Kosovo, Serbia Resume Talks On Improving Relations

Officials from Serbia and Kosovo have resumed talks in Brussels on improving their relations -- a key condition for Serbia's quest to join the European Union.

The EU-mediated dialogue broke down in September over a customs dispute in Kosovo's Serb-populated north that sparked interethnic violence that left one police officer dead and more than 10 people injured.

EU spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic said other issues to be discussed by authorities from Belgrade and Pristina included linking telecommunications networks and electricity grids, as well as Kosovo's participation in regional forums.

The talks are to continue on November 22.

Kosovo's ethnic Albanian majority proclaimed independence from Serbia in 2008, but Belgrade has rejected the split.

The EU insists Belgrade must improve ties with Kosovo to become a candidate for membership in the bloc in December.

compiled from agency reports