3 minutes agoEU responds to Kurt Osman, who called for lifting measures for Kosovo, have some words even for the CEC
Periskopi(2 years ago)
(2 years ago)Senior European Union officials have responded to calls by President Osmani and Prime Minister Kurti, where they demanded that after yesterday's elections in the north, the EU removes measures towards Kosovo, writes Periscopi. In a response given to Periscope, from the EU say yesterday's process for or against the departure of current mayors in four [...]
In a response given to Periscope, from the EU say the process yesterday for or against the departure of current mayors in the four municipalities in the north, “does not contribute to the extension of the situation in this part of Kosovo”.
Among other things, they say that “for the measures, in line with the conclusions of December 12th 2023, the Council will discuss EU measures on the basis of a High Representative report on meeting EU requirements”.
Below, find the full answer [without interference] of the European Union given to Periscope:
On 12 December 2023, the Council called for early elections in northern Kosovo to be held as soon as possible and for Kosovo Serbs to participate actively, without any preconditions.
Kosovo has enabled the possibility of opening new local elections through voting for the return of mayors. While organising the withdrawal vote was not free of challenges (including innovations as installing security cameras), the process allowed for organising the withdrawal vote.
The political parties' decision representing Kosovo Serbs in the north to withdraw from the process and call for boycott resulted in a series of difficulties, including the establishment of several polling commissions without any Kosovo Serb members.
Likewise, the decision by Serbian-planned school directors in northern Kosovo not to allow the use of schools as locations, days before the day of the vote, has created serious challenges for the Central Election Commission. This also prevented citizens from approaching accurate information about their new location.
The EU expresses regret that Kosovo Serbs in northern Kosovo lost the opportunity to exercise their right to vote and elect mayors who would truly be representatives.
The result does not contribute to easing tensions and opening the way for Serbs to return to Kosovo institutions, which is essential for normalising relations.
For the measures, in line with its December 12th 2023 conclusions, the Council will discuss EU measures on the basis of a High Representative report on meeting EU requirements.
/Periscopi/
