OSCE Secretary General: Kosovo election process “significant step forward”

VIENNA, 1 December 2013 – OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier has welcomed the peaceful and orderly voting in the municipal election in Kosovo as a “significant step towards confidence and security.”

Zannier was speaking at the close of polls in the second round of voting, during which the OSCE facilitated the elections in the four northern Kosovo municipalities in line with the Brussels agreement.

"This marks a milestone in a complex process by building trust and opening perspectives for stability and a prosperous future for the people of this region. It proves that the 19 April Agreement reached by Belgrade and Prishtine/Pristina, and successfully brokered by the EU High Representative Catherine Ashton, is beginning to produce results. We remain ready and willing to continue to engage in support of this important EU-led dialogue and its implementation," he said.

He expressed satisfaction for the constructive engagement by all sides during the complex and intense negotiations on modalities for the elections and thanked Kosovo Police, EULEX and KFOR for ensuring a safe and secure environment for the elections in northern Kosovo.