Belgrade, September 6, 2001 (B92) - The deadline for registration of displaced persons from Kosovo-Metohija has been prolonged till September 22, the OSCE Mission in the province stated on Thursday.

OSCE Spokeswoman Laura O'Mahony told Radio B92 that Head of the OSCE Mission to Kosovo Daan Everts made this decision on Thursday, because of the "spectacular" increase in voter registration over the previous past days.

- The increase in registrations was prompted by several positive statements by Belgrade officials who have encouraged people to register - said O'Mahony for Radio B92.

Some 45,000 displaced Kosovo Serbs have now registered to vote in the province's November elections in Serbia and Montenegro, and another 20,000 in Kosovo-Metohija itself, Everts said.