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Solana urges Kosovo co-operation Solana urges Kosovo co-operation
(about 16 hours later)
The EU's foreign policy chief has visited Kosovo and Serbia, urging both parties to discuss a UN plan giving self-rule to the breakaway province.The EU's foreign policy chief has visited Kosovo and Serbia, urging both parties to discuss a UN plan giving self-rule to the breakaway province.
Javier Solana was accompanied to Belgrade by the German foreign minister and the EU enlargement commissioner.Javier Solana was accompanied to Belgrade by the German foreign minister and the EU enlargement commissioner.
The UN proposal, unveiled last week, recommends that Kosovo should govern itself democratically and be able to make international agreements.The UN proposal, unveiled last week, recommends that Kosovo should govern itself democratically and be able to make international agreements.
Serbia's leader rejected the plan and said it paved the way for independence.Serbia's leader rejected the plan and said it paved the way for independence.
But Mr Solana insisted that Serbian leaders should discuss the plan.But Mr Solana insisted that Serbian leaders should discuss the plan.
"It's important that they (the Serbs) respond constructively, positively and on time to the proposal," he said."It's important that they (the Serbs) respond constructively, positively and on time to the proposal," he said.
Mr Solana said the EU would accept a short delay, of about a week, but said discussions should begin as soon as possible.Mr Solana said the EU would accept a short delay, of about a week, but said discussions should begin as soon as possible.
A clear messageA clear message
The BBC's Oana Lungescu says there is a clear message from Brussels that the EU supports the UN plan and calls on both parties to play a constructive role.The BBC's Oana Lungescu says there is a clear message from Brussels that the EU supports the UN plan and calls on both parties to play a constructive role.
Europe diary: Kosovo ghosts There were also discussions on how quickly Serbia can form a new government after last month's inconclusive elections.Europe diary: Kosovo ghosts There were also discussions on how quickly Serbia can form a new government after last month's inconclusive elections.
But both the outgoing President, Boris Tadic, and Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica, whose parties are expected to form the next coalition, have rejected the UN proposals, with Mr Kostunica taking the toughest line. But both President Boris Tadic and outgoing Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica, whose parties are expected to form the next coalition, have rejected the UN proposals, with Mr Kostunica taking the toughest line.
He wants to cut off ties with any country that recognises an independent Kosovo.He wants to cut off ties with any country that recognises an independent Kosovo.
Renewed diplomatic isolation would take Serbia in completely the opposite direction from where the EU would like it to go.Renewed diplomatic isolation would take Serbia in completely the opposite direction from where the EU would like it to go.
Like all the Balkan countries, Serbia could one day aspire to EU membership.Like all the Balkan countries, Serbia could one day aspire to EU membership.
But the new government will have to promise full co-operation with the UN war crimes tribunal before talks on closer ties can resume, our correspondent says.But the new government will have to promise full co-operation with the UN war crimes tribunal before talks on closer ties can resume, our correspondent says.