Inconclusive end to Kosovo talks

The first face-to-face talks between Serbian and Kosovo Albanian leaders on the future status of the province have ended without agreement. There is little surprise at the outcome as the two sides have diametrically opposing views on what should happen.

The Albanians demanded full independence but that has previously been ruled out by the Serb leadership, which is only prepared to offer a substantial autonomy. The meeting comes seven years after NATO bombs drove out Serb forces and the UN took control.

Some 90 per cent of Kosovo’s two million people are Albanians. Only about 100,000 Serbs remain. The US wants a settlement by the end of the year, fearing any delays could spark fresh violence. Diplomats say the major powers see little alternative to independence, possibly supervised for years by the EU.

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