site.btaBulgarian Prime Minister Condemns Assassination of Kosovo Serb Politician Oliver Ivanovic

Sofia, January 16 (BTA) - Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov on Tuesday condemned the assassination of prominent Kosovo Serb politician Oliver Ivanovic, who was gunned down outside his party headquarters earlier in the day as Belgrade and Pristina started talks on normalizing ties, the Bulgarian government press service reported.

Borissov said in a statement: "Any act of violence runs counter to the civilizational values and the European choice of the Western Balkan countries. I expect the political elites and all citizens to show maturity and restraint. The rule of law should not be compromised, and I believe that those who are responsible for this crime will be punished.

"I am convinced that there is no alternative to the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina and it should not be hampered by such acts. I want to offer my deepest condolences to the family and the friends of Oliver Ivanovic."

In a telephone conversation with Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic, Borissov said such violence should not be tolerated and the rule of law should not be called into question. Brnabic updated Borissov on the measures being taken by Serbia in the wake of the incident. Borissov expressed hope for a successful investigation.