UNMIK/PR/666
PRESS RELEASE

UNSG Kofi Annan Welcomes Kosovo Vote

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan welcomed the conduct of the elections for the Kosovo Assembly held on 17
November 2001.

In a statement issued on 19 November, the Secretary-General congratulated the people of Kosovo "on the commitment to democratic norms through peaceful adherence to the electoral rules shown throughout the campaign and on Election Day."
 
"The all-inclusive nature of the elections, where ballots were cast in Kosovo itself, in Serbia and Montenegro, and by mail from 36 countries, will provide a solid basis for the institutions of Provisional Self-Government that will now be established, in accordance with Security Council resolution 1244 (1999)," he said.

The Secretary-General said he was gratified that members of the minority communities turned out in significant numbers and expressed the hope that the elected representatives of all communities will take up their rightful place in the institutions of Provisional Self Government.