OSCE mission head in Kosovo urges serbs to take part in upcoming elections in province

Dan Ewerts, head of the OSCE mission in Kosovo, has urged Kosovo Serbs to take part in the upcoming general election in the province.

Speaking in the town of Leposavic, Ewerts noted that the international community clearly pointed out to Albanian leaders that "it will not support their demand for Kosovo's independence". According to the OSCE mission head, Serbs should take the historical chance and join in the work of leading bodies and so improve their position in Kosovo.

He noted that democratic changes in the province include elaboration of a legal framework, defining the legal status of Kosovo and forming central bodies of power, which must include representatives of all nationalities living in the province. Temporarily displaced persons can also take part in the elections. Representatives of the international community, Ewerts said, will create favourable conditions for a rapid return of forced migrants.