Serbia: Dialogue with Kosovo to resume in December

BELGRADE, Serbia

Serbia's president on Wednesday said his country’s dialogue with Kosovo would resume in early December.

Aleksandar Vucic's remarks came after Tuesday's meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

“You can hardly expect it [dialogue] before the Pristina elections, which I believe will be held on October 6 [...] That means, at best, the beginning of December, but before that it is important to talk about the revoking of the taxes [on Serbian goods]," Vucic told Serbian TV channel Prva in New York.

Meanwhile, Pompeo encouraged Serbia to focus on its strategic goal of EU membership, as well as to resume dialogue with Kosovo, the U.S. State Department said in a statement.

Pompeo said that he had a productive conversation with Vucic regarding Serbia-Kosovo dialogue, as well as Serbia's accession to the European Union.

"Normalization of relations with Kosovo will strengthen stability and prosperity for Serbia, the Western Balkans and the transatlantic community," Pompeo said in a Twitter message.

The dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo had begun in 2011 after Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008.

As Belgrade still insists that country was part of Serbia, EU has initiated the talks.

However, due to the political crisis between the two governments, the talks have stalled many times.

Lastly, Kosovo imposed 100% customs duty on products imported from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, until Serbia recognizes its independence.

Even though the EU and the United States urge Kosovo to withdraw its tax decision as soon as possible, Kosovo continues to ignore these calls.

Also, Kosovo in the early July announced to ban Serbian officials from entering the country.

Kosovo’s independence has been recognized by over 100 countries, including the U.S., Britain, France, Germany and Turkey. Those who have not yet recognized its independence include Serbia, Russia, and China.