Nov 07, 2012

Kosova: New Talks With Serbia In Brussels


The Prime Ministers of Serbia and Kosovo are set to meet in Brussels today, 7 November 2012, as part of the EU’s ongoing efforts to normalise relations between the two countries.

Below is an article published by Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty:

 

The European Union's foreign affairs head Catherine Ashton has invited the prime ministers of Serbia and Kosovo for fresh talks.

Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic and his Kosovar counterpart, Hashim Thaci, reportedly will meet in Brussels on November 7 [2012] to continue talks aimed at normalizing ties.

The two had met in Ashton's office in October for first-ever talks between the two sides at the top level.

Serbia rejects Kosovo's 2008 proclamation of independence, which is recognized by 22 of the EU's 27 members and 92 countries worldwide, including the United States.

Russia supports Serbia in its resistance to Kosovar sovereignty.

Belgrade and Pristina have held seven rounds of EU-brokered talks.

In February [2012], talks broke off ahead of elections in Serbia.

The two countries have reached agreements on several issues, including free movement across the border.

The European Union has said progress in the talks is a crucial condition for Serbia’s bid to join the bloc.