28 minutes agoOSCE Chief: Mayors in the north have legitimacy, normality without Serbs in institutions
Periskopi(3 years ago)
(3 years ago)“Although legally elected, mayors have no legitimacy, as elections were boycotted by the overwhelming majority of Kosovo Serb voters”, Davenport said, adding that members of the O mission The SEU is in daily contact with civil society representatives and citizens. He also stressed that he would be with [...]
He also stressed that it would be important to hold new elections, with representatives of all communities from northern Kosovo participating.
“If all parties agree, the OSCE may provide support to facilitate the process of reintegration of Serbs to the north of Kosovo, in the judiciary in municipal elections and in municipal administration”, Davenport said.
“Integration into the police and judicial system and holding the comprehensive democratic elections are among the most important successes of dialogue (Belgrade and Pristina, Red.), so all parties are really expected to work towards a full return to institutions and electoral process”, Davenport said.
Asked how Serbs will return to institutions, primarily to the executive, if the elections have already been held, Davenport says the issue should be discussed within the EU-sponsored dialogue.
He stresses that depending on how “plans for reintegration of Serbs to the north of Kosovo”, the OSCE may provide its support for facilitating this process if all sides agree.
Davenport also stressed that O Mission The SEU is not part of the process of drafting the Association statute, but that, as always, it is willing to support the implementation of agreements reached in dialogue with the EU's mediation, if they are required to do so.
Davenport says that the rights of each community are key priorities for the O Mission work The SEU in Kosovo and key part of its mandate and that the rights, needs and interests of non-US communities are integrated in Mission activities.
According to him, the mission is working closely with Kosovo institutions, including the Kosovo Police, to ensure all efforts are made and to engage more officials from non-US communities.
“Mission has built its reputation from the rich experience it has gained over the past 20 years in this area, in addition to confidence and co-operation with all communities in Kosovo”, he said.
He adds that O The SEU continues to monitor the situation very carefully and to contribute to institutions on specific issues when necessary.
