Clinton heading to Balkans to press for dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo

Clinton to visit Balkans, press reconciliation

WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says she will push for reconciliation between Serbia and Kosovo during a coming trip to the Balkans.

At an appearance with European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton Wednesday, Clinton said that she would visit Belgrade and Pristina in about 10 days. She said that in the two capitals she would encourage the two sides to resolve differences in EU-mediated talks.

Serbia has said that it will never recognize Kosovo. But the talks are vital for Serbia, which is seeking to join the EU. Twenty-two of the bloc’s 27 members already have recognized Kosovo and it is unlikely that Serbia’s candidacy could proceed without a resolution to the dispute.

Clinton and Ashton said they discussed the situation at their meeting.