Peaceful Kosovo poll welcomed by OSCE SG Zannier

VIENNA, 18 November 2013 - OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier has welcomed the peaceful re-run of voting in three polling centres in northern Mitrovica/Mitrovicë.

"OSCE staff, who have worked to facilitate balloting in three polling centres in northern Mitrovica/Mitrovicë during the voting re-run, are reporting that the poll was without incident. Ballot boxes are now secured and on their way to the counting centre.

"The turnout has been very good, and many local residents came to exercise their basic human right to vote for their chosen representatives. This is an important milestone.

"We are looking forward to the continuation of the EU-led dialogue, and are ready and willing to offer support to this important process."

Zannier thanked OSCE staff and EULEX and KFOR partners who had ensured security during the poll.

The OSCE is facilitating the municipal elections in the four northern Kosovo municipalities in line with the 19 April Belgrade-Pristina/Pristinë agreement.