Romania’s president Traian Basescu signed a decree that awards the “Star of Romania” national order decoration to Duane Butcher, the Charge d’Afaires of the US Embassy to Romania.

The decoration is “a sign of high acknowledgment and appreciation for the constant friendship shown to our country, for the special contribution to developing Romania-American relations on multiple levels and for consolidating the Romania-US strategic partnership,” according to the presidential administration.

Duane Butcher ended his mandate in Romania and will be replaced by Dean Thompson, who will also coordinate the activity of the US Embassy until a new ambassador will be named. US authorities haven’t named a new ambassador to Romania to replace Mark Gitenstein, who ended his mandate in December 2012.

Gitenstein is also the last foreigner who received the “Star of Romania” decoration. The list also includes international political leaders such as former US President George W. Bush, former King of Spain Juan Carlos I, Prince Albert II of Monaco, and Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom.

The “Star of Romania” is Romania's highest civil order and is awarded by Romania’s president. The decoration has six ranks: Knight, Officer, Commodore or Commander, Grand Officer, Grand Cross and Sash.

editor@romania-insider.com