Global Courant 2023-05-17 18:47:11
The American ambassador in Kosovo, Jeffrey Hovenier, taught the importance of the elections in the four municipalities with Serbian majority in the north of Kosovo and what the United States expects in the future.
His comments to local media came shortly before the four newly elected mayors officially took office. Once again, the senior American diplomat emphasized that “the elections of April 23 were in accordance with the laws of Kosovo mandated by the Constitution”.
“Given the low turnout, we would expect the newly elected mayors of municipalities and municipal assemblies to take on a technical role and not a political one, given the unusual conditions in which they were elected. Any criminal activity aimed at subverting these officials in carrying out their legal responsibilities will be met with severe punishment by the United States and partners. All parties must act with responsibility and restraint and minimize potential points of tension,” Hovenier told Telegrafin.
Asked if this could bring new tensions that would affect the dialogue process, he made it clear what should happen.
“I take the opportunity to emphasize here that our expectation is that all parties – especially the elected officials – act in order to reduce tensions, especially at a time of sensitive circumstances in the north of Kosovo like this”, added the ambassador.
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