Serbia, Kosovo Sign Initial Deal to Normalize Relations

Serbia and Kosovo reached a preliminary accord to normalize ties after years of conflict and tension, paving the way for reconciliation and talks on joining the European Union.

“This is an historic day for Serbia-Kosovo relations, for the entire Western Balkans region and for the European Union,” Stefan Fule, the EU’s enlargement chief, said in an e-mailed statement from Brussels. “It is crucial now that the political leadership and general public in both Serbia and Kosovo support the agreement and actively help to implement it.”