EU, UN to co-ordinate Pristina-Belgrade talks

19/07/2010

PRISTINA, Kosovo -- EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton has agreed with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to co-ordinate future talks between Kosovo and Serbia, the daily Express reported on Sunday (July 18th). Ban had proposed that UNMIK chief Lamberto Zannier, supported by UN Representative in Belgrade Andrew Gilmour, co-ordinate the process with the EU. Ashton has replied to Ban's request in a letter, of which Express claims to have a copy. Security and stability in the region is the product of joint efforts, the letter says, adding that long-term success will be achieved only through a coherent approach by main international stakeholders in Kosovo. Ashton wrote that after the International Court of Justice announces its opinion on Thursday, the EU would like to assist Belgrade and Pristina continue their paths to Europe. Express reports that Ashton's adviser, Robert Cooper, will lead the EU's team to co-ordinate work with UN representatives. (Express, Kohavision, Telegrafi - 18/07/10)