Kosova’s chief negotiator for dialogue with Serbia, Besnik Bislimi, is in Brussels, the government confirmed for Radio Free Europe.

Serbia sent its own chief negotiator, Petar Petkovic.

Bislimi and Petkovic are meeting under the mediation of the EU envoy for dialogue, Peter Sorensen. Before the joint meeting, each of them held separate talks with Sorensen.

This new round of dialogue follows Sorensen’s August visit to Kosova and Serbia. In Prishtina, he discussed the implementation of the Ohrid Agreement, also known as the roadmap to normalization.

Kosova and Serbia reached the Ohrid Agreement in 2023. The deal was never signed, but the European Union insists it is binding for both sides.

The 11-article deal foresees self-management for the Serb community in Kosova, mutual recognition of state symbols, and Serbia’s pledge not to block Kosova’s membership in international organizations. It also requires both sides to implement all previous agreements.

After meeting Sorensen in Belgrade, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said the dialogue must return to the obligation to form the Association of Serb-majority municipalities and to protect Serb rights.

No high-level talks have been held in Brussels since September 2023. That meeting took place days before a group of armed Serbs attacked Kosova Police in Banjska, Zveçan, killing a police sergeant.

Kosova blames Serbia for the attack. Belgrade denies involvement.

On 10 June, after a round of talks between chief negotiators, Sorensen announced preparations for another high-level meeting.

/a.p./