UN welcomes agreement facilitating voting in Kosovo for Serb elections

The United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) today welcomed an agreement reached on Monday by which the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) will facilitate voting in Kosovo for upcoming elections in Serbia.

“Taking in to consideration the short time before the elections, UNMIK especially calls upon the concerned authorities, as well as the general public, to extend full cooperation to the OSCE Mission in Kosovo and to ensure that those exercising their right to vote do so in conditions of safety and security,” the mission’s spokesperson said in a statement.

The agreement was struck to allow Kosovo Serbs to take part in Serbia’s parliamentary and presidential elections, which fall on 6 May.

UNMIK noted that the OSCE has committed to facilitate voting in line with the Security Council’s resolution 1244 – adopted in 1999 following the end of fighting in Kosovo – which established the mission in the country.

Last month, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon praised the progress made in the dialogue facilitated by the European Union between Serbia and Kosovo, saying the talks are creating a better foundation for peace and stability in the region.

A dispute between Kosovo and Serbia over the control of two border crossings in northern Kosovo resulted in several violent clashes between local Serb residents and the NATO-led Kosovo Force last year. Tensions eased after dialogue resumed.