The European Union in its first reaction after Sunday’s snap election in Kosovo, called on new authorities in Pristina to engage constructively in dialogue with Serbia.
“Kosovo’s European path also goes through the comprehensive normalisation of relations with Serbia and the EU expects the new authorities in Pristina to engage constructively with a view to a continuation of the meetings of the EU-facilitated Dialogue and seize the opportunity in front of them to reach a comprehensive agreement,” according to a statement issued by the EU High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell and Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi on Monday. EU senior officials reiterated EU’s readiness to supporting Kosovo in achieving tangible progress on its European path.
“On 14 February, people in Kosovo cast their vote in the early parliamentary elections. Pending the certification of the final results, we look forward to the formation of the new Assembly and government as well as the election of a new President,” according to the press release.
The EU has deployed an Electoral Expert Mission (EEM) which will remain in Kosovo to follow the post-electoral procedures as well and issue recommendations, the statement reads.
“The European Union will continue to engage with the authorities, with a view to supporting Kosovo in achieving tangible progress on its European path. This will require Kosovo to advance on reforms, guided by the Stabilisation and Association Agreement and the European Reform Agenda, as well as on regional cooperation,” according to the press release.
Partial results placed Kosovo’s left-wing Vetevendosje (Self-Determination) party led by Albin Kurti ahead of its rivals following the Sunday vote, which was the second parliamentary election in 18 months.
According to partial results announced by Central Election Commission VV gleaned more than 50 percent of the vote at country level. /argumentum.al
