Ker-Lindsay: Community is key for interests of Kosovo Serbs

"It is extremely important that the Association of Serbian Municipalities is formed as soon as possible and starts to get to work. This will be the key body representing the rights and interests of the Serbian communities in Kosovo," Ker-Lindsay told the Press. Ker-Lindsay, a senior research fellow at the London School of Economics and Political Science, pointed out that "it is absolutely vital" that the community "emerges as a strong body with a clear voice and an effective leadership willing to work with Belgrade, Pristina and the international community." "Any delays to this process risks weakening the body before it has even been created," he warned. Asked to comment on the latest events in northern Kosovo after Krstimir Pantic, the mayor-elect of Kosovska Mitrovica, refused to take the oath of office and assume his duty, Ker-Lindsay said that the developments in northern Kosovo are unfortunate. "The developments in Northern Mitrovica are extremely unfortunate, especially as it appears that the other mayors have decided to take the oath of office," Ker-Lindsay said, adding that " one can understand why there was a deep reluctance to sign anything that legitimises the Kosovo state." He, however, warned that "it is clear that this is the political reality on the ground". "There is no going back from this now. The time to explore other options, such as partition, has now passed," Ker-Lindsay said.