Serbia and Kosovo reach EU-brokered landmark accord

[muriel_volestrangler]

Source: BBC

Serbia and its former province of Kosovo have reached an EU-brokered accord aimed at normalising relations between the Balkan neighbours.
...
The deal was reached after months of tense negotiations between Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic and Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci in Brussels.

"The negotiations have concluded. The text has been initialled by both prime ministers," said the EU's top diplomat, Catherine Ashton, who mediated the talks.

Earlier this month, Serbia rejected an agreement proposal because the terms did not "guarantee full security and protection of human rights to the Serb people in Kosovo".

Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22222624

[Crepuscular]

1. You could almost say that

peace is sprouting in Brussles!

[pampango]

2. "Serbia and Kosovo reached an agreement on Friday aimed at overcoming ethnic enmities in the former

Serbian province, a milestone that could enhance stability in the region and help clear the path for their eventual membership in the European Union."

Serbia and Kosovo reached an agreement on Friday aimed at overcoming ethnic enmities in the former Serbian province, a milestone that could enhance stability in the region and help clear the path for their eventual membership in the European Union.

The potent symbolism of Serbs and ethnic Albanians casting aside their differences could help spur regional reconciliation, in particular in ethnically divided Bosnia, where lingering divisions have impeded progress. “This remarkable deal demonstrates that the Balkans, once known as the powder keg of Europe, can change and develop in a positive direction,” he said.

“The incentive of joining the E.U. played a huge role in clinching an agreement,” said Petrit Selimi, Kosovo’s deputy minister of foreign affairs. “The black hole in the region has been Serbia’s relationship with Kosovo.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/20/world/europe/serbia-and-kosovo-reach-milestone-deal.html

Nice that the prospect of joining the EU still motivates old enemies to make peace with each other.