Secretary-General Welcomes Early Assessments of Kosovo Elections,

 

but Condemns Attacks, Physical Threats at Polling Stations

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is encouraged by the initial assessments of the municipal elections held on 3 November throughout Kosovo made by the Central Election Commission, local and international observers as well as the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).  He welcomes the active participation of the Kosovo population, including the Kosovo Serbs, in these elections, which is a key element of implementation of the 19 April agreement between Belgrade and Pristina.

At the same time, the Secretary-General condemns the attacks perpetrated against a number of polling stations in northern Mitrovica, including physical threats against election officers and voters, as well as the destruction of electoral material.  In calling for an immediate investigation of these attacks, the Secretary-General strongly deplores any attempts to undermine the electoral process and the fundamental right of people to express their democratic will.

The Secretary-General calls on all concerned to ensure the peaceful completion of the electoral process in an atmosphere free of intimidation and violence.

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For information media • not an official record