The EU believes it would be expedient for the Kosovo Serbs to take part in the December elections in Kosovo, because in that way they would be "expressing their democratic orientation," sources in the European Commission in Brussels told BETA in the evening on Nov. 10.

This comment followed a statement issued by the Serbian government, saying "conditions have not been created to encourage the Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija to take part in the Dec. 12 elections."

"We believe that the people have the right and responsibility to express their democratic orientation," the EU officials said.

The EU sources also said the 27 member countries strongly advocate the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, which, with the "good services" of the EU, would contribute to better regional stability and the "European future of Serbia and Kosovo."

Officials in Brussels declined to comment on the statement by Parliament Speaker Slavica Djukic-Dejanovic that Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija should themselves decide on whether to take part in the Dec. 12 vote.