Kosovo heads to the polls Sunday in the fourth general election since the former province declared independence from Serbia in 2008.

But Kosovo's status as a nation remains a matter of international dispute, relations with Belgrade are dismal, and its people are fed up with widespread poverty and corruption.&nbsp;

Who recognises Kosovo?

Kosovo formally declared its statehood in 2008, a decade after its ethnic Albanian guerrilla fighters battled Serb troops in a war that cost 13,000 lives, mostly Albanian.

But the former province has struggled to gain full acceptance on the world stage.

Serbia and its allies Russia and China refuse to recognise the split, effectively barring Kosovo from the United Nations.

Kosovo says it is recognised by 116 countries.

But Belgrade claims to have convinced at least a dozen of those nations, mainly small ones, to reverse their recognitions.

According to Serbia's foreign minister, Belgrade's goal is to bring the figure down to under half of the UN's 193 member states.&nbsp;

Where are the Belgrade-Pristina talks?

The long-running EU-led dialogue between the neighbours has been frozen for more than a year, despite several efforts to resuscitate it.&nbsp;

A historic accord signed in 2013 was never implemented after the two sides were unable to agree on what powers to give Serb-majority municipalities in Kosovo.

Ethnic Albanian-majority Kosovo is still home to about 120,000 ethnic Serbs who are fiercely loyal to Belgrade.

They are most concentrated in the north around the divided city of Mitrovica, where Pristina has struggled to exercise its authority.&nbsp;

There are also around a dozen predominantly Serb enclaves elsewhere in Kosovo.

What do Kosovans care about?&nbsp;

While the West is preoccupied with normalising ties between the former war foes, Kosovans have other pressing issues on their minds.&nbsp;

Corruption and unemployment are the public's top two concerns, according to a survey by the National Democratic Institute (NDI).&nbsp;

Next on the list is a desire to win visa-free travel status in the EU, which all other Balkan states enjoy.

Young people, who make up around half of the population, are especially hit by high unemployment rates and many are eager to emigrate abroad.

When will we know who is Kosovo's next leader?

Not right away.

Kosovo's fractured political scene means that no party is expected to win an absolute majority in the 120-member parliament.&nbsp;

It could take days, if not weeks, to forge a coalition.

After the last election in 2017, parties led by former guerilla commanders joined forces in order to hold onto power.&nbsp;

This time, they are facing a challenge from the centre-right LDK and the nationalist leftist Vetevendosje, who share little in common ideologically but could unite to oust the so-called "war wing".

Is the 'greater Albanian' dream still alive?

Serbia regularly accuses Pristina and Tirana of harbouring plans to merge into one country.

There is not any reliable polling on the sensitive subject, but analysts doubt a majority of Kosovans would be for it, given the potential for destabilisation in the region.&nbsp;

The idea is not taken seriously among most of Kosovo's political elite.

The exception is the leader of the nationalist leftist Vetevendosje party, Albin Kurti, who was for many years a vocal advocate.

But during this campaign he has walked that back, saying: "at the moment, we are not in a position to achieve this unification".

Kosovo heads to the polls Sunday in the fourth general election since the former province declared independence from Serbia in 2008. But Kosovo's status as a nation remains a matter of international dispute, relations with Belgrade are dismal, and its people are fed up with widespread poverty and corruption.

Kosovo heads to the polls Sunday in the fourth general election since the former province declared independence from Serbia in 2008. But Kosovo's status as a nation remains a matter of international dispute, relations with Belgrade are dismal, and its people are fed up with widespread poverty and corruption. Who recognises Kosovo? Kosovo formally declared its statehood in 2008, a decade after its ethnic Albanian guerrilla fighters battled Serb troops in a war that cost 13,000 lives, mostly Albanian. But the former province has struggled to gain full acceptance on the world stage. Serbia and its allies Russia and China refuse to recognise the split, effectively barring Kosovo from the United Nations. Kosovo says it is recognised by 116 countries. But Belgrade claims to have convinced at least a dozen of those nations, mainly small ones, to reverse their recognitions. According to Serbia's foreign minister, Belgrade's goal is to bring the figure down to under half of the UN's 193 member states. Where are the Belgrade-Pristina talks? The long-running EU-led dialogue between the neighbours has been frozen for more than a year, despite several efforts to resuscitate it. A historic accord signed in 2013 was never implemented after the two sides were unable to agree on what powers to give Serb-majority municipalities in Kosovo. Ethnic Albanian-majority Kosovo is still home to about 120,000 ethnic Serbs who are fiercely loyal to Belgrade. They are most concentrated in the north around the divided city of Mitrovica, where Pristina has struggled to exercise its authority. There are also around a dozen predominantly Serb enclaves elsewhere in Kosovo. What do Kosovans care about? While the West is preoccupied with normalising ties between the former war foes, Kosovans have other pressing issues on their minds. Corruption and unemployment are the public's top two concerns, according to a survey by the National Democratic Institute (NDI). Next on the list is a desire to win visa-free travel status in the EU, which all other Balkan states enjoy. Young people, who make up around half of the population, are especially hit by high unemployment rates and many are eager to emigrate abroad. When will we know who is Kosovo's next leader? Not right away. Kosovo's fractured political scene means that no party is expected to win an absolute majority in the 120-member parliament. It could take days, if not weeks, to forge a coalition. After the last election in 2017, parties led by former guerilla commanders joined forces in order to hold onto power. This time, they are facing a challenge from the centre-right LDK and the nationalist leftist Vetevendosje, who share little in common ideologically but could unite to oust the so-called "war wing". Is the 'greater Albanian' dream still alive? Serbia regularly accuses Pristina and Tirana of harbouring plans to merge into one country. There is not any reliable polling on the sensitive subject, but analysts doubt a majority of Kosovans would be for it, given the potential for destabilisation in the region. The idea is not taken seriously among most of Kosovo's political elite. The exception is the leader of the nationalist leftist Vetevendosje party, Albin Kurti, who was for many years a vocal advocate. But during this campaign he has walked that back, saying: "at the moment, we are not in a position to achieve this unification".

Kosovo 11 years on: A contested status and a grim economy 

England manager Gareth Southgate expects Kosovo to give his side their toughest test so far in the Euro 2020 qualifying campaign when they meet for the first time on Tuesday.

England sauntered through their opening three fixtures against the Czech Republic, Montenegro and Bulgaria, scoring 14 goals and conceding one to sit top of Group A.

Kosovo, given FIFA status in 2016, are 120th in the world rankings but have been unbeaten for 15 matches and are second in the group, a point behind England after two draws and two wins.

They briefly topped the group on Saturday after beating the visiting Czech Republic 2-1 before hosts England crushed Bulgaria 4-0 later in the day with a Harry Kane hat-trick.

"I think this will be the hardest test so far, absolutely," Southgate, who said he may freshen up his team, told a news conference on Monday.

"I was not surprised by their result against the Czechs, I was expecting Kosovo to win from what I saw of their matches and the level of performance and system.

"Tactically they are good and the team is very well organised. It's a young nation and it's clear the passion and spirit for the shirt and for the flag."

Southgate said all of his squad were fit and available to face Kosovo, who he expects to pose far more of a threat than that offered by Bulgaria at Wembley.

"I think Kosovo will be high pressing, hard working and have more attacking threat than we faced on Saturday," he said.

"Maybe there will be a bit more space for us to play higher up the pitch but their forwards and their whole team work extremely hard to make life uncomfortable."

England are unbeaten in their last 42 Euro/World Cup qualifying matches, winning 33 and drawing nine.

Captain Kane will again lead from the front, having moved past Geoff Hurst in the England all-time scoring charts with 25 goals after his treble against Bulgaria.

"It' safe to say we won't be dropping him for tomorrow," Southgate said when asked whether Kane was undroppable.

"His level of performance is so high that dropping him would be a rare occurrence. But we might freshen the team a bit, that will be important."

Chelsea youngster Mason Mount could get his first start in midfield after coming on as a substitute against Bulgaria, while Liverpool right back Trent Alexander-Arnold could come in.

England are playing at Southampton's St Mary's stadium for the first time since 2002.

England manager Gareth Southgate expects Kosovo to give his side their toughest test so far in the Euro 2020 qualifying campaign when they meet for the first time on Tuesday.

England manager Gareth Southgate expects Kosovo to give his side their toughest test so far in the Euro 2020 qualifying campaign when they meet for the first time on Tuesday. England sauntered through their opening three fixtures against the Czech Republic, Montenegro and Bulgaria, scoring 14 goals and conceding one to sit top of Group A. Kosovo, given FIFA status in 2016, are 120th in the world rankings but have been unbeaten for 15 matches and are second in the group, a point behind England after two draws and two wins. They briefly topped the group on Saturday after beating the visiting Czech Republic 2-1 before hosts England crushed Bulgaria 4-0 later in the day with a Harry Kane hat-trick. "I think this will be the hardest test so far, absolutely," Southgate, who said he may freshen up his team, told a news conference on Monday. "I was not surprised by their result against the Czechs, I was expecting Kosovo to win from what I saw of their matches and the level of performance and system. "Tactically they are good and the team is very well organised. It's a young nation and it's clear the passion and spirit for the shirt and for the flag." Southgate said all of his squad were fit and available to face Kosovo, who he expects to pose far more of a threat than that offered by Bulgaria at Wembley. "I think Kosovo will be high pressing, hard working and have more attacking threat than we faced on Saturday," he said. "Maybe there will be a bit more space for us to play higher up the pitch but their forwards and their whole team work extremely hard to make life uncomfortable." England are unbeaten in their last 42 Euro/World Cup qualifying matches, winning 33 and drawing nine. Captain Kane will again lead from the front, having moved past Geoff Hurst in the England all-time scoring charts with 25 goals after his treble against Bulgaria. "It' safe to say we won't be dropping him for tomorrow," Southgate said when asked whether Kane was undroppable. "His level of performance is so high that dropping him would be a rare occurrence. But we might freshen the team a bit, that will be important." Chelsea youngster Mason Mount could get his first start in midfield after coming on as a substitute against Bulgaria, while Liverpool right back Trent Alexander-Arnold could come in. England are playing at Southampton's St Mary's stadium for the first time since 2002.

Kosovo will be toughest test yet, says England boss Gareth Southgate

Western powers on Tuesday urged foes Serbia and Kosovo to reboot their stalled dialogue "with urgency", warning that the lack of progress is hindering their dreams of joining the European Union.&nbsp;

Serbia and its former province Kosovo, which is mainly ethnic Albanian, still have a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/serbia-puts-forces-on-alert-after-kosovo-police-operation-in-serb-populated-north-222264">bitter and tense relationship </a>two decades after Pristina broke away in a separatist war and went on to declare independence.

EU-led talks to normalise their ties have sputtered out in recent months over a series of diplomatic clashes.&nbsp;

In a joint statement, the governments of the US, UK, France, Germany and Italy called on the neighbours to "restart the EU-led Dialogue with urgency".

"The status quo prevents progress on Kosovo's and Serbia's path towards the European Union (EU)and is simply not sustainable", it added.

The governments said they were willing to become more involved in the talks -&nbsp;but only if "you both signal a willingness to compromise, remove obstacles and resume discussions".

The statement urged each side to extend an olive branch.

"For Kosovo, that means suspending the tariffs imposed on Serbia," the governments said, referring to a 100 per cent tax slapped on Serbian goods last November.

The countries then urged Serbia to halt its "de-recognition campaign against Kosovo", referring to Belgrade's efforts to sway other countries to revoke their recognition of Kosovo's statehood.

After the EU-led talks hit a wall last year, Germany and France took their own initiative to try to restart the dialogue, holding a summit in Berlin in April.

But no progress was made and a planned follow-up meeting in July was later scrapped.

Serbia lost control of Kosovo after a NATO bombing intervention forced its troops to withdraw from a war with ethnic Albanian separatists in 1999.

A decade later Kosovo declared independence, a move recognised by the US and most of Western Europe.

Western powers on Tuesday urged foes Serbia and Kosovo to reboot their stalled dialogue "with urgency", warning that the lack of progress is hindering their dreams of joining the European Union.

Western powers on Tuesday urged foes Serbia and Kosovo to reboot their stalled dialogue "with urgency", warning that the lack of progress is hindering their dreams of joining the European Union. Serbia and its former province Kosovo, which is mainly ethnic Albanian, still have a bitter and tense relationship two decades after Pristina broke away in a separatist war and went on to declare independence. EU-led talks to normalise their ties have sputtered out in recent months over a series of diplomatic clashes. In a joint statement, the governments of the US, UK, France, Germany and Italy called on the neighbours to "restart the EU-led Dialogue with urgency". "The status quo prevents progress on Kosovo's and Serbia's path towards the European Union (EU)and is simply not sustainable", it added. The governments said they were willing to become more involved in the talks - but only if "you both signal a willingness to compromise, remove obstacles and resume discussions". The statement urged each side to extend an olive branch. "For Kosovo, that means suspending the tariffs imposed on Serbia," the governments said, referring to a 100 per cent tax slapped on Serbian goods last November. The countries then urged Serbia to halt its "de-recognition campaign against Kosovo", referring to Belgrade's efforts to sway other countries to revoke their recognition of Kosovo's statehood. After the EU-led talks hit a wall last year, Germany and France took their own initiative to try to restart the dialogue, holding a summit in Berlin in April. But no progress was made and a planned follow-up meeting in July was later scrapped. Serbia lost control of Kosovo after a NATO bombing intervention forced its troops to withdraw from a war with ethnic Albanian separatists in 1999. A decade later Kosovo declared independence, a move recognised by the US and most of Western Europe.

West urges Kosovo, Serbia to restart talks 'with urgency'

International prosecutors questioned Kosovo's ex-prime minister and wartime guerrilla commander Ramush Haradinaj on Wednesday in the latest in a series of war crimes proceedings against him.

Haradinaj left the hearing at the special court for Kosovo in The Hague along with Jakup Krasniqi, a spokesman for his former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), who was also questioned.

"I responded today to the special tribunal's request, as a suspect," Haradinaj told reporters outside the special court's high-security buildings.

"I used my right to remain silent," he said.

Haradinaj was the commander of the ethnic Albanian guerrillas in the Western Kosovo region of Dukagjin, where heavy fighting and abuse of civilians occurred on both sides during the war.&nbsp;

Observers in Kosovo say he could be held accountable for having failed to prevent crimes committed by KLA members under his command.

Haradinaj said prosecutors did not confront him with "concrete" evidence on Wednesday, as they did not have to divulge any information at this stage according to the law.

"They talked about my role during the war, but they did not give me anything concrete... We asked for explanations but did not receive them," said the former guerrilla.

He said he believed "always to have been in line with what is right."

"We have fulfilled our legal obligation, according to the laws in force," Krasniqi told reporters. He did not say whether he was questioned as a suspect or a witness.

Haradinaj, 51, resigned last week as prime minister after being summoned by the court.

Freedom fighter 
Created in 2015, the tribunal investigates crimes allegedly committed by the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) against Serbs, Roma and ethnic Albanian political opponents during and after the 1998-99 war.

Funded by the European Union and composed of international judges, the special court nonetheless falls under Kosovar law and is based in The Hague to protect witnesses.&nbsp;

Haradinaj has already been tried and acquitted twice for war crimes by another UN tribunal for former Yugoslavia.

"I always responded to (requirements) of national and international laws (but)... I also have my dignity", Haradinaj told AFP in January.

The last conflict in the former Yugoslavia between the KLA and Serbian armed forces claimed more than 13,000 lives, including some 11,000 ethnic Albanians.

It ended when a Western bombing campaign forced Serbian forces to withdraw.

Two decades later Belgrade still does not recognise its former province's independence.

Some thirty former KLA members have been summoned by the special court which has yet to file a single criminal charge. &nbsp;

"Freedom fighters always do what is right and just," Haradinaj wrote on Facebook.

International prosecutors questioned Kosovo's ex-prime minister and wartime guerrilla commander Ramush Haradinaj on Wednesday in the latest in a series of war crimes proceedings against him.

International prosecutors questioned Kosovo's ex-prime minister and wartime guerrilla commander Ramush Haradinaj on Wednesday in the latest in a series of war crimes proceedings against him. Haradinaj left the hearing at the special court for Kosovo in The Hague along with Jakup Krasniqi, a spokesman for his former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), who was also questioned. "I responded today to the special tribunal's request, as a suspect," Haradinaj told reporters outside the special court's high-security buildings. "I used my right to remain silent," he said. Haradinaj was the commander of the ethnic Albanian guerrillas in the Western Kosovo region of Dukagjin, where heavy fighting and abuse of civilians occurred on both sides during the war. Observers in Kosovo say he could be held accountable for having failed to prevent crimes committed by KLA members under his command. Haradinaj said prosecutors did not confront him with "concrete" evidence on Wednesday, as they did not have to divulge any information at this stage according to the law. "They talked about my role during the war, but they did not give me anything concrete... We asked for explanations but did not receive them," said the former guerrilla. He said he believed "always to have been in line with what is right." "We have fulfilled our legal obligation, according to the laws in force," Krasniqi told reporters. He did not say whether he was questioned as a suspect or a witness. Haradinaj, 51, resigned last week as prime minister after being summoned by the court. Freedom fighter Created in 2015, the tribunal investigates crimes allegedly committed by the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) against Serbs, Roma and ethnic Albanian political opponents during and after the 1998-99 war. Funded by the European Union and composed of international judges, the special court nonetheless falls under Kosovar law and is based in The Hague to protect witnesses. Haradinaj has already been tried and acquitted twice for war crimes by another UN tribunal for former Yugoslavia. "I always responded to (requirements) of national and international laws (but)... I also have my dignity", Haradinaj told AFP in January. The last conflict in the former Yugoslavia between the KLA and Serbian armed forces claimed more than 13,000 lives, including some 11,000 ethnic Albanians. It ended when a Western bombing campaign forced Serbian forces to withdraw. Two decades later Belgrade still does not recognise its former province's independence. Some thirty former KLA members have been summoned by the special court which has yet to file a single criminal charge. "Freedom fighters always do what is right and just," Haradinaj wrote on Facebook.

Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj questioned at war crimes court

Kosovo's Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj said on Friday (July 19) he was resigning because he had been called to a war crimes court in The Hague to answer questions from prosecutors related to Kosovo's violent independence struggle.

Kosovo's PM quits after being called to Hague war crimes court

Serbia&nbsp;ordered its security forces on full alert on Tuesday after police in neighbouring Kosovo mounted an anti-smuggling operation in a northern region of the country populated mainly by Serbs.

The move came amid rising tension in four Serb-populated municipalities in Kosovo's north, which remains largely outside the control of Pristina and pledges allegiance to Belgrade.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Monday acknowledged Belgrade had lost control over Kosovo, its former southern province, but warned it would react if Kosovo attacked Serbs there.

In the Kosovan operation, police arrested dozens of officers on Tuesday, including ethnic Serbs, accused of smuggling goods into the country. They said police had faced "armed resistance" and one policeman was wounded.

Serbian state RTS TV reported two Serbs were also wounded during the police action.

Belgrade saw the action as an attempt by Pristina authorities to take control of northern parts of Kosovo which border&nbsp;Serbia, and&nbsp;Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic placed special police units under alert.

The head of&nbsp;Serbia's Office for Kosovo, Marko Djuric, said Kosovo police "armed to their teeth" raided four Serb municipalities in the north.

"They did it with an aim to intimidate and if possible to sow panic...to create an impossible climate for Serbs in Kosovo," Djuric said in a broadcast on&nbsp;Serbia's RTS TV.

Emergency sirens sounded in the Serb part of Mitrovica and people gathered in the town's main square but no incidents occurred, witnesses said.

Kosovo police said their investigation had been launched months ago. The operation also took place in other parts of the country.

"I confirm that the operation is about law enforcement and nothing else. I call Serbs in the north to stay calm and respect the law," Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj said.

Majority-Albanian Kosovo declared independence in 2008, almost a decade after NATO air strikes wrested control of the territory away from Belgrade to end a counter-insurgency campaign by&nbsp;Serbian security forces.

But&nbsp;Serbia, which under its constitution considers Kosovo an integral part of its territory, has been blocking Kosovo from membership of international institutions including Interpol and UNESCO. It also still provides financial aid to Serbs in Kosovo.

Smuggling is rampant in the area and it further increased since Kosovo last November introduced 100 per cent tariffs on goods from&nbsp;Serbia.

Serbia ordered its security forces on full alert on Tuesday after police in neighbouring Kosovo mounted an anti-smuggling operation in a northern region of the country populated mainly by Serbs.

Serbia ordered its security forces on full alert on Tuesday after police in neighbouring Kosovo mounted an anti-smuggling operation in a northern region of the country populated mainly by Serbs. The move came amid rising tension in four Serb-populated municipalities in Kosovo's north, which remains largely outside the control of Pristina and pledges allegiance to Belgrade. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Monday acknowledged Belgrade had lost control over Kosovo, its former southern province, but warned it would react if Kosovo attacked Serbs there. In the Kosovan operation, police arrested dozens of officers on Tuesday, including ethnic Serbs, accused of smuggling goods into the country. They said police had faced "armed resistance" and one policeman was wounded. Serbian state RTS TV reported two Serbs were also wounded during the police action. Belgrade saw the action as an attempt by Pristina authorities to take control of northern parts of Kosovo which border Serbia, and Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic placed special police units under alert. The head of Serbia's Office for Kosovo, Marko Djuric, said Kosovo police "armed to their teeth" raided four Serb municipalities in the north. "They did it with an aim to intimidate and if possible to sow panic...to create an impossible climate for Serbs in Kosovo," Djuric said in a broadcast on Serbia's RTS TV. Emergency sirens sounded in the Serb part of Mitrovica and people gathered in the town's main square but no incidents occurred, witnesses said. Kosovo police said their investigation had been launched months ago. The operation also took place in other parts of the country. "I confirm that the operation is about law enforcement and nothing else. I call Serbs in the north to stay calm and respect the law," Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj said. Majority-Albanian Kosovo declared independence in 2008, almost a decade after NATO air strikes wrested control of the territory away from Belgrade to end a counter-insurgency campaign by Serbian security forces. But Serbia, which under its constitution considers Kosovo an integral part of its territory, has been blocking Kosovo from membership of international institutions including Interpol and UNESCO. It also still provides financial aid to Serbs in Kosovo. Smuggling is rampant in the area and it further increased since Kosovo last November introduced 100 per cent tariffs on goods from Serbia.

Serbia puts forces on alert after Kosovo police operation in Serb-populated north

Kosovo&#39;s and Serbia&#39;s leaders agreed late Tuesday to ease tensions that have risen in past weeks and pursue intensive high-level talks following EU-brokered efforts in Brussels to normalise their relations.

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said she was encouraged by the talks involving Kosovo&#39;s President Hashim Thaci and Prime Minister Isa Mustafa with their Serb counterparts Tomislav Nikolic and Aleksandar Vucic.

The leaders &quot;agreed to leave the tensions behind and to focus on the work ahead,&quot; Mogherini said in a statement, adding intensive, high-level talks will start in a few days.

She said progress toward normalising ties is essential if the two sides want to pursue closer relations with the European Union.

Ties between the two Balkan countries have reached their lowest level since they opened talks to improve relations back in 2011.

Kosovo&#39;s ethnic Albanian insurgents fought Serbian forces in 1998-1999 and the former province unilaterally declared independence in 2008, but Serbia denies Kosovo&#39;s sovereignty.

Earlier this month, Belgrade sent a train towards Kosovo painted in the colours of the Serbian flag, covered in the statement &quot;Kosovo is Serbia&quot; in multiple languages and decorated inside with Serbian Orthodox imagery.

Kosovo said it was a &quot;provocation&quot;. Vucic said the train was stopped from crossing the border over fears it would be attacked.

Vucic called the meeting in Brussels a &quot;good step&quot; as he told reporters the two sides agreed to avoid irresponsible behaviour and provocative language, according to Tanjug news agency.

&quot;We asked for respect for the territory of Kosovo and not to have provocations by Serbia`s parallel structures,&quot; Kosovo`s Mustafa said.

Members of Kosovo&#39;s ethnic Albanian majority were also outraged by the arrest in France in early January of former prime minister Ramush Haradinaj, under an international warrant issued by Serbia.

Belgrade wants to try him for alleged war crimes committed against civilians during the 1990s conflict.

Relations have further deteriorated in the town of Mitrovica in northern Kosovo, where Serb authorities have started erecting a concrete wall on the banks of the Ibar river.

The wall&#39;s construction, by a bridge that divides the town&#39;s Serb-dominated north and largely ethnic Albanian south, has angered Pristina, which says it is cementing the town&#39;s divisions and must be knocked down.

(AFP)

The leaders 'agreed to leave the tensions behind and to focus on the work ahead,' the EU foreign policy chief said in a statement

Kosovo's and Serbia's leaders agreed late Tuesday to ease tensions that have risen in past weeks and pursue intensive high-level talks following EU-brokered efforts in Brussels to normalise their relations. EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said she was encouraged by the talks involving Kosovo's President Hashim Thaci and Prime Minister Isa Mustafa with their Serb counterparts Tomislav Nikolic and Aleksandar Vucic. The leaders "agreed to leave the tensions behind and to focus on the work ahead," Mogherini said in a statement, adding intensive, high-level talks will start in a few days. She said progress toward normalising ties is essential if the two sides want to pursue closer relations with the European Union. Ties between the two Balkan countries have reached their lowest level since they opened talks to improve relations back in 2011. Kosovo's ethnic Albanian insurgents fought Serbian forces in 1998-1999 and the former province unilaterally declared independence in 2008, but Serbia denies Kosovo's sovereignty. Earlier this month, Belgrade sent a train towards Kosovo painted in the colours of the Serbian flag, covered in the statement "Kosovo is Serbia" in multiple languages and decorated inside with Serbian Orthodox imagery. Kosovo said it was a "provocation". Vucic said the train was stopped from crossing the border over fears it would be attacked. Vucic called the meeting in Brussels a "good step" as he told reporters the two sides agreed to avoid irresponsible behaviour and provocative language, according to Tanjug news agency. "We asked for respect for the territory of Kosovo and not to have provocations by Serbia`s parallel structures," Kosovo`s Mustafa said. Members of Kosovo's ethnic Albanian majority were also outraged by the arrest in France in early January of former prime minister Ramush Haradinaj, under an international warrant issued by Serbia. Belgrade wants to try him for alleged war crimes committed against civilians during the 1990s conflict. Relations have further deteriorated in the town of Mitrovica in northern Kosovo, where Serb authorities have started erecting a concrete wall on the banks of the Ibar river. The wall's construction, by a bridge that divides the town's Serb-dominated north and largely ethnic Albanian south, has angered Pristina, which says it is cementing the town's divisions and must be knocked down. (AFP)

Serbia and Kosovo leaders agree to ease tensions after EU mediation

Kosovo&#39;s former prime minister Ramush Haradinaj was arrested by the French police on an arrest warrant by Serbia, Reuters reported.

Kosovo&#39;s government has criticised the move and is trying to resolve the issue.

Ramush Haradinaj is now an opposition leader.

Serbia considers Haradinaj a war criminal for leading a guerrila movement in its southern province of Kosovo.

Kosovo declared independence in 2008.

(WION with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Kosovo's government has said it is trying to resolve the issue

Kosovo's former prime minister Ramush Haradinaj was arrested by the French police on an arrest warrant by Serbia, Reuters reported. Kosovo's government has criticised the move and is trying to resolve the issue. Ramush Haradinaj is now an opposition leader. Serbia considers Haradinaj a war criminal for leading a guerrila movement in its southern province of Kosovo. Kosovo declared independence in 2008. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Former Kosovo Prime Minister arrested in France

&nbsp;A Kosovo court sent five people to prison for terms ranging from four to 13 years on terrorism charges for planning to pledge loyalty to the Islamic State and post a video of the event on the internet. 
 
&quot;Their aim was to read the oath of the terrorist organisation Islamic State and publish it on the internet to show the presence of IS in Kosovo,&quot; a judge said while reading the verdict in a Pristina court. 
 
He said an automatic rifle, masks, gloves and an IS flag were found when police arrested the defendants by an artificial lake near the capital last year. 
 
The defendants were initially suspected of contaminating the water in Lake Badovc, which supplies half of Pristina with drinking water, but those charges were dropped after authorities found the water was clean. 
 
Police say around 300 Kosovars have joined Islamic State and more than 50 have been killed. More than 100 people in Kosovo have been arrested or are under investigation for recruiting for Islamic State or fighting in Syria and Iraq.&nbsp;Authorities say that so far this year no one has gone to join Islamic State in Syria or Iraq. 
 
(Reuters)

Automatic rifle, masks, gloves and an IS flag were found when police arrested the defendants by an artificial lake near Pristina in 2015

A Kosovo court sent five people to prison for terms ranging from four to 13 years on terrorism charges for planning to pledge loyalty to the Islamic State and post a video of the event on the internet. "Their aim was to read the oath of the terrorist organisation Islamic State and publish it on the internet to show the presence of IS in Kosovo," a judge said while reading the verdict in a Pristina court. He said an automatic rifle, masks, gloves and an IS flag were found when police arrested the defendants by an artificial lake near the capital last year. The defendants were initially suspected of contaminating the water in Lake Badovc, which supplies half of Pristina with drinking water, but those charges were dropped after authorities found the water was clean. Police say around 300 Kosovars have joined Islamic State and more than 50 have been killed. More than 100 people in Kosovo have been arrested or are under investigation for recruiting for Islamic State or fighting in Syria and Iraq. Authorities say that so far this year no one has gone to join Islamic State in Syria or Iraq. (Reuters)

Kosovo arrests five for planning to pledge loyalty to IS

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