SC/7546
28 October 2002

SECURITY COUNCIL CALLS ON ALL ELIGIBLE VOTERS TO
PARTICIPATE IN KOSOVO’S 26 OCTOBER MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

NEW YORK, 24 October (UN Headquarters) -- The Security Council this afternoon called upon all eligible voters in Kosovo, including those from minority communities, to take part in the municipal elections of 26 October, thus, seizing the chance to have their interests properly represented.

Through a statement read out by its President, Martin Belinga-Eboutou of Cameroon, the Council expressed its firm belief that wide participation in the voting was essential for building a multi-ethnic and tolerant society.

In the statement, the Council called also upon the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government, local leaders and all others concerned to cooperate fully with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the Commander of the international security presence (KFOR) towards the full implementation of Council resolution 1244 (1999).

The meeting, which began at 1:11 p.m., adjourned at 1:20 p.m.

Presidential Statement

The full text of the statement, to be issued as S/PRST/2002/29, reads, as follows:

"The Security Council reaffirms its continued commitment to the full and effective implementation of Council resolution 1244 (1999) in Kosovo, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, commends the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the Commander of the international security presence (KFOR) for the ongoing efforts to this end, and calls upon the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government, local leaders and all others concerned to cooperate fully with them.

"The Security Council welcomes the progress made in preparing the municipal elections on 26 October 2002, calls upon all eligible voters, including those from minority communities, to seize the chance to have their interests properly represented by taking part in the elections. The Council expresses its firm belief that wide participation in the voting is essential to provide the best opportunity for future progress towards the building of a multi-ethnic and tolerant society."

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