Serb List Representative, Igor Simić, emphasized in an interview with the Serbian-language program of Voice of America that any discussion of new elections must be preceded by the de-escalation of the situation in northern Kosovo.

Recently, Simić and another official from the Serb List, Slavko Simić, traveled to Washington for meetings with American officials to address the current tensions in northern Kosovo and explore possibilities for reducing them.

The escalation of tensions in the north occurred at the end of May when Albanian mayors assumed office in the northern municipalities with police support following local elections in April, which were boycotted by Serbs.

The European Union has devised a plan aimed at easing tensions, involving the suspension of police operations in the north, relocating municipal mayors to alternative offices, and holding snap elections with broad participation from Kosovo Serbs.

Simić emphasized the need for de-escalation before any discussions about elections.

“In an atmosphere of fear for the survival and security of the Serbian people, it is impossible to conduct a normal campaign. It is necessary for those special units to withdraw; this is the request of Serbs, the European Union, and the United States.”

The Kosovo Government has taken initial steps towards de-escalation, such as reducing the police presence by 25 percent in municipal buildings in the north and preparing for snap elections.

Despite the hope for de-escalation among his counterparts in Washington, Simić remains cautious about the possibility.

Regarding the clashes on May 29, where over 90 members of the NATO-led peacekeeping forces were injured during confrontations with Serb protesters in the north, Simić stated that Pristina created an instigating situation that led to “unfortunate” clashes, which “did not present a good image”. He believes that the presence of NATO troops in the north is necessary to maintain peace and security for the community.

Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, has stated that elections in the four municipalities in the north cannot be held without a full de-escalation of the situation, although preparations are underway for their conduct.