The High Representative of the European Union for the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, Joseph Borrel, demands new elections in the four municipalities in the north of Kosovo.

After the meetings held with the Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti and the President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic, Borrell in a statement to the media talked about the discussions at the table.
“I met Kurti first. The four mayors should temporarily withdraw. Serbia should ensure that the protesters are withdrawn from the municipal facilities, at the same time the police forces should be withdrawn.
Elections should be announced as soon as possible, with full participation. With the participation of the Serbs. Then let’s continue through the dialogue negotiated by the European Union”, Borrel said.

Borrel reiterated that there should be punishments for acts of violence, and this matter belongs to the judiciary. Speaking about the three policemen from Kova, kidnapped by Serbia, he said that he has asked the Serbian president for their immediate and unconditional release as well as an investigation into the incident.

“We have been very clear that there can be no impunity for acts of violence, but this issue should be left to the judiciary. Today’s meeting is focused on when and how, once the situation on the ground is de-escalated. I have put on the table concrete basic proposals of the conditions mentioned by the EU. We need to know how to proceed, what are the alternatives.

Arbitrary arrests are unacceptable. EULEX will have a more solid role in monitoring the situation. I asked Vucic that the three policemen held in Serbia be released immediately and unconditionally. I requested the immediate investigation of this situation”.

Both sides must follow through on their commitments, Borrell added.

/k.s/