OSCE Head of Mission condemns physical assault on candidate for Mitrovica/Mitrovicë North mayor

PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, 2 November 2013 – The Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Ambassador Jean-Claude Schlumberger, has condemned last night's assault on one of the candidates for Mitrovica/Mitrovicë North mayor, Krstimir Pantić.

“I have repeatedly reacted against the use of force and attempts to undermine the right of eligible voters in northern Kosovo to freely exercise their right to vote. Last night’s assault on Mr Pantić is the last in a series of such attempts and I strongly condemn it,” said Schlumberger.

“I call on law enforcement agencies to investigate this attack and prosecute the perpetrators. I remain confident that the security providers in Kosovo will take all necessary measures to ensure a safe and secure environment for tomorrow’s elections.”

The OSCE is facilitating elections in the four northern Kosovo municipalities in line with the 19 April EU-facilitated Belgrade-Prishtinë/Priština agreement.