EU To Host Serbia, Kosovo Meeting

A combo photo shows Kosovar prime Minister Hashim Thaci, EU foreign affairs head Catherine Ashton, and Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic (left to right).

The prime ministers of Serbia and Kosovo are expected to join European Union foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton for fresh talks over normalizing ties between Belgrade and the former province.

Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic and his Kosovar counterpart, Hashim Thaci, last met in Ashton's office in October for first-ever top-level 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.

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

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

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

Based on reporting by AP, AFP, Reuters, and dpa