Serbia, Kosovo PMs in new round of EU-sponsored talks

(BRUSSELS) - The premiers of Kosovo and Serbia, Ivica Dacic and Hashim Thaci, met Thursday for a new round of EU-mediated talks aimed at ironing out mutual tensions.

European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton was meeting both leaders for bilateral talks before bringing them together for a working dinner in hopes of new steps towards normalising ties after Kosovo's unilateral proclamation of independence in 2008.

The EU-mediated dialogue last month led to the opening under joint management of crossing points on the flashpoint border of northern Kosovo, home to a large Serbian minority which refuses to recognise Pristina.

The EU has promised to draw both sides closer to the 27-nation bloc on condition they resolve trade and security issues that complicate the daily lives of ordinary people.

A series of agreements struck in the EU-run talks that kicked off in March 2011 included deals such as the mutual recognition of university degrees and the return of property records.