The orderly and peaceful conduct of the local elections of 3 November 2013 in most of Kosovo is a highly important result. Contributing factors were the Kosovar authorities’ careful management of voting procedures, the sense of responsibility of the Serbian authorities, and the commitment of the various elements of international community involved. As Foreign Minister Emma Bonino observed, the outcome should encourage Pristina and Belgrade to continue with equal determination in the normalisation process that began with the historic agreement of 19 April 2013.
For this reason, we condemn most firmly the contemptible and thoughtless acts of violence that, in northern Mitrovica, obstructed the free exercise of a fundamental citizens’ right – the right to vote – in an attempt to halt a process that is, however, irreversible.
I wish to express my warmest appreciation for the work of the Italians engaged in various capacities – and sometimes in positions of great responsibility – in NATO/KFOR, UE/EULEX and OSCE.
