United States opposes the holding of local elections in the north of Kosovo, which are not in accordance with its laws, Deputy Assistant U.S. Secretary of State Philip Reeker said in Washington.

The officials that might elected will not have any legitimacy, he said at a news conference.

The U.S. is waiting to see Serbia's decision on the matter, he said adding that it is necessary to hold local elections in the area, but at the right time and under the laws of Kosovo.

Reeker he was pleased with way that Serbian President Boris Tadic and Kosovo Prime Minister Hasim Taci expressed their ideas and suggestions for resolving problems in the north.

He said that it is necessary to continue the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.

Western Balkans remains a priority for U.S. foreign policy, he said and congratulated Croatia and Serbia for successfull steps achieved on the path to the European Union.