EU states divided on wider talks with Serbia

(BRUSSELS) - EU member states, due to discuss the possible opening of wider talks with Serbia next week, are deeply divided on the issue despite recent progress the country has made with Kosovo, diplomatic sources said Friday.

The sources said officials are discussing the possibility that the EU could begin talks in June with Serbia on closer ties, potentially leading at some point to membership, but there is no agreement yet on how to proceed.

"I do not think a date" for the talks will be agreed when EU foreign ministers meet Monday in Brussels, followed by EU leaders on Thursday and Friday, one source said.

Serbia and Kosovo made further progress Tuesday in talks held under an EU-inspired dialogue on easing tensions, agreeing to jointly manage crossings on their flashpoint border.

European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton announced the breakthrough after hosting a third round of talks in six weeks between Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic and his Kosovo counterpart Hashim Thaci.

In a key development given that Belgrade refuses to recognise Pristina's 2008 declaration of independence, Ashton said the two premiers had also "agreed to each appoint a liaison officer" in each others' capitals.

The EU is offering to draw both sides closer to the 27-nation bloc if they cooperate on issues such as security and trade in order to move towards a normalisation of ties while resolving daily headaches for ordinary people.