Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, issued the following statement today:

"The EU looks forward to the upcoming elections in Serbia on Sunday. This will be an important opportunity for the people of Serbia to choose the future leaders and decide on the future direction of their country.

The EU fully supports the role of the OSCE in facilitating voting in Kosovo in the Serbian parliamentary and presidential elections. I call on everybody to behave responsibly, avoid provocations and to cooperate with OSCE in good faith so the vote can be held in a peaceful and orderly way.

The agreement on OSCE facilitation provides a real prospect for democratic participation in a challenging security environment, provided it is respected by all. As such, it equally presents an occasion for the region to live up to its European aspirations.

The EULEX mission on the ground will monitor the security situation and is prepared to deal with any eventualities, according to its responsibilities and mandate and in close cooperation with KFOR.

The EU will also continue to work closely with all other international and local organisation in order to allow for an orderly electoral process".