France's Macron vows to help restart Serbia-Kosovo talks
French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged to help get stalled negotiations in a dispute between Serbia and Kosovo going again, describing the issue as a test for Europe.
During a visit to Serbia on Monday, Macron also expressed support for Serbia's application to join the European Union even as he reiterated that he thinks the EU must adopt reforms before adding more new members.
Macron's two-day visit is intended to rebuild relations between Serbia and France. Their historically close ties were damaged when NATO forces bombed Serbia in 1999 over the country's actions in Kosovo and weakened by France's support for the independence of Serbia's former province.
French President Emmanuel Macron, left, and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic shake hands after a media conference in Belgrade, Serbia, Monday, July 15, 2019. French President Emmanuel Macron is for a two days official visit in Belgrade. (AP PhotoDarko Vojinovic)
Serbia does not recognize Kosovo as a country. An EU-mediated dialogue aimed at normalizing ties between the two deadlocked and broke down.
French President Emmanuel Macron, left, and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic attend a media conference witht Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade, Serbia, Monday, July 15, 2019. French President Emmanuel Macron is for a two days official visit in Belgrade. (AP PhotoDarko Vojinovic)
French President Emmanuel Macron arrives to a media conference after a meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade, Serbia, Monday, July 15, 2019. French President Emmanuel Macron is for a two days official visit in Belgrade. (AP PhotoDarko Vojinovic)
French President Emmanuel Macron, left, and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic listen to the national anthems during a welcome ceremony in Belgrade, Serbia, Monday, July 15, 2019. French President Emmanuel Macron is for a two days official visit in Belgrade. (AP PhotoDarko Vojinovic)
French President Emmanuel Macron reviews the honor guards during a welcome ceremony ahead of a meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade, Serbia, Monday, July 15, 2019. French President Emmanuel Macron is for a two days official visit in Belgrade. (AP PhotoDarko Vojinovic)