US backs Serbia EU hopes after Kosovo deal

(WASHINGTON) - The United States on Friday praised Serbia for agreeing to allow Kosovo into official Western Balkans meetings and voiced support for Belgrade's aspirations to join the European Union.

Serbia has refused to recognize Kosovo's independence after it broke away in 2008. But after EU-led talks, Serbia agreed to let Pristina into meetings under the title "Kosovo*" with the asterisk highlighting disputed status.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton praised Kosovo and Serbia for taking an "important step" and hailed the European Union for "helping these two countries realize a brighter future."

"We also hope these agreements will open the door to Serbia's EU candidacy. Serbia's progress toward European integration is good for Serbia, good for Kosovo and good for the future of the entire region," Clinton said in a statement.

"I encourage the people of both Kosovo and Serbia to implement these agreements in good faith and to support the progress that has been made," she said.

"Only through dialogue and enhanced trust can both countries be assured of a peaceful, prosperous future as part of a Europe whole, free and at peace."

European affairs ministers will discuss Serbia's application to become a candidate for EU membership Tuesday ahead of an EU summit March 1 and 2 that will deliver a final ruling.