UN chief praises second round of local elections in Kosovo

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon praised Monday the peaceful handling of the second round of municipal elections in Kosovo. "The Secretary-General welcomes the peaceful conduct of the second round of local elections on Kosovo on 1 December and is encouraged by the positive initial reports from local and international observers as well as the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK)," UN secretary general spokesman said in a statement. Ban said such elections highlighted the normalization process between Belgrade and Pristina, in addition it boosts the democratic process in Kosovo. "He stresses that the successful holding of local elections throughout Kosovo constitutes a milestone for, both, the normalization process between Belgrade and Pristina and the enhancement of democratic institutions in Kosovo," the spokesman said. "The Secretary-General calls on actors at all levels to build upon the success of these elections. He urges the parties to continue to engage constructively in the EU-facilitated dialogue, with a view to implementing, in a timely and faithful manner, all provisions of the 19 April agreement." Ban underlined the importance of the continued progress in the dialogue for the consolidation of peace and stability in the region.