OSCE Chairman-in-Office welcomes outcome of elections in southern Serbia
The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Portuguese Foreign Minister Antonio Martins da Cruz. (Ayhan Evrensel/OSCE) Photo details
LISBON, 29 July 2002 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Portuguese Foreign Minister Antonio Martins da Cruz, has welcomed the outcome of the 28 July municipal elections in southern Serbia.
"These elections are an important watershed and are viewed as the latest stage in the overall process of confidence-building that the OSCE has been actively engaged in since the very start of its work in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia", he said.
"The OSCE has worked intensively and enthusiastically, delivering assistance in the organisation of these important elections. The municipal elections in southern Serbia constitute a significant step in the right direction to further stabilize the region, while giving ownership to the local communities. Southern Serbia now has a historic chance to prove that co-existence is possible."
Although much progress had been made, he added, the OSCE would remain focused on southern Serbia in the post-election period, supporting both communities, Albanian and Serb, in promoting their aspirations for a common future.
"These elections are an important watershed and are viewed as the latest stage in the overall process of confidence-building that the OSCE has been actively engaged in since the very start of its work in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia", he said.
"The OSCE has worked intensively and enthusiastically, delivering assistance in the organisation of these important elections. The municipal elections in southern Serbia constitute a significant step in the right direction to further stabilize the region, while giving ownership to the local communities. Southern Serbia now has a historic chance to prove that co-existence is possible."
Although much progress had been made, he added, the OSCE would remain focused on southern Serbia in the post-election period, supporting both communities, Albanian and Serb, in promoting their aspirations for a common future.