Stano: Kosovo Serbs should be allowed to vote in upcoming Serbian elections

BRUSSELS - EU spokesman Peter Stano said on Wednesday the EU had noted with regret the Pristina authorities had not permitted the customary practice of allowing Kosovo Serbs to vote in the territory of Kosovo-Metohija in Serbian elections and that the decision was not in line with the spirit of dialogue, the principle of protecting the rights of non-majority communities and trust-building between Belgrade and Pristina.

Speaking to Tanjug, Stano said that, as a result, Serb voters would have to travel to cities in the south of central Serbia to cast their ballots in the December 17 Serbian elections.

He said the EU recommended that the practice of allowing Kosovo Serbs to vote in the territory of Kosovo in Serbian elections be continued on December 17 with OSCE facilitation.

Stano said the EU expected Belgrade and Pristina to agree on modalities that would make this happen, in good faith and in the spirit of compromise.

The EU supports all efforts aimed at enabling Kosovo Serbs to participate in democratic processes, Stano said, noting that the ability of Kosovo Serbs to exercise their fundamental rights and vote in the upcoming Serbian parliamentary elections was essential.