Greece on Monday recognized elections in Kosovo as the beginning of democratization but said a series of problems had yet to be resolved for normal life to return to the Yugoslav province.
Foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis noted that the boycott of the election by the Serb minority in Kosovo was a "negative factor" and showed that the elections did not address all of the difficulties.
"We welcome this first attempt at democratization but a series of problems remain which must be resolved within the framework of UN resolutions," said Beglitis.
He was referring to UN resolutions calling for Serbs to return to Kosovo and for their security to be ensured.
Voters in municipal elections in Kosovo on Saturday hope to bolster the drive by the ethnic Albanian majority in the province for independence from Serbia.
The Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), a moderate pro-independence party, has claimed victory in the polls.
"Overall, the elections were carried out normally with the presence of international observers and Bernard Kouchner", the UN administrator of Kosovo, said Beglitis.
"The elections are a beginning of democratization in Kosovo. By respecting the rights of Serbs within Federal Yugoslavia, the province will be able to more forward and overcome the crisis," said Beglitis -- ATHENS (AFP)
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