Diana in Kosovo

9.39.16am GMT Tue 17th Nov 2009

Diana has just returned from witnessing the conduct of Kosovo's municipal elections held on 15th November and hailed their conduct and results as an important step in building an inclusive and multi-ethnic society.

Diana was part of a European Parliament delegation that went to see the first local elections organised by the Kosovo authorities.

Diana commented:

"These elections were superbly organised by the Kosovo authorities, and carried out in a largely peaceful and good-natured manner.

"I was particularly heartened to see that Kosovo Serbs turned out to vote in higher numbers than expected. It's crucial for Kosovo's future that all communities contribute to building a stable and secure society - and this election represents a further step towards that goal.

"The tight result in Gracanica's mayoral race is a particularly exciting outcome in which an Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe associate party - the Serb Independent Liberal Party (Samostalna Liberalna Stranka, SLS) - has done particularly well."