Tensions created in the north of Kosova for the holding of partial elections on December 18 has brought the reaction of internationals who call for calm and ensuring that the elections take place in safe and peaceful conditions.

EU has asked Kosova’s institutions to be careful and ensure that they are comprehensive and calm. Asked by the Kosova media, the EU spokesperson, Peter Stano, said that the parties should refrain from acts of violence.

“When considering the organization of partial elections in the north, the Kosova authorities must take into account all security, administrative and political factors to ensure that the elections are inclusive and held in peaceful circumstances,” he said.

While, the US ambassador in Prishtina, Jeff Hovenier, said that with the tense situation in the north, there are no conditions for the elections to be held at the moment, while he condemned the incidents that happened there.

“US is concerned that the conditions have not been created at the moment for the elections to be held at the end of this month in the north of Kosova. The safety of all citizens of Kosova must be the highest priority. We ask that all involved to exercise restraint. US condemns those who used violence during incidents in the north of Kosova. The use of violence and intimidation, including the use of explosive devices, as well as endangering lives, is never an appropriate method of protest under any circumstances,” Hovenier wrote on Twitter.

The situation in the north worsened on December 6, where groups of Serbian citizens in the north prevented the opening of the offices of the Central Election Commission, causing incidents of gunfire and grenades. The partial elections in the north of Kosova were announced after the resignations of the Serbian List from the Kosova Assembly.

/a.p./