YU, SERBIAN GOVTS CALL ON KOSOVO SERBS TO TAKE PART IN NOV 17 VOTE

BELGRADE, Nov 3 (Hina) - The governments of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Serbia have urged Serbs living in Kosovo to participate in a general election in the province on November 17. "Despite all problems, it is better for Kosovo Serbs to take part in the vote," Yugoslav President Vojislav Kostunica said conveying the stand of the two governments early on Saturday morning, after a joint session of the two governments. This decision was adopted in light of the current difficult situation and the fact that participation in the vote could help Kosovo Serbs leave the current state of isolation, Kostunica said. On Friday afternoon, Yugoslav officials, headed by Kostunica, held marathon talks with the UN Civil Administrator for Kosovo, Hans Haekkerup. After the talks were completed and consultations held, the two governments met in Kostunica's presence and made the decision. Kostunica said the talks with Haekkerup had focused on a joint document between the Yugoslav authorities and the UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) regulating the status of Kosovo Serbs. Kostunica believes the signing of such a document, which would guarantee safety and protection for Kosovo Serbs, would be "exceptionally important". He recalled that since the arrival of the UNMIK, 28 months ago, Belgrade and the UN administration in the province had not signed a single agreement. The Yugoslav president said yesterday's talks had not resulted in any agreement on security issues and the police and judiciary in Kosovo, but he announced the talks would continue. Kostunica also spoke on the phone with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, with whom he agreed the talks should continue. (hina) rml