France, Germany, Italy, the UK, the US, and the EU asked the Government of Kosovo to allow holding a Serb referendum in Kosovo mediated by the OSCE.

“We call on the Kosovo government to allow Serbs in Kosovo to exercise their right to vote in elections and electoral processes in accordance with this established practice”, read their joint statement.

The diplomatic corps is currently in a meeting with President Vjosa Osmani, PM Albin Kurti, and the speaker of the assembly Glauk Konjufca.

The deputy minister of foreign affairs, Kreshnik Ahmeti, declared that the case on point is not about denying Serbs their right to vote, but it’s about the principles of sovereignty.

“The right to vote is not being denied to any Serbian citizen in the Republic of Kosovo. But this right cannot be manifested by violating the sovereignty of a country. Since these citizens already have two ways how they can cast their vote, every other additional request from Serbia is a mere excuse to destabilize the country and the entire region”, said Ahmeti.

The government of Kosovo has been openly against having a Serbian referendum in the territory of Kosovo.

The five Western powers urged Kosovo and Serbia to refrain from actions and use of rhetoric that adds to heightened tensions and engage in the dialogue in a constructive way.

“It is important that both governments achieve progress towards a comprehensive agreement that unlocks the EU perspective and increases regional stability”, the Quint states asserted.

On Thursday, EU High Representative Josep Borrell made the same request to the head of Kosovo’s government, Albin Kurti.

Serbia is set to hold a referendum on January 16 over constitutional changes in the area of justice.