Historic meeting between Serbian and Kosovo leaders

On February 6, in Brussels (Belgium), under the mediation of the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union (EU) Catherine Ashton, a historic meeting took place between the President of the Republic of Serbia Tomislav Nikolich and the head of the Kosovo region, a breakaway province of Serbia, Ms. Atifete Jahjaga.

This is the first time that senior leaders of the two sides have sat down at the negotiating table to discuss the differences that have accumulated since Kosovo unilaterally declared independence on February 17, 2008.

According to Ms. Ashton's spokesman, the main purpose of this meeting is to strengthen dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina towards normalizing relations between the two sides.

However, this is the first meeting so it is more symbolic and there is no plan to discuss any specific issue in depth.

The normalization of bilateral relations between Serbia and Kosovo is of utmost importance for the EU and is also one of the main conditions for Serbia to start negotiations on European union and integration in 2013.

Speaking to reporters the same day upon her arrival in Brussels, Ms. Jahjaga stressed that the task of both sides is to seek solutions to current issues in bilateral relations based on European norms and standards, as well as international law, thereby achieving peace and stability in the region, which has long been awaited by the international community.

According to Ms. Jahjaga, Serbia and Kosovo can help each other integrate into Europe and high-level meetings like this are very beneficial for both sides.

Meanwhile, President Nikolich's administration affirmed that the participation of the Serbian leadership in this historic meeting shows that Belgrade seriously wants to resolve all disagreements and is ready to take full responsibility, but still maintains its stance of not recognizing Kosovo's independence./.

According to (TTXVN) - DT