Pristina, 16 November 2001 (RFE/RL) -- Representatives of the international community in Kosovo assured voters that they have no need to fear, and that they should vote in 17 November parliamentary elections. Hans Haekkerup, chief of the UN Mission in Kosovo, said it is important that minorities, including Serbs, participate not only in the election but also in the institutions formed after the elections.
General Marcel Valentin, the commander of the KFOR peacekeeping force in Kosovo, said KFOR and the UN have planned for all contingencies on election day, and that forces will act against any attempt to disrupt the proceedings. He also said KFOR has taken precautionary measures against attempts at intimidation, but declined to give details.
Activists in the Serb-occupied northern part of the town of Mitrovica said they plan to monitor polling stations for unrest.
In contrast to last year's municipal elections, large numbers of Serbs and other minorities have registered this year to vote in tomorrow's elections.
General Marcel Valentin, the commander of the KFOR peacekeeping force in Kosovo, said KFOR and the UN have planned for all contingencies on election day, and that forces will act against any attempt to disrupt the proceedings. He also said KFOR has taken precautionary measures against attempts at intimidation, but declined to give details.
Activists in the Serb-occupied northern part of the town of Mitrovica said they plan to monitor polling stations for unrest.
In contrast to last year's municipal elections, large numbers of Serbs and other minorities have registered this year to vote in tomorrow's elections.