Amber Fox, see: http://www.nato.int/fyrom/tff/home.htm