Serbia, Kosovo reach potential accord

(Vatican Radio) Serbia and Kosovo have reached a potentially historic accord on normalizing relations, a key condition for European Union membership. Friday's tentative deal between Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic and Kosovo's Prime Minister Hashim Thaci came after months of often tense negotiations.


In a major breakthrough, the agreement was expected to recognize the authority of the Kosovo government over the north of the country, which is inhabited predominantly by ethnic Serbs.

Additionally, both sides agreed not to block each other’s bids to join international organisations, a sticking point that had resulted in a breakdown of talks on Wednesday.

INDEPENDENCE CONTROVERSIAL

While not all details were revealed, officials said the accord would not force Belgrade to recognize Kosovo as an independent country.


Serbia still regards Kosovo as its province, though the latter declared independence in 2008.


EU negotiator and foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton is pleased with the outcome of the talks held in Brussels.


"It's very important. Now, what we are seeing is a step away from the past and for both of them a step closer to Europe," said Ashton.


The EU wanted Serbia to improve ties with its neighbour before opening negotiations to join the 27-member EU; Croatia is set to enter the EU July 1 .

ENDING PARTITION

Ending the partition of Kosovo between the Albanian majority and the Serb-controlled north was a key condition.

Dacic said the association of Serb municipalities in Kosovo would retain "a high level of authority" in choosing a regional police commander.

It appeared possible that NATO military alliance would play a role as part of the settlement. NATO's secretary general, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, already congratulated the parties for their constructive approach.

Yet, the prime ministers made clear that Friday's agreement was a first step in overcoming the wounds of history, as the draft must still be approved by elected politicians in both Serbia and Kosovo.


Listen to the report by Stefan Bos: