Serb-dominated northern regions in Kosovo are holding a referendum on whether or not to recognise the Pristina-based government. Green foreign policy spokesperson Ulrike Lunacek, who is the European Parliament rapporteur/draftsperson on Kosovo, condemned the referendum stating:

"This referendum is totally counterproductive and represents a wholly unnecessary provocation that can only undermine the process of dialogue between the governments of Serbia and Kosovo. It is important that the EU makes this point. The Pristina-based Kosovan government should ignore the provocation and, instead, respond by strengthening its outreach programme. Support measures for the Serbian minorities in Kosovo are the best way to convince them that they have a common stake in Kosovo's future."

Green foreign policy spokesperson Franziska Brantner added:

"The fact that Serbian president Tadic and the responsible minister Bogdanovic also reject this referendum underlines that it is nothing more than politicking from some irresponsible opposition parties with an eye on the forthcoming elections. Such unnecessary provocation will do nothing to improve the situation of the ethnic Serbian population in northern Kosovo. Instead, they would benefit from implementing the Ahtisaari Plan, so that they can finally realise their autonomy rights provided for therein."

Richard More O'Ferrall,

Press and media officer,

Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament

Mobile: +32-477-443842 - Ph. +32-22841669 (Brussels); +33-388174042

www.greens-efa.eu - http://twitter.com/GreensEP