<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../djokovic-sweeps-past-nadal-in-atp-cup-final- 273816">Djokovic</a>'s Serbia came from behind to defeat Nadal's Spain to lift the prestigious ATP cup in the Rosewell Arena, Sydney.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-novak-djokovic-concerned-about-smoke-at-australian-open-as-bushfires-continue-to-blaze-272187">ATP: Novak Djokovic concerned about smoke at Australian Open as bushfires continue to blaze</a>

Roberto Bautista handed a straight-set defeat to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../nadals-spain-to-meet-djokovics-serbia-in-atp- cup-final-273650">Dusan Lajovic</a> (7-5, 6-1) in the first match of the tie. Spain lead by 1-0 over Serbia.

Scores tied after Novak Djokovic returned the favour by defeating Rafael Nadal (6-2, 7-6) in the most anticipated match of the evening. &nbsp;

As a tie-breaker, the doubles team clashed with each other. Serbia's Djokovic and Victor Troicki faced Spain's Feliciano Lopez and Pablo Carreno-Busta. Team Serbia beat Team Spain in straight sets 6-3, 6-4 to win the cup.&nbsp;

The winning team got $15,000,000 as a cash prize.

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Welcome to the HISTORY books! 
 
Hoist that 🏆 high, 🇷🇸 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamSerbia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamSerbia</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATPCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATPCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/f81tbbCQdL">pic.twitter.com/f81tbbCQdL</a>
— ATPCup (@ATPCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATPCup/status/1216368145096679425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Serbia defeated Russia and Spain defeated Australia 3-0 to reach the finals.&nbsp;

Spain neared a knockout in the Quarters against Belgium when World number 7 David Goffin had defeated World number 1. But they avoided an upset when they won the tie-breaker doubles match.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-belguims-david-goffin-keeps-hope-alive-after-shocker-against-spains-rafael-nadal-273449">ATP: Belguim's David Goffin keeps hope alive after shocker against Spain's Rafael Nadal</a>

24 countries took part in this competition that lasted 10 days. Fans across the three cities of Brisbane, Perth, and Sydney were entertained.&nbsp;

ATP had promised A$100 per ace in the tournament and a total of 1,322 aces were served in the cup. so a total of A$132,200 were donated to Tennis Australia’s Aces for Bushfire Relief initiative. Nick Kyrgios served most number (69) of aces in tournament. &nbsp;

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Drumroll, please! 🥁 
 
After 32 aces were hit on Day 10, our grand total for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATPCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATPCup</a> is 1,322. This means $132,200 was raised for&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/RedCrossAU?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@redcrossau</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Aces4BushfireRelief?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Aces4BushfireRelief</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATPCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATPCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/FMivFRWBUg">pic.twitter.com/FMivFRWBUg</a>
— ATPCup (@ATPCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATPCup/status/1216434671212539910?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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ATP players donated A$725,000 to WWF’s Australian Wildlife and Nature Recovery Fund.

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A big <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATPCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATPCup</a> announcement! ❤️<a href="https://twitter.com/atptour?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@atptour</a> players have made a $725,000 donation to <a href="https://twitter.com/WWF_Australia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WWF_Australia</a> and Nature Recovery Fund as part of the bushfire relief efforts. <a href="https://t.co/dkJGYLxyU6">pic.twitter.com/dkJGYLxyU6</a>
— ATPCup (@ATPCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATPCup/status/1216372120403529728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Djokovic's Serbia came from behind to defeat Nadal's Spain to lift the prestigious ATP cup in the Rosewell Arena, Sydney. Also read: ATP: Novak Djokovic concerned about smoke at Australian Open as bushfires continue to blaze Roberto Bautista handed a straight-set defeat to Dusan Lajovic (7-5, 6-1) in the first match of the tie.

Djokovic's Serbia came from behind to defeat Nadal's Spain to lift the prestigious ATP cup in the Rosewell Arena, Sydney. Also read: ATP: Novak Djokovic concerned about smoke at Australian Open as bushfires continue to blaze Roberto Bautista handed a straight-set defeat to Dusan Lajovic (7-5, 6-1) in the first match of the tie. Spain lead by 1-0 over Serbia. Scores tied after Novak Djokovic returned the favour by defeating Rafael Nadal (6-2, 7-6) in the most anticipated match of the evening. As a tie-breaker, the doubles team clashed with each other. Serbia's Djokovic and Victor Troicki faced Spain's Feliciano Lopez and Pablo Carreno-Busta. Team Serbia beat Team Spain in straight sets 6-3, 6-4 to win the cup. The winning team got $15,000,000 as a cash prize. Welcome to the HISTORY books! Hoist that 🏆 high, 🇷🇸 #TeamSerbia#ATPCup pic.twitter.com/f81tbbCQdL — ATPCup (@ATPCup) January 12, 2020 × Serbia defeated Russia and Spain defeated Australia 3-0 to reach the finals. Spain neared a knockout in the Quarters against Belgium when World number 7 David Goffin had defeated World number 1. But they avoided an upset when they won the tie-breaker doubles match. Also read: ATP: Belguim's David Goffin keeps hope alive after shocker against Spain's Rafael Nadal 24 countries took part in this competition that lasted 10 days. Fans across the three cities of Brisbane, Perth, and Sydney were entertained. ATP had promised A$100 per ace in the tournament and a total of 1,322 aces were served in the cup. so a total of A$132,200 were donated to Tennis Australia’s Aces for Bushfire Relief initiative. Nick Kyrgios served most number (69) of aces in tournament. Drumroll, please! 🥁 After 32 aces were hit on Day 10, our grand total for the #ATPCup is 1,322. This means $132,200 was raised for @redcrossau.#Aces4BushfireRelief | #ATPCup pic.twitter.com/FMivFRWBUg — ATPCup (@ATPCup) January 12, 2020 × ATP players donated A$725,000 to WWF’s Australian Wildlife and Nature Recovery Fund. A big #ATPCup announcement! ❤️@atptour players have made a $725,000 donation to @WWF_Australia and Nature Recovery Fund as part of the bushfire relief efforts. pic.twitter.com/dkJGYLxyU6 — ATPCup (@ATPCup) January 12, 2020 ×

ATP: Djokovic's Serbia beats Nadal's Spain to lift the cup

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../nadals-spain-to-meet-djokovics-serbia-in-atp- cup-final-273650">Novak Djokovic</a> swept past long-time rival Rafael Nadal in a battling display at the ATP Cup final Sunday to lay down a marker ahead of the Australian Open.

Also read:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-novak-djokovic-concerned-about-smoke-at-australian-open-as-bushfires-continue-to-blaze-272187">ATP: Novak Djokovic concerned about smoke at Australian Open as bushfires continue to blaze</a>

The Serbian world number two blasted the top-ranked Spaniard off court 6-2 in the first set before a much tighter 7-6 (7/4) second set.

It left the final of the inaugural team event finely poised at 1-1 after Spain's reliable Roberto Bautista Agut caned Dusan Lajovic 7-5, 6-1.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/djokovic-and-nadal-rally-for-merger-of-atp-cup-and-davis-cup-271915">Nadal</a> and Djokovic were both expected back on the court to play the decisive doubles rubber that will decide which country wins the 24-nation tournament.

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LOOK AT THE PASSION! 
 
🇷🇸 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamSerbia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamSerbia</a> take the opening set of the deciding doubles 6-3! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATPCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATPCup</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DjokerNole</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/troicki_viktor?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@troicki_viktor</a><a href="https://t.co/kXjPgki8Un">pic.twitter.com/kXjPgki8Un</a>
— ATP Tour (@atptour) <a href="https://twitter.com/atptour/status/1216350866745131008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Every time I get to play Rafa we get to play a lot of exciting points. There were some incredible exchanges today," said Djokovic.

"I started off the match perfectly, everything worked. I'm just really glad I held my nerve in the end."

Djokovic, warming up for his bid to win an eighth Australian Open crown this month, went into the clash at Sydney's Ken Rosewall Arena leading their head-to-head 28-26.

But the statistics did not tell the full story.

The Serb had won nine of their past 12 contests and been dominant over the years on hard courts,&nbsp;including a comfortable win against Nadal in the Australian Open final last year.

He showed his intent immediately, breaking Nadal in the opening game when the Spaniard netted a backhand, and there was no let-up.

His driving groundstrokes and deft touches proved too much with Nadal's serve constantly under siege as Djokovic delivered a booming ace to wrap up the set.

Nadal lifted to another level in the second set and it was an intense affair, with Djokovic saving five break points in a crucial sixth game.

It went to a tiebreaker where a crunching backhand down the line from the Serb gave him the break he needed to complete the victory.

Novak Djokovic swept past long-time rival Rafael Nadal in a battling display at the ATP Cup final Sunday to lay down a marker ahead of the Australian Open. Also read: ATP: Novak Djokovic concerned about smoke at Australian Open as bushfires continue to blaze The Serbian world number two blasted the top-ranked Spaniard off court 6-2 in the first set before a much tighter 7-6 (7/4) second set.

Novak Djokovic swept past long-time rival Rafael Nadal in a battling display at the ATP Cup final Sunday to lay down a marker ahead of the Australian Open. Also read: ATP: Novak Djokovic concerned about smoke at Australian Open as bushfires continue to blaze The Serbian world number two blasted the top-ranked Spaniard off court 6-2 in the first set before a much tighter 7-6 (7/4) second set. It left the final of the inaugural team event finely poised at 1-1 after Spain's reliable Roberto Bautista Agut caned Dusan Lajovic 7-5, 6-1. Nadal and Djokovic were both expected back on the court to play the decisive doubles rubber that will decide which country wins the 24-nation tournament. LOOK AT THE PASSION! 🇷🇸 #TeamSerbia take the opening set of the deciding doubles 6-3! #ATPCup | @DjokerNole | @troicki_viktorpic.twitter.com/kXjPgki8Un — ATP Tour (@atptour) January 12, 2020 × "Every time I get to play Rafa we get to play a lot of exciting points. There were some incredible exchanges today," said Djokovic. "I started off the match perfectly, everything worked. I'm just really glad I held my nerve in the end." Djokovic, warming up for his bid to win an eighth Australian Open crown this month, went into the clash at Sydney's Ken Rosewall Arena leading their head-to-head 28-26. But the statistics did not tell the full story. The Serb had won nine of their past 12 contests and been dominant over the years on hard courts, including a comfortable win against Nadal in the Australian Open final last year. He showed his intent immediately, breaking Nadal in the opening game when the Spaniard netted a backhand, and there was no let-up. His driving groundstrokes and deft touches proved too much with Nadal's serve constantly under siege as Djokovic delivered a booming ace to wrap up the set. Nadal lifted to another level in the second set and it was an intense affair, with Djokovic saving five break points in a crucial sixth game. It went to a tiebreaker where a crunching backhand down the line from the Serb gave him the break he needed to complete the victory.

Djokovic sweeps past Nadal in ATP Cup final

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../atp-belguims-david-goffin-keeps-hope-alive- after-shocker-against-spains-rafael-nadal-273449">Rafael Nadal</a> and Novak Djokovic will face each other in the final of the inaugural ATP Cup after winning epic three-set matches Saturday to steer Spain and Serbia into the decider.

World number one Nadal ground down pumped-up Australian Alex de Minaur to guide the Davis Cup champions through their semi-final while Djokovic battled past Russia's Daniil Medvedev.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-novak-djokovic-concerned-about-smoke-at-australian-open-as-bushfires-continue-to-blaze-272187">ATP: Novak Djokovic concerned about smoke at Australian Open as bushfires continue to blaze</a>

Under the format of the innovative team event in Sydney, the top-ranked singles players from each country play each other, ensuring the two legends clash for a 55th time since their first showdown in 2006.

World number two <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../djokovic-and-nadal-rally-for-merger-of-atp-cup -and-davis-cup-271915">Djokovic</a> leads the head-to-heads 28-26, including beating his arch-rival in the Australian Open final last year.

Nadal outlasted De Minaur 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 after unflappable teammate Roberto Bautista Agut tamed Nick Kyrgios 6-1, 6-4.

Djokovic had an equally tough time against impressive fifth-ranked Medvedev, coming through a top-draw contest 6-1, 5-7, 6-4 on the back of Dusan Lajovic beating Karen Khachanov 7-5, 7-6 (7/1).

"Alex was playing at a very high level and for me my energy was a little bit lower than usual. But it has been a very emotional evening and a pleasure playing here," said Nadal.

"We know it's going to be a super tough final (against Serbia)," he added. "Novak likes a lot to play here, he's had a lot of great results. So let's see. We have a good team too."

De Minaur had a furious start, breaking Nadal in the opening game of the match and then keeping the pressure on, restricting the Spaniard's trademark forehand to take the first set in 46 minutes.

Full of energy, his serve was on fire and he was winning the baseline rallies, but Nadal weathered the onslaught and finally won a break point, converting to take the second set.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../australia-oust-britain-in-knife-edge-atp-cup- quarter-final-273204">De Minaur</a> was deflated and the fight went out of him as the 19-time Grand Slam showed him who was boss, racing through the deciding set.

Unassuming world number 10 Bautista Agut was in control and all over the groundstrokes of temperamental Kyrgios, who looked lost as he crashed 6-1 in the first set.

The Australian regained some lustre in the second set. But he was broken in the fifth game, mangling his racquet in frustration, and despite saving two match points with booming aces was outplayed.

"My game plan was to put him under pressure to play every point, to make him work. That's what I tried and it went well," said Bautista Agut.

- Exceptional - 
Sixteen-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic, who is targeting an eighth Australian Open title this month, had looked on track for a comfortable win against Medvedev after sailing through the opening set and breaking in the first game of the second.

But the dogged Russian, who won their last two encounters, roared back.

He broke in the next game and then again for 3-1, with Djokovic smashing his racquet as Medvedev took the set to level the match.

A third set of long, high-quality rallies went with serve until Djokovic got the crucial edge in the fifth game, converting a volley to go 3-2 in front and Medvedev had no answer.

"It was an exceptional match. Lots of rallies and very exhausting. Daniil Medvedev is one of the best players in the world and he showed today why," said Djokovic.

"He's difficult to break from the baseline, he's tall and has a good serve. This was the most difficult challenge I have had so far this year."

Lajovic, who won his first ATP title last year at Umag, took a 2-0 record into his showdown with world number 17 Khachanov and produced a performance that belied his ranking of 34, displaying composure and a fine array of shots.

"It was definitely one of the toughest matches for me in my career, concerning the situation, the tension and the importance of the moment," he said. "But the crowd carried me." &nbsp; &nbsp;

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will face each other in the final of the inaugural ATP Cup after winning epic three-set matches Saturday to steer Spain and Serbia into the decider.

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will face each other in the final of the inaugural ATP Cup after winning epic three-set matches Saturday to steer Spain and Serbia into the decider. World number one Nadal ground down pumped-up Australian Alex de Minaur to guide the Davis Cup champions through their semi-final while Djokovic battled past Russia's Daniil Medvedev. Also read: ATP: Novak Djokovic concerned about smoke at Australian Open as bushfires continue to blaze Under the format of the innovative team event in Sydney, the top-ranked singles players from each country play each other, ensuring the two legends clash for a 55th time since their first showdown in 2006. World number two Djokovic leads the head-to-heads 28-26, including beating his arch-rival in the Australian Open final last year. Nadal outlasted De Minaur 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 after unflappable teammate Roberto Bautista Agut tamed Nick Kyrgios 6-1, 6-4. Djokovic had an equally tough time against impressive fifth-ranked Medvedev, coming through a top-draw contest 6-1, 5-7, 6-4 on the back of Dusan Lajovic beating Karen Khachanov 7-5, 7-6 (7/1). "Alex was playing at a very high level and for me my energy was a little bit lower than usual. But it has been a very emotional evening and a pleasure playing here," said Nadal. "We know it's going to be a super tough final (against Serbia)," he added. "Novak likes a lot to play here, he's had a lot of great results. So let's see. We have a good team too." De Minaur had a furious start, breaking Nadal in the opening game of the match and then keeping the pressure on, restricting the Spaniard's trademark forehand to take the first set in 46 minutes. Full of energy, his serve was on fire and he was winning the baseline rallies, but Nadal weathered the onslaught and finally won a break point, converting to take the second set. De Minaur was deflated and the fight went out of him as the 19-time Grand Slam showed him who was boss, racing through the deciding set. Unassuming world number 10 Bautista Agut was in control and all over the groundstrokes of temperamental Kyrgios, who looked lost as he crashed 6-1 in the first set. The Australian regained some lustre in the second set. But he was broken in the fifth game, mangling his racquet in frustration, and despite saving two match points with booming aces was outplayed. "My game plan was to put him under pressure to play every point, to make him work. That's what I tried and it went well," said Bautista Agut. - Exceptional - Sixteen-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic, who is targeting an eighth Australian Open title this month, had looked on track for a comfortable win against Medvedev after sailing through the opening set and breaking in the first game of the second. But the dogged Russian, who won their last two encounters, roared back. He broke in the next game and then again for 3-1, with Djokovic smashing his racquet as Medvedev took the set to level the match. A third set of long, high-quality rallies went with serve until Djokovic got the crucial edge in the fifth game, converting a volley to go 3-2 in front and Medvedev had no answer. "It was an exceptional match. Lots of rallies and very exhausting. Daniil Medvedev is one of the best players in the world and he showed today why," said Djokovic. "He's difficult to break from the baseline, he's tall and has a good serve. This was the most difficult challenge I have had so far this year." Lajovic, who won his first ATP title last year at Umag, took a 2-0 record into his showdown with world number 17 Khachanov and produced a performance that belied his ranking of 34, displaying composure and a fine array of shots. "It was definitely one of the toughest matches for me in my career, concerning the situation, the tension and the importance of the moment," he said. "But the crowd carried me."

Nadal's Spain to meet Djokovic's Serbia in ATP Cup final

Novak Djokovic says the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/canada-finally-beat-us-to-reach-davis-cup-last-eight-263273">Davis Cup Finals</a> and the ATP Cup cannot co-exist and must merge and believes an elite eight-nation competition in September would be the ideal scenario.

The 32-year-old 16-time Grand Slam champion helped Serbia to a 3-0 victory over Japan in their Group A opener on Wednesday at La Caja Magica where a revamped Davis Cup climax is being contested by 18 nations over seven days.

In January, 24 nations will contest the ATP Cup across three cities in Australia, leading to the obvious question of how two similar-looking team events can take place six weeks apart.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-finals-novak-djokovics-hopes-crushed-as-roger-federer-serves-up-a-masterclass-262232">Djokovic </a>would appear to have his feet in both camps. He is president of the ATP's Player Council but also has a deep affection for the International Tennis Federation's flagship Davis Cup, having won the title in 2010.

"I'm sure that organisers of (the Davis Cup) are doing their best to make this a successful week, a successful event," Djokovic told reporters on Wednesday.

"It's a lot of responsibility and pressure on them because this is the most traditional, historic team event in our sport. There's a tremendous burden of history on them to make it right.

"But then, of course, scheduling was always an issue, for both <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tsitsipas-clinches-maiden-atp-finals-after-beating-thiem-262805">ATP Cup </a>and Davis Cup. In my opinion, which was an idea, that it could happen, was a merger between the two.

"And so I think it's still open for the future."

Satisfying so many different interests, which also includes the successful Laver Cup, is not easy though, he admits.

"I've been part of discussions through the Player Council, through various different ways in the last three years," Djokovic said. "Of course, the ITF and ATP are two different organisations. It's very complex. It's not easy to make any change in our sport.

"Looking long-term, I personally don't think the two events can co-exist six weeks apart. It's a little too congested."

Djokovic has been upbeat about the new Davis Cup format, which was voted in by the ITF in 2018 and bankrolled by a $3 billion 25-year partnership with Kosmos, the Barcelona-based investment company owned by soccer player Gerard Pique.

The revamp, which Djokovic says was necessary because of flagging interest in the competition from players and media, has upset many because it has largely done away with the much-loved "home" ties that were so important to nations.

There is still a qualifying round in February, from which 12 nations book their place in the Davis Cup Finals. The four semi-finalists from the previous year qualify automatically, while the ITF picks two wildcard nations.

Djokovic believes a halfway house would be a better solution with some kind of "super cup" played in September.

"I miss playing at home for Serbia in the Davis Cup. But I support the fact there had to be a change from the old format.

"I think maybe the ideal format is somewhere in between. Maybe creating an elite eight tournament and having maybe one week or two weeks earlier in the year where nations can play at home in the qualifications group for the elite eight."

The ATP Cup will have total prize money of $15 million. The new Davis Cup Finals offers around $18 million to teams and another $9 million to federations.

Novak Djokovic says the Davis Cup Finals and the ATP Cup cannot co-exist and must merge and believes an elite eight-nation competition in September would be the ideal scenario.

Novak Djokovic says the Davis Cup Finals and the ATP Cup cannot co-exist and must merge and believes an elite eight-nation competition in September would be the ideal scenario. The 32-year-old 16-time Grand Slam champion helped Serbia to a 3-0 victory over Japan in their Group A opener on Wednesday at La Caja Magica where a revamped Davis Cup climax is being contested by 18 nations over seven days. In January, 24 nations will contest the ATP Cup across three cities in Australia, leading to the obvious question of how two similar-looking team events can take place six weeks apart. Djokovic would appear to have his feet in both camps. He is president of the ATP's Player Council but also has a deep affection for the International Tennis Federation's flagship Davis Cup, having won the title in 2010. "I'm sure that organisers of (the Davis Cup) are doing their best to make this a successful week, a successful event," Djokovic told reporters on Wednesday. "It's a lot of responsibility and pressure on them because this is the most traditional, historic team event in our sport. There's a tremendous burden of history on them to make it right. "But then, of course, scheduling was always an issue, for both ATP Cup and Davis Cup. In my opinion, which was an idea, that it could happen, was a merger between the two. "And so I think it's still open for the future." Satisfying so many different interests, which also includes the successful Laver Cup, is not easy though, he admits. "I've been part of discussions through the Player Council, through various different ways in the last three years," Djokovic said. "Of course, the ITF and ATP are two different organisations. It's very complex. It's not easy to make any change in our sport. "Looking long-term, I personally don't think the two events can co-exist six weeks apart. It's a little too congested." Djokovic has been upbeat about the new Davis Cup format, which was voted in by the ITF in 2018 and bankrolled by a $3 billion 25-year partnership with Kosmos, the Barcelona-based investment company owned by soccer player Gerard Pique. The revamp, which Djokovic says was necessary because of flagging interest in the competition from players and media, has upset many because it has largely done away with the much-loved "home" ties that were so important to nations. There is still a qualifying round in February, from which 12 nations book their place in the Davis Cup Finals. The four semi-finalists from the previous year qualify automatically, while the ITF picks two wildcard nations. Djokovic believes a halfway house would be a better solution with some kind of "super cup" played in September. "I miss playing at home for Serbia in the Davis Cup. But I support the fact there had to be a change from the old format. "I think maybe the ideal format is somewhere in between. Maybe creating an elite eight tournament and having maybe one week or two weeks earlier in the year where nations can play at home in the qualifications group for the elite eight." The ATP Cup will have total prize money of $15 million. The new Davis Cup Finals offers around $18 million to teams and another $9 million to federations.

Novak Djokovic calls for merger of ATP Cup and Davis Cup

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has been hospitalised with "cardiovascular problems", his office said Saturday.

"The President Aleksandar Vucic was accepted in the military hospital in Belgrade on November 15 late afternoon," his office said in a short statement.

It gave no further details about the president's health or current condition.

It was first time it has been officially disclosed that Vucic, 49, has heart problems.

Contacted by AFP, his media advisor was not immediately available for comment.&nbsp;

Vucic, an ultra-nationalist turned pro-European, was elected president in 2017, but has been a powerful figure in the country's politics since 2012 when his Serbian Progressive Party won elections.

He was prime minister from 2014 to 2017.

According to the Serbian constitution, the post of president is largely ceremonial, but Vucic is a key decision maker for most issues in the country.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has been hospitalised with "cardiovascular problems", his office said Saturday. "The President Aleksandar Vucic was accepted in the military hospital in Belgrade on November 15 late afternoon," his office said in a short statement.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has been hospitalised with "cardiovascular problems", his office said Saturday. "The President Aleksandar Vucic was accepted in the military hospital in Belgrade on November 15 late afternoon," his office said in a short statement. It gave no further details about the president's health or current condition. It was first time it has been officially disclosed that Vucic, 49, has heart problems. Contacted by AFP, his media advisor was not immediately available for comment. Vucic, an ultra-nationalist turned pro-European, was elected president in 2017, but has been a powerful figure in the country's politics since 2012 when his Serbian Progressive Party won elections. He was prime minister from 2014 to 2017. According to the Serbian constitution, the post of president is largely ceremonial, but Vucic is a key decision maker for most issues in the country.

Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic hospitalised

A United States&nbsp;official is expected to arrive in Belgrade on Friday to discuss the purchase of advanced Russian anti-aircraft missile systems which could expose Serbia to US&nbsp;sanctions.

Serbia's military depends heavily on Russian and former Soviet weapons technology, but Russia's arms sales have been hit by US&nbsp;sanctions over its role in the conflict in east Ukraine.

Serbian news agency Beta said Thomas Zarzecki, an envoy for the US&nbsp;State Department's Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, would discuss compliance with the sanctions during a visit that has not been announced by the US&nbsp;embassy.

Embassy officials could not be reached for comment and the US&nbsp;State Department did not reply to emailed questions.

Serbia has recently purchased Pantsir anti-aircraft missile launchers from Russia and deliveries are expected in the next few months. In recent years, Belgrade has also bought Russian MiG-29 jets, helicopters, tanks and armoured personnel carriers.

US&nbsp;concerns grew last month when Russia sent its S-400 missile defence system and Pantsir launchers to Serbia for a military drill. The move underlined Moscow's wish to keep a traditional Slavic ally on the side as Belgrade pursues links with NATO and tries to join the European Union.

Matthew Palmer, a US&nbsp;envoy for the Balkans, said last week that Serbia could risk sanctions over its arms deals with Russia. Under the sanctions, Serbia could face punishments ranging from visa bans to denial of export licences.

Late on Thursday, President Aleksandar Vucic urged Serbs not to fear broad sanctions would be imposed on Serbia similar to those of the 1990s during the Balkan wars.

"When the US&nbsp;is deciding about such sanctions ... they are imposing it against a company or an individual, not against an entire nation," he said.

Serbia declared military neutrality in 2006 and joined NATO's Partnership for Peace programme in 2015, though it is not seeking full membership of the US-led alliance.

Serbia has also relied on Russia for support in its refusal to recognise the independence of its former southern province of Kosovo, which seceded in 2008 after a guerrilla uprising. NATO peacekeepers remain in Kosovo.

A United States official is expected to arrive in Belgrade on Friday to discuss the purchase of advanced Russian anti-aircraft missile systems which could expose Serbia to US sanctions.

A United States official is expected to arrive in Belgrade on Friday to discuss the purchase of advanced Russian anti-aircraft missile systems which could expose Serbia to US sanctions. Serbia's military depends heavily on Russian and former Soviet weapons technology, but Russia's arms sales have been hit by US sanctions over its role in the conflict in east Ukraine. Serbian news agency Beta said Thomas Zarzecki, an envoy for the US State Department's Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, would discuss compliance with the sanctions during a visit that has not been announced by the US embassy. Embassy officials could not be reached for comment and the US State Department did not reply to emailed questions. Serbia has recently purchased Pantsir anti-aircraft missile launchers from Russia and deliveries are expected in the next few months. In recent years, Belgrade has also bought Russian MiG-29 jets, helicopters, tanks and armoured personnel carriers. US concerns grew last month when Russia sent its S-400 missile defence system and Pantsir launchers to Serbia for a military drill. The move underlined Moscow's wish to keep a traditional Slavic ally on the side as Belgrade pursues links with NATO and tries to join the European Union. Matthew Palmer, a US envoy for the Balkans, said last week that Serbia could risk sanctions over its arms deals with Russia. Under the sanctions, Serbia could face punishments ranging from visa bans to denial of export licences. Late on Thursday, President Aleksandar Vucic urged Serbs not to fear broad sanctions would be imposed on Serbia similar to those of the 1990s during the Balkan wars. "When the US is deciding about such sanctions ... they are imposing it against a company or an individual, not against an entire nation," he said. Serbia declared military neutrality in 2006 and joined NATO's Partnership for Peace programme in 2015, though it is not seeking full membership of the US-led alliance. Serbia has also relied on Russia for support in its refusal to recognise the independence of its former southern province of Kosovo, which seceded in 2008 after a guerrilla uprising. NATO peacekeepers remain in Kosovo.

Serbia faces risk of United States sanctions over Russian arms deal

Moscow has sent an S-400 missile system battalion and a Pantsir anti-aircraft gun and missile system to Belgrade for their first joint drills in Serbia, the defence ministry said.

The systems will be deployed at Batajnica base, outside the capital, as part of the exercises that will take place on October 23-29, a statement said.

It is the first time that the S-400 and Pantsir systems will appear in military drills outside Russia, it said.

Russian and Serbian air defence units will jointly perform various tasks including detecting and destroying "the entire spectrum of air targets of the enemy force".

The drills come after the first phase of the first joint Russian-Serbian air defense exercises, Slavic Shield-2019, took place in the southern Russian region of Astrakhan in September.

Serbia is Moscow's key ally on the edge of Europe and Russian President Vladimir Putin received a rock-star welcome when he travelled to the country in January.

Although Serbia aspires to join the European Union, it has kept close ties with Russia, a historical "Orthodox big brother" whose people also share Slavic origins.

Moscow has sent an S-400 missile system battalion and a Pantsir anti-aircraft gun and missile system to Belgrade for their first joint drills in Serbia, the defence ministry said.

Moscow has sent an S-400 missile system battalion and a Pantsir anti-aircraft gun and missile system to Belgrade for their first joint drills in Serbia, the defence ministry said. The systems will be deployed at Batajnica base, outside the capital, as part of the exercises that will take place on October 23-29, a statement said. It is the first time that the S-400 and Pantsir systems will appear in military drills outside Russia, it said. Russian and Serbian air defence units will jointly perform various tasks including detecting and destroying "the entire spectrum of air targets of the enemy force". The drills come after the first phase of the first joint Russian-Serbian air defense exercises, Slavic Shield-2019, took place in the southern Russian region of Astrakhan in September. Serbia is Moscow's key ally on the edge of Europe and Russian President Vladimir Putin received a rock-star welcome when he travelled to the country in January. Although Serbia aspires to join the European Union, it has kept close ties with Russia, a historical "Orthodox big brother" whose people also share Slavic origins.

Russia sends S-400 system to Serbia for drills

Continuing with its proactive policy on <a href="http://wionews.com/entertainment/climate-change-is-a-serious-problem-says-kim-kardashian-as-she-praises-greta-thunberg-254679">climate change</a>, a resolution drafted and negotiated by India was unanimously adopted at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly meet in Belgrade, <a href="http://wionews.com/world/kosovo-voters-focus-on-graft-serbia-peace-deal-in-election-254036">Serbia</a>. The emergency item was adopted in a session "addressing <a href="http://wionews.com/world/canadians-voted-for-progressive-agenda-and-strong-action-on-climate-change-trudeau-257587">climate change</a>" at the IPU which is the oldest and the largest group of global parliamentarians.&nbsp;

Supporting the Paris Climate Change Agreement, the resolution reiterated the commitments of the 2015 agreement to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial levels.

India in its resolution mentioned the concept of "climate justice" and called on developed countries to take a lead and play an important role in addressing climate change. It also appealed for financial, technological and capacity-building assistance for developing countries by the developed ones to deal with climate change.

The resolution acknowledged that climate change is "anthropogenic" in origin, which means that the change happening due to human activity.

Over 800 parliamentarians or MPs participated in the 141 sessions of the IPU. India was represented by Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla along with other MPs including Congress party's Shashi Tharoor.

The IPU started in 1889 with a small group of MPs from 9 countries. In over 100 years, it has members from more than 179 countries.

India's proactive act in Belgrade comes even as India engages much more on climate change issue with international groups such as the International Solar Alliance. New Delhi-backed international solar alliance was founded in 2015 and aims to use solar energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuel. So far, 79 countries have signed the ISA framework agreement.

Continuing with its proactive policy on climate change, a resolution drafted and negotiated by India was unanimously adopted at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly meet in Belgrade, Serbia.

Continuing with its proactive policy on climate change, a resolution drafted and negotiated by India was unanimously adopted at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly meet in Belgrade, Serbia. The emergency item was adopted in a session "addressing climate change" at the IPU which is the oldest and the largest group of global parliamentarians. Supporting the Paris Climate Change Agreement, the resolution reiterated the commitments of the 2015 agreement to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial levels. India in its resolution mentioned the concept of "climate justice" and called on developed countries to take a lead and play an important role in addressing climate change. It also appealed for financial, technological and capacity-building assistance for developing countries by the developed ones to deal with climate change. The resolution acknowledged that climate change is "anthropogenic" in origin, which means that the change happening due to human activity. Over 800 parliamentarians or MPs participated in the 141 sessions of the IPU. India was represented by Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla along with other MPs including Congress party's Shashi Tharoor. The IPU started in 1889 with a small group of MPs from 9 countries. In over 100 years, it has members from more than 179 countries. India's proactive act in Belgrade comes even as India engages much more on climate change issue with international groups such as the International Solar Alliance. New Delhi-backed international solar alliance was founded in 2015 and aims to use solar energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuel. So far, 79 countries have signed the ISA framework agreement.

At world parliament meet in Serbia, India-led climate resolution gets adopted unanimously

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 

European champions Portugal got their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign back on track with goals from William Carvalho, Goncalo Guedes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva helping them to a pulsating 4-2 Group B victory in Serbia on Saturday.

The victory lifted the Portuguese to second place in the group on five points from three games, eight behind runaway leaders Ukraine who have 13 from five matches after their 3-0 win in Lithuania earlier on Saturday.

Third-placed Luxembourg and Serbia in fourth both have four points from as many games while Lithuania are bottom with one point from four matches.

Coach Fernando Santos, who steered Portugal to the Euro 2016 title in France and this year's triumph in the inaugural Nations League, was pleased with his team's performance.

"We showed a lot of creativity and attacking intent in a solid performance required to beat a very good Serbia side," Santos told reporters.

"Getting the opening goal just before halftime was vital and in the second half we controlled the game. We stifled their excellent midfield and deserved the win.

"This win should boost our confidence ahead of Tuesday's visit to Lithuania and nothing less than a win will do because it's a complicated group."

His counterpart Ljubisa Tumbakovic, who replaced Mladen Krstajic on July 1 three weeks after he was sacked by Montenegro, conceded he had endured a sour debut as Serbia coach.

"We lost to a majestic team full of world-class players," said the 67-year old from Belgrade.

"We lacked the final pass in the first half and it didn't help that we fell behind just before the break. As ever in Serbian football, we were vulnerable defensively and that undermines every other department."

Spilled Cross

Portugal dominated the opening half and Carvalho fired them ahead in the 42nd minute when he poked the ball into an empty net from three metres after Serbia keeper Marko Dmitrovic spilled a Bruno Fernandes cross from the right.

Cristiano Ronaldo, looking subdued in the opening half and given a hostile reception at Red Star stadium as Serbian fans jeered him every time he touched the ball, twice came close early in the second half.

He fired inches wide from the edge of the penalty area after cutting in from the left and then curled a free kick narrowly off target before Guedes doubled Portugal's lead with a fine individual effort.

The forward capped a flowing move as he sidestepped a defender and rifled in an unstoppable shot past Dmitrovic into the far corner from 12 metres to silence the raucous home crowd.

Centre back Nikola Milenkovic pulled one back for Serbia in the 68th minute, heading a Dusan Tadic corner past keeper Rui Patricio, who was two minutes later forced to tip a fierce Adem Ljajic shot from 20 metres over the bar.

Taunted by chants of "Messi" from Serbia's die-hard fans, Ronaldo demonstrated his class in the 80th minute when he took a Bernardo Silva pass in his stride and coolly dinked the ball over the advancing Dmitrovic.

Serbia refused to roll over as Aleksandar Mitrovic drove a shot from inside the penalty area into the roof of the net after a defensive blunder in the 85th minute but Silva sealed the contest with a clinical finish barely 60 seconds later.

European champions Portugal got their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign back on track with goals from William Carvalho, Goncalo Guedes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva helping them to a pulsating 4-2 Group B victory in Serbia on Saturday.

European champions Portugal got their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign back on track with goals from William Carvalho, Goncalo Guedes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva helping them to a pulsating 4-2 Group B victory in Serbia on Saturday. The victory lifted the Portuguese to second place in the group on five points from three games, eight behind runaway leaders Ukraine who have 13 from five matches after their 3-0 win in Lithuania earlier on Saturday. Third-placed Luxembourg and Serbia in fourth both have four points from as many games while Lithuania are bottom with one point from four matches. Coach Fernando Santos, who steered Portugal to the Euro 2016 title in France and this year's triumph in the inaugural Nations League, was pleased with his team's performance. "We showed a lot of creativity and attacking intent in a solid performance required to beat a very good Serbia side," Santos told reporters. "Getting the opening goal just before halftime was vital and in the second half we controlled the game. We stifled their excellent midfield and deserved the win. "This win should boost our confidence ahead of Tuesday's visit to Lithuania and nothing less than a win will do because it's a complicated group." His counterpart Ljubisa Tumbakovic, who replaced Mladen Krstajic on July 1 three weeks after he was sacked by Montenegro, conceded he had endured a sour debut as Serbia coach. "We lost to a majestic team full of world-class players," said the 67-year old from Belgrade. "We lacked the final pass in the first half and it didn't help that we fell behind just before the break. As ever in Serbian football, we were vulnerable defensively and that undermines every other department." Spilled Cross Portugal dominated the opening half and Carvalho fired them ahead in the 42nd minute when he poked the ball into an empty net from three metres after Serbia keeper Marko Dmitrovic spilled a Bruno Fernandes cross from the right. Cristiano Ronaldo, looking subdued in the opening half and given a hostile reception at Red Star stadium as Serbian fans jeered him every time he touched the ball, twice came close early in the second half. He fired inches wide from the edge of the penalty area after cutting in from the left and then curled a free kick narrowly off target before Guedes doubled Portugal's lead with a fine individual effort. The forward capped a flowing move as he sidestepped a defender and rifled in an unstoppable shot past Dmitrovic into the far corner from 12 metres to silence the raucous home crowd. Centre back Nikola Milenkovic pulled one back for Serbia in the 68th minute, heading a Dusan Tadic corner past keeper Rui Patricio, who was two minutes later forced to tip a fierce Adem Ljajic shot from 20 metres over the bar. Taunted by chants of "Messi" from Serbia's die-hard fans, Ronaldo demonstrated his class in the 80th minute when he took a Bernardo Silva pass in his stride and coolly dinked the ball over the advancing Dmitrovic. Serbia refused to roll over as Aleksandar Mitrovic drove a shot from inside the penalty area into the roof of the net after a defensive blunder in the 85th minute but Silva sealed the contest with a clinical finish barely 60 seconds later.

Portugal rekindle Euro hopes with 4-2 win in Serbia

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'

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

Supporters of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic held a large rally in support for the visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday in Belgrade.

Crowds of people marched through central Belgrade to greet Putin and Vucic during their stop in the St. Sava temple, the largest Christian Orthodox church in Serbia.

The rally was seen as Vucic's response to protests staged by the opposition for six consecutive weekends.

Just a day before Putin's visit, a silent march took place in protest at the unresolved killing of a Kosovo Serb politician a year ago.

The opposition protests typically gather around 20,000 people. Serbian state TV RTS claimed that 120,000-130,000 people took part in the rally for Vucic and Putin.

Many of the people took organised rides to the capital. Hundreds of parked buses lined several major streets during the rally, waiting for their passengers to return for the drive home.

Groups in the crowd carried banners declaring where in Serbia they came from, as well slogans in Serbian and Russian saying "Serbs and Russian, brothers forever" and "Thank you&nbsp;president&nbsp;for your support."

Supporters of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic held a large rally in support for the visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday in Belgrade. Crowds of people marched through central Belgrade to greet Putin and Vucic during their stop in the St.

Supporters of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic held a large rally in support for the visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday in Belgrade. Crowds of people marched through central Belgrade to greet Putin and Vucic during their stop in the St. Sava temple, the largest Christian Orthodox church in Serbia. The rally was seen as Vucic's response to protests staged by the opposition for six consecutive weekends. Just a day before Putin's visit, a silent march took place in protest at the unresolved killing of a Kosovo Serb politician a year ago. The opposition protests typically gather around 20,000 people. Serbian state TV RTS claimed that 120,000-130,000 people took part in the rally for Vucic and Putin. Many of the people took organised rides to the capital. Hundreds of parked buses lined several major streets during the rally, waiting for their passengers to return for the drive home. Groups in the crowd carried banners declaring where in Serbia they came from, as well slogans in Serbian and Russian saying "Serbs and Russian, brothers forever" and "Thank you president for your support."

Serb leader stages lavish reception and huge rally for Putin visit

Thousands rallied in Belgrade on Saturday&nbsp;in protest against President Aleksandar Vucic's policies and demanding an end to political violence as well as fairer reporting from the country's public broadcaster.

It was the third large protest held in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/serbia-encourages-childbirth-couples-show-unwillingness-182797">Serbian capital </a>since an assault on Borko Stefanovic, leader of the small Serbian Left party on November 23.

Opposition activists say Vucic is an autocrat and brand his Serbian Progressive Party as corrupt. They also claim that he has control over much of the Serbian media, which gives him an unfair advantage.

Vucic's approval ratings have slipped somewhat since he won a 2016 presidential vote by a landslide, but he remains the country's most popular political leader and his ruling coalition has a comfortable majority of 160 deputies in the 250-seat parliament.

Opposition protests have been relatively rare in Serbia since the popular unrest that ousted former strongman Slobodan Milosevic in 2000.

Vucic, a nationalist firebrand during the violent collapse of the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s, later embraced European values and set Serbia's membership in the European Union as the country's strategic goal. He also maintains close ties with Russia and China.

Thousands rallied in Belgrade on Saturday in protest against President Aleksandar Vucic's policies and demanding an end to political violence as well as fairer reporting from the country's public broadcaster.

Thousands rallied in Belgrade on Saturday in protest against President Aleksandar Vucic's policies and demanding an end to political violence as well as fairer reporting from the country's public broadcaster. It was the third large protest held in the Serbian capital since an assault on Borko Stefanovic, leader of the small Serbian Left party on November 23. Opposition activists say Vucic is an autocrat and brand his Serbian Progressive Party as corrupt. They also claim that he has control over much of the Serbian media, which gives him an unfair advantage. Vucic's approval ratings have slipped somewhat since he won a 2016 presidential vote by a landslide, but he remains the country's most popular political leader and his ruling coalition has a comfortable majority of 160 deputies in the 250-seat parliament. Opposition protests have been relatively rare in Serbia since the popular unrest that ousted former strongman Slobodan Milosevic in 2000. Vucic, a nationalist firebrand during the violent collapse of the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s, later embraced European values and set Serbia's membership in the European Union as the country's strategic goal. He also maintains close ties with Russia and China.

Thousands of Serbians march demanding fairer media, end to political violence

"Give birth, don't delay!", says a rousing call by the Serbian state to young couples.

"Let babies' cries be heard!" is another of the baby-making slogans Serbia is busy producing - while it struggles to increase actual births.

Women say they need better support, not words of encouragement to grow the country's population.

Massive emigration coupled with the plummeting birth rate, which at 1.5 children per family is among the lowest in Europe, has brought Serbia's population down to under seven million people.

According to the United Nations, Serbia's population is expected to shrink a further 15 per cent by 2050.

Desperate to reverse the trend, Serbian officials have made some head-scratching proposals, including a plan announced in June to construct "lower-storey homes" in areas with the lowest birth rates.

President Aleksandar Vucic said it was based on a study that showed couples have nearly double the number of children in two-to-four storey homes than in towering apartment blocks.

The comments befuddled the local press, with one newspaper going on an unsuccessful hunt to find any academic expert who had heard of such a study, discovering only "laughs".

The minister in charge of demographics, Slavica Djukic Dejanovic, nevertheless defended the idea that environment can play a role.

"It is a fact that on the edge of big cities where settlements include yards where kids play and parents have a coffee... That kids' joy and cries could be heard more often," she told AFP.

In February, her ministry announced a campaign to tackle the declining numbers and awarded the best pro-birth slogan in a nationwide cash-prize competition.

Among the winners were: "Mum, I don't want to be alone. Dad, I want a brother" and "Love and babies are what we need first!" The ministry will also introduce an award called "The Best Family Friend" for companies that support young parents, Djukic Dejanovic said.

A new maternity care law passed last year provides some additional aid for parents who have a third and a fourth child, entitling them to 10 years of 30,000 dinars ($280) in monthly support.

That led President Vucic to proclaim: "A mother that gives birth to a third and a fourth child will have 30,000 dinars a month from the state to do nothing... Just to give birth." But critics say the law excludes many would-be mothers.

The full package of state aid for maternity leave is only available to women who have been working without interruption for 18 months.

"What about many women who either do unregistered work in the grey economy or volunteer in public service, like doctors or lawyers, without any payment?", asked Tatjana Macura, an opposition MP who has been advocating to change the law on behalf of the NGO "Mame su zakon" (Mums Rule).

According to various estimates, more than a quarter of Serbia's working population is employed in unofficial work, with an even higher proportion among women.

"These women are invisible for the system because they have worked illegally and would not receive any aid," said Macura.

The law also offers minimal maternity support to unemployed women in a country where the youth jobless rate was over 30 per cent in 2017.

Many women are also afraid to take maternity leave because it remains common for businesses to fire them afterwards, despite the practice being illegal, added Macura.

The new maternity law also cuts support for women earning more than 1,200 euros a month.

Instead of receiving five months of salary during maternity leave as the previous law allowed, they will only receive three.

Andrijana Marinkovic, a 33-year-old mother affected by the change, said it made her consider raising her one-month-old baby boy abroad, such as an EU or another Western country which gives more support to family life.

"Nobody makes a decision to become a parent because of state support or lack of it, but the (Serbian) state certainly doesn't make that decision easier," Marinkovic said.

On top of the shrinking birth rate, a "brain drain" sees tens of thousands of young Serbians pack their bags every year to study and work in wealthier countries.

That means the challenge is not only encouraging more births, but persuading Serbians to have their babies at home.

Kristina Markovic, a 22-year-old economist, works part-time and lives with an unemployed partner.

"We plan to have a family but not until we both have stable jobs," which means regular salaries, insurance and the possibility to live independently from parents, she said.

"We will decide (to have kids) eventually but my wish would be to give birth in some European Union state," she added.

"Give birth, don't delay!", says a rousing call by the Serbian state to young couples. "Let babies' cries be heard!" is another of the baby-making slogans Serbia is busy producing - while it struggles to increase actual births.

"Give birth, don't delay!", says a rousing call by the Serbian state to young couples. "Let babies' cries be heard!" is another of the baby-making slogans Serbia is busy producing - while it struggles to increase actual births. Women say they need better support, not words of encouragement to grow the country's population. Massive emigration coupled with the plummeting birth rate, which at 1.5 children per family is among the lowest in Europe, has brought Serbia's population down to under seven million people. According to the United Nations, Serbia's population is expected to shrink a further 15 per cent by 2050. Desperate to reverse the trend, Serbian officials have made some head-scratching proposals, including a plan announced in June to construct "lower-storey homes" in areas with the lowest birth rates. President Aleksandar Vucic said it was based on a study that showed couples have nearly double the number of children in two-to-four storey homes than in towering apartment blocks. The comments befuddled the local press, with one newspaper going on an unsuccessful hunt to find any academic expert who had heard of such a study, discovering only "laughs". The minister in charge of demographics, Slavica Djukic Dejanovic, nevertheless defended the idea that environment can play a role. "It is a fact that on the edge of big cities where settlements include yards where kids play and parents have a coffee... That kids' joy and cries could be heard more often," she told AFP. In February, her ministry announced a campaign to tackle the declining numbers and awarded the best pro-birth slogan in a nationwide cash-prize competition. Among the winners were: "Mum, I don't want to be alone. Dad, I want a brother" and "Love and babies are what we need first!" The ministry will also introduce an award called "The Best Family Friend" for companies that support young parents, Djukic Dejanovic said. A new maternity care law passed last year provides some additional aid for parents who have a third and a fourth child, entitling them to 10 years of 30,000 dinars ($280) in monthly support. That led President Vucic to proclaim: "A mother that gives birth to a third and a fourth child will have 30,000 dinars a month from the state to do nothing... Just to give birth." But critics say the law excludes many would-be mothers. The full package of state aid for maternity leave is only available to women who have been working without interruption for 18 months. "What about many women who either do unregistered work in the grey economy or volunteer in public service, like doctors or lawyers, without any payment?", asked Tatjana Macura, an opposition MP who has been advocating to change the law on behalf of the NGO "Mame su zakon" (Mums Rule). According to various estimates, more than a quarter of Serbia's working population is employed in unofficial work, with an even higher proportion among women. "These women are invisible for the system because they have worked illegally and would not receive any aid," said Macura. The law also offers minimal maternity support to unemployed women in a country where the youth jobless rate was over 30 per cent in 2017. Many women are also afraid to take maternity leave because it remains common for businesses to fire them afterwards, despite the practice being illegal, added Macura. The new maternity law also cuts support for women earning more than 1,200 euros a month. Instead of receiving five months of salary during maternity leave as the previous law allowed, they will only receive three. Andrijana Marinkovic, a 33-year-old mother affected by the change, said it made her consider raising her one-month-old baby boy abroad, such as an EU or another Western country which gives more support to family life. "Nobody makes a decision to become a parent because of state support or lack of it, but the (Serbian) state certainly doesn't make that decision easier," Marinkovic said. On top of the shrinking birth rate, a "brain drain" sees tens of thousands of young Serbians pack their bags every year to study and work in wealthier countries. That means the challenge is not only encouraging more births, but persuading Serbians to have their babies at home. Kristina Markovic, a 22-year-old economist, works part-time and lives with an unemployed partner. "We plan to have a family but not until we both have stable jobs," which means regular salaries, insurance and the possibility to live independently from parents, she said. "We will decide (to have kids) eventually but my wish would be to give birth in some European Union state," she added.

Serbia encourages childbirth, couples show unwillingness

An Aleksandar Mitrovic brace gave Serbia a 2-0 away win over neighbours Montenegro on Thursday that put them top of their UEFA Nations League group after a scrappy clash between two former Yugoslav republics.

The result left Serbia on seven points from three games in the third-tier Group 4, two ahead of Romania, who won 2-1 at Lithuania. Montenegro have four points and Lithuania none.

The first meeting between Montenegro and Serbia as independent nations since they separated in 2006 was played amid tight security but in a friendly atmosphere with both sets of fans applauding each other's national anthems.

It was also watched from the VIP box by Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, reportedly screening Serbia's 20-year-old centre back Nikola Milenkovic, who is in excellent form for his Serie A club Fiorentina after enjoying a good World Cup.

Serbia dominated the game and should have won by a bigger margin but for some poor finishing by playmaker Dusan Tadic, who squandered two sitters after good work by winger Andrija Zivkovic and the tireless Mitrovic.

Those misses came after in-form Fulham striker Mitrovic sent goalkeeper Danijel Petkovic the wrong way with an 18th-minute spot-kick, after Montenegro right back Filip Stojkovic fouled his Red Star Belgrade team mate Milan Rodic.

The Montenegrins upped the pace in the closing stages and their striker Fatos Beciraj forced a good save from Serbia keeper Marko Dmitrovic in the 72nd minute with a rasping low shot from 20 metres.

Montenegro's Serbian coach Ljubisa Tumbakovic was sent off by Italian referee Gianluca Rocchi for dissent before Mitrovic sealed the contest with a close-range finish in the 81st minute.

Substitute Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who had also been linked with a possible future move to United from Lazio, allowed Zivkovic's pass to run with a clever dummy, leaving Mitrovic with the simple task of beating Petkovic from three metres.

Serbia next visit Romania while Montenegro are at home to Lithuania on Sunday.

An Aleksandar Mitrovic brace gave Serbia a 2-0 away win over neighbours Montenegro on Thursday that put them top of their UEFA Nations League group after a scrappy clash between two former Yugoslav republics.

An Aleksandar Mitrovic brace gave Serbia a 2-0 away win over neighbours Montenegro on Thursday that put them top of their UEFA Nations League group after a scrappy clash between two former Yugoslav republics. The result left Serbia on seven points from three games in the third-tier Group 4, two ahead of Romania, who won 2-1 at Lithuania. Montenegro have four points and Lithuania none. The first meeting between Montenegro and Serbia as independent nations since they separated in 2006 was played amid tight security but in a friendly atmosphere with both sets of fans applauding each other's national anthems. It was also watched from the VIP box by Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, reportedly screening Serbia's 20-year-old centre back Nikola Milenkovic, who is in excellent form for his Serie A club Fiorentina after enjoying a good World Cup. Serbia dominated the game and should have won by a bigger margin but for some poor finishing by playmaker Dusan Tadic, who squandered two sitters after good work by winger Andrija Zivkovic and the tireless Mitrovic. Those misses came after in-form Fulham striker Mitrovic sent goalkeeper Danijel Petkovic the wrong way with an 18th-minute spot-kick, after Montenegro right back Filip Stojkovic fouled his Red Star Belgrade team mate Milan Rodic. The Montenegrins upped the pace in the closing stages and their striker Fatos Beciraj forced a good save from Serbia keeper Marko Dmitrovic in the 72nd minute with a rasping low shot from 20 metres. Montenegro's Serbian coach Ljubisa Tumbakovic was sent off by Italian referee Gianluca Rocchi for dissent before Mitrovic sealed the contest with a close-range finish in the 81st minute. Substitute Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who had also been linked with a possible future move to United from Lazio, allowed Zivkovic's pass to run with a clever dummy, leaving Mitrovic with the simple task of beating Petkovic from three metres. Serbia next visit Romania while Montenegro are at home to Lithuania on Sunday.

Mitrovic double gives Serbia 2-0 win at Montenegro

Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov crashed out of the China Open on Wednesday after losing to Serbia's Dusan Lajovic 6-4, 2-6, 6-4, in the roun of 16 on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The third-seed shock exit came in one hour and 53 minutes at the hands of an opponent who is yet to win a career title.

Dimitrov lost his first game due to a poor start, handing the advantage to Lajovic, who went on to clinch the set 6-4.

The Bulgarian bounced back in the second to extend the game into the third set. But he once again lost his serve on his way to crashing out of the tournament.

With this win, Lajovic advanced into the quarter-finals, where he will face the winner of the match between Britisher Kyle Edmund and Italy's Matteo Berrettini.

Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov crashed out of the China Open on Wednesday after losing to Serbia's Dusan Lajovic 6-4, 2-6, 6-4, in the roun of 16 on Wednesday. The third-seed shock exit came in one hour and 53 minutes at the hands of an opponent who is yet to win a career title.

Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov crashed out of the China Open on Wednesday after losing to Serbia's Dusan Lajovic 6-4, 2-6, 6-4, in the roun of 16 on Wednesday. The third-seed shock exit came in one hour and 53 minutes at the hands of an opponent who is yet to win a career title. Dimitrov lost his first game due to a poor start, handing the advantage to Lajovic, who went on to clinch the set 6-4. The Bulgarian bounced back in the second to extend the game into the third set. But he once again lost his serve on his way to crashing out of the tournament. With this win, Lajovic advanced into the quarter-finals, where he will face the winner of the match between Britisher Kyle Edmund and Italy's Matteo Berrettini.

Grigor Dimitrov stunned by Lajovic, crashes out of China Open

Lukewarm&nbsp;Serbia&nbsp;stumbled to a 1-0&nbsp;home&nbsp;defeat by Chile in a World Cup warm-up on Monday while&nbsp;Morocco&nbsp;were far more&nbsp;impressive in a 2-1 win over Slovakia in the other match involving a finalist.

Meanwhile, Italy and the Netherlands, two of the biggest names to miss out on Russia, continued their rebuilding work with a 1-1 draw in Turin.

Serbia, who face Brazil, Costa Rica and Switzerland in their group, looked vulnerable every time the South American champions -- who surprisingly failed to qualify for the World Cup -- came forward.

Guillermo Maripan headed in an 89th-winner for Chile, a fair reward for their more adventurous display.

Morocco, who face Iran, Portugal and Spain in World Cup Group B, produced plenty of slick passing against Slovakia as they extended their unbeaten run to 11 matches.

Although they fell behind to a long-range Jans Gregus effort in the 59th minute,&nbsp;Morocco&nbsp;replied with goals from Ayoub Kaabi and Younes Belhanda in a 10-minute spell.

Poland's preparations suffered a blow when defender Kamil Glik seriously injured his shoulder in training on the same day as being named in their 23-man squad.

Coach Adam Nawalka said the 30-year-old, who fell awkwardly after attempting an overhead kick, would be replaced by VfB Stuttgart's Marcin Kaminski if he did not recover in time to travel to Russia.

Egypt gambled on Mohamed Salah returning to fitness by naming him in their final squad, while Mohamed Elneny, the midfielder who has not played since April after suffering an ankle injury in action for Arsenal, was also included.

Salah is still recovering from the shoulder ligament injury suffered in last month's Champions League final when he went off early in the game in Kiev as Liverpool lost to Real Madrid.

Egypt are hoping he will recover within three weeks, which could leave him fit to play in their final group match against Saudi Arabia on June 25.

Egypt's squad also includes veteran goalkeeper Essam El Hadary, who will be 45-years-old when his side play Uruguay.

Should he feature, El Hadary would become the oldest player to feature in the World Cup,

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez gave Vincent Kompany two weeks to recover from a groin injury in time for the tournament, retaining the Manchester City captain in his squad but putting Laurent Ciman on standby.

Italy, in their third game under coach Roberto Mancini, spurned a series of first-half chances in Turin and went ahead in the 67th minute when Simone Zaza squeezed&nbsp;home&nbsp;a square pass after a sprint down the right flank by Federico Chiesa.

But Italy had defender Domenico Criscito sent off two minutes later after he picked up a second caution, and paid dearly when Nathan Ake levelled two minutes from time.

Guillermo Maripan headed in an 89th-winner for Chile, a fair reward for their more adventurous display

Lukewarm Serbia stumbled to a 1-0 home defeat by Chile in a World Cup warm-up on Monday while Morocco were far more impressive in a 2-1 win over Slovakia in the other match involving a finalist. Meanwhile, Italy and the Netherlands, two of the biggest names to miss out on Russia, continued their rebuilding work with a 1-1 draw in Turin. Serbia, who face Brazil, Costa Rica and Switzerland in their group, looked vulnerable every time the South American champions -- who surprisingly failed to qualify for the World Cup -- came forward. Guillermo Maripan headed in an 89th-winner for Chile, a fair reward for their more adventurous display. Morocco, who face Iran, Portugal and Spain in World Cup Group B, produced plenty of slick passing against Slovakia as they extended their unbeaten run to 11 matches. Although they fell behind to a long-range Jans Gregus effort in the 59th minute, Morocco replied with goals from Ayoub Kaabi and Younes Belhanda in a 10-minute spell. Poland's preparations suffered a blow when defender Kamil Glik seriously injured his shoulder in training on the same day as being named in their 23-man squad. Coach Adam Nawalka said the 30-year-old, who fell awkwardly after attempting an overhead kick, would be replaced by VfB Stuttgart's Marcin Kaminski if he did not recover in time to travel to Russia. Egypt gambled on Mohamed Salah returning to fitness by naming him in their final squad, while Mohamed Elneny, the midfielder who has not played since April after suffering an ankle injury in action for Arsenal, was also included. Salah is still recovering from the shoulder ligament injury suffered in last month's Champions League final when he went off early in the game in Kiev as Liverpool lost to Real Madrid. Egypt are hoping he will recover within three weeks, which could leave him fit to play in their final group match against Saudi Arabia on June 25. Egypt's squad also includes veteran goalkeeper Essam El Hadary, who will be 45-years-old when his side play Uruguay. Should he feature, El Hadary would become the oldest player to feature in the World Cup, Belgium coach Roberto Martinez gave Vincent Kompany two weeks to recover from a groin injury in time for the tournament, retaining the Manchester City captain in his squad but putting Laurent Ciman on standby. Italy, in their third game under coach Roberto Mancini, spurned a series of first-half chances in Turin and went ahead in the 67th minute when Simone Zaza squeezed home a square pass after a sprint down the right flank by Federico Chiesa. But Italy had defender Domenico Criscito sent off two minutes later after he picked up a second caution, and paid dearly when Nathan Ake levelled two minutes from time.

FIFA World Cup: Lukewarm Serbia stumble at home, Morocco impress

The mega event hosted by Russia will be keenly followed by thousands of fans around the world

FIFA 2018: All you need to know about 21st edition of football World Cup

Mladic was convicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia of crimes committed against Bosnian Muslims and Bosnian Croats in the former Yugoslavia during the 1990s. The tribunal declared that the crimes he committed were &ldquo;among the most heinous known to humankind&rdquo;.

Trials of former high-ranking war criminals are often peppered with drama, and this week&rsquo;s verdict announcement was no exception. Disruption of trials is a way for previously powerful people - usually men - to reclaim some of their lost power.

Halfway through the verdict summary announcement, Mladic requested a break. After a lengthy break, the court was informed that Mladic had high blood pressure, but on medical advice, deemed it appropriate to continue. At this point, Mladic refused to sit and began shouting at the judges: &ldquo;this is a lie&rdquo; and &ldquo;shame on you&rdquo;.

He was thrown out of court and watched the rest of the proceedings from another room. This, unfortunately, meant that victims were unable to see his reaction to the long-awaited verdict and sentencing.

Long road to justice

First indicted by the Tribunal in 1995, Mladic stayed in military resorts, protected even though a fugitive. He later went into hiding until his arrest in Serbia in 2011. Mladic&rsquo;s trial began in 2012, concluded in 2016, with the verdict delivered on November 22.

Mladic, who came to be known as the &ldquo;Butcher of Bosnia&rdquo;, rose through the ranks to become the commander of the Bosnian Serb army in 1992, participating in atrocities committed under Serbian leader Slobodan Milo&scaron;evic&rsquo;s regime. Milo&scaron;evic was also tried by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, but died before he could be convicted.

Mladic played a leadership role in these atrocities, commanding the army as it committed crimes across the regime. He has been convicted of &ldquo;Joint Criminal Enterprise&rdquo; &ndash; the international equivalent of conspiracy &ndash; alongside other leaders such as Milo&scaron;evic and Bosnian Serb politician Radovan Karad?ic. The tribunal found that Mladic was instrumental in the crimes and they would not have taken place without his involvement.

The atrocities included the siege of Sarajevo, which lasted for 44 months from 1992-95. Some 10,000 people died during the siege, including many children. Some of Mladic&rsquo;s other crimes were committed at internment camps such as Omarska and Foca, where thousands were tortured and raped. He has also been held responsible for the kidnapping of UN peacekeepers in order to leverage NATO to stop air strikes.

Convicting the high-ranking Mladic is symbolic and momentous, as he was the commander of the soldiers who carried out these actions.

Perhaps most significant is the conviction for genocide over mass killings at Srebrenica in July 1995. Some 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were killed and buried in mass graves. Identification of remains is ongoing, with thousands of bones and personal belongings still being analysed in hope of a match for families that continue to seek the whereabouts of loved ones. Identification is hampered by the fact that two months after the killings, bodies were moved to alternative mass grave locations.

A welcome day for survivors

The many survivors have waited a long time justice, both for themselves and for their lost loved ones. Some victims travelled to The Hague to hear the verdict first hand.

It is particularly poignant, given that some of the war criminals convicted by the tribunal have already served their sentences and returned to Serbia and Bosnia, now living in communities with their victims. A life sentence for Mladic is a source of satisfaction to the victims; a minimum justice for their suffering and loss.

Legal consequences of this ruling are also substantial. Proving genocide in court is challenging for prosecutors, with the requirement of a &ldquo;special intent&rdquo; to eliminate part or whole of a specific population. Convictions for genocide are rare; only a handful of convicted perpetrators at the ICTY were found guilty of genocide, including Karad?ic and Radislav Krstic, a deputy commander in the Bosnian Serb army.

The confirmation that the Srebrenica massacre was indeed a genocide is important because many Bosnian Serbs continue to deny the fact. Victims hope the ruling will contribute to a broader acknowledgement, which in turn could help the reconciliation process.

Yet others have little hope that the ruling will change things. Srebrenica&rsquo;s Serb mayor Mladen Grujicic still denies the genocide, and many Serbian nationalists still laud Mladic and his fellow war criminals as heroes.

Mladic was found not guilty of one count of genocide, in reference to a broader spate of killings throughout Bosnia. This is in keeping with previous decisions, where Srebrenica has been deemed genocide, but the overall objective of the leadership for the whole of the Yugoslav territory has not.

This verdict is the final judgement to be delivered by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, slated to close at the end of this year. Since it was established in 1993, the tribunal has indicted 161 individuals and convicted 84 perpetrators of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.

Some 4,650 witnesses have appeared, more than 1,000 of whom testified about the Srebrenica genocide. There are only seven proceedings remaining, with the UN Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals finalising cases. The tribunal has undoubtedly contributed to justice and reconciliation in the former Yugoslavia.

However, success has not been absolute, with criticism that sentences have been too short. There is also an inevitable post-atrocity denial of crimes committed by perpetrators and their communities, with continued rejection by Serbian communities and politicians of the validity and decisions of the Tribunal.

These 84 convictions are clearly only a small proportion of the thousands of perpetrators. With the wind-up of the tribunal, remaining perpetrators will continue to be tried at local war crimes courts in Bosnia.

Throughout Europe, 14 countries have housed convicted tribunal war criminals in their prisons. Mladic will serve his sentence in a country yet to be determined.

While it may not bring their loved ones back, survivors can have some comfort in knowing the man who ordered and oversaw the atrocities will spend the rest of his life in prison.

This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" rel="nofollow" target="blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/ratko-mladic-the-butcher-of-bosnia-to-spend-life-in-prison-for-genocide-and-war-crimes-87927" rel="nofollow" target="blank">original article</a>.

(Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

Survivors can have some comfort in knowing the man who ordered and oversaw the atrocities will spend the rest of his life in prison

Mladic was convicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia of crimes committed against Bosnian Muslims and Bosnian Croats in the former Yugoslavia during the 1990s. The tribunal declared that the crimes he committed were “among the most heinous known to humankind”. Trials of former high-ranking war criminals are often peppered with drama, and this week’s verdict announcement was no exception. Disruption of trials is a way for previously powerful people - usually men - to reclaim some of their lost power. Halfway through the verdict summary announcement, Mladic requested a break. After a lengthy break, the court was informed that Mladic had high blood pressure, but on medical advice, deemed it appropriate to continue. At this point, Mladic refused to sit and began shouting at the judges: “this is a lie” and “shame on you”. He was thrown out of court and watched the rest of the proceedings from another room. This, unfortunately, meant that victims were unable to see his reaction to the long-awaited verdict and sentencing. Long road to justice First indicted by the Tribunal in 1995, Mladic stayed in military resorts, protected even though a fugitive. He later went into hiding until his arrest in Serbia in 2011. Mladic’s trial began in 2012, concluded in 2016, with the verdict delivered on November 22. Mladic, who came to be known as the “Butcher of Bosnia”, rose through the ranks to become the commander of the Bosnian Serb army in 1992, participating in atrocities committed under Serbian leader Slobodan Miloševic’s regime. Miloševic was also tried by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, but died before he could be convicted. Mladic played a leadership role in these atrocities, commanding the army as it committed crimes across the regime. He has been convicted of “Joint Criminal Enterprise” – the international equivalent of conspiracy – alongside other leaders such as Miloševic and Bosnian Serb politician Radovan Karad?ic. The tribunal found that Mladic was instrumental in the crimes and they would not have taken place without his involvement. The atrocities included the siege of Sarajevo, which lasted for 44 months from 1992-95. Some 10,000 people died during the siege, including many children. Some of Mladic’s other crimes were committed at internment camps such as Omarska and Foca, where thousands were tortured and raped. He has also been held responsible for the kidnapping of UN peacekeepers in order to leverage NATO to stop air strikes. Convicting the high-ranking Mladic is symbolic and momentous, as he was the commander of the soldiers who carried out these actions. Perhaps most significant is the conviction for genocide over mass killings at Srebrenica in July 1995. Some 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were killed and buried in mass graves. Identification of remains is ongoing, with thousands of bones and personal belongings still being analysed in hope of a match for families that continue to seek the whereabouts of loved ones. Identification is hampered by the fact that two months after the killings, bodies were moved to alternative mass grave locations. A welcome day for survivors The many survivors have waited a long time justice, both for themselves and for their lost loved ones. Some victims travelled to The Hague to hear the verdict first hand. It is particularly poignant, given that some of the war criminals convicted by the tribunal have already served their sentences and returned to Serbia and Bosnia, now living in communities with their victims. A life sentence for Mladic is a source of satisfaction to the victims; a minimum justice for their suffering and loss. Legal consequences of this ruling are also substantial. Proving genocide in court is challenging for prosecutors, with the requirement of a “special intent” to eliminate part or whole of a specific population. Convictions for genocide are rare; only a handful of convicted perpetrators at the ICTY were found guilty of genocide, including Karad?ic and Radislav Krstic, a deputy commander in the Bosnian Serb army. The confirmation that the Srebrenica massacre was indeed a genocide is important because many Bosnian Serbs continue to deny the fact. Victims hope the ruling will contribute to a broader acknowledgement, which in turn could help the reconciliation process. Yet others have little hope that the ruling will change things. Srebrenica’s Serb mayor Mladen Grujicic still denies the genocide, and many Serbian nationalists still laud Mladic and his fellow war criminals as heroes. Mladic was found not guilty of one count of genocide, in reference to a broader spate of killings throughout Bosnia. This is in keeping with previous decisions, where Srebrenica has been deemed genocide, but the overall objective of the leadership for the whole of the Yugoslav territory has not. This verdict is the final judgement to be delivered by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, slated to close at the end of this year. Since it was established in 1993, the tribunal has indicted 161 individuals and convicted 84 perpetrators of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. Some 4,650 witnesses have appeared, more than 1,000 of whom testified about the Srebrenica genocide. There are only seven proceedings remaining, with the UN Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals finalising cases. The tribunal has undoubtedly contributed to justice and reconciliation in the former Yugoslavia. However, success has not been absolute, with criticism that sentences have been too short. There is also an inevitable post-atrocity denial of crimes committed by perpetrators and their communities, with continued rejection by Serbian communities and politicians of the validity and decisions of the Tribunal. These 84 convictions are clearly only a small proportion of the thousands of perpetrators. With the wind-up of the tribunal, remaining perpetrators will continue to be tried at local war crimes courts in Bosnia. Throughout Europe, 14 countries have housed convicted tribunal war criminals in their prisons. Mladic will serve his sentence in a country yet to be determined. While it may not bring their loved ones back, survivors can have some comfort in knowing the man who ordered and oversaw the atrocities will spend the rest of his life in prison. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. (Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

Opinion: Ratko Mladic, the 'Butcher of Bosnia', to spend life in prison

UN judges Wednesday began handing down their verdict in the trial of former Bosnian Serbian commander Ratko Mladic, accused of genocide and war crimes in the brutal Balkans conflicts over two decades ago.&nbsp;

Dubbed &quot;The Butcher of Bosnia,&quot; Mladic&#39;s trial is the last before the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and comes as the court prepares to close its doors next month.

After rumours that he would not attend his verdict, the former general, 74, who once cut a swathe of fear against Bosnia, appeared relaxed in courtroom as he listened intently to presiding judge Alphons Orie.

Wednesday&#39;s verdict has been long awaited by tens of thousands of victims across the bitterly-divided region, and dozens gathered early outside the courtroom in The Hague, many clutching photos of loved ones who died or are among the 7,000 still missing.&nbsp;

&quot;Bosnia and Herzegovina: No impunity for war criminals!&quot;, read one banner, while another had a picture of Mladic with a human skull saying: &quot;Guilty of all!&quot;

&quot;We will see today. Will he be found guilty or will he be seen as a hero?,&quot; Munira Subasic, president of the Mothers of Srebrenica, told AFP.

Mladic has denied 11 counts including genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the 1992-1995 war that killed 100,000 and displaced 2.2 million as ethnic rivalries tore Yugoslavia apart. &nbsp;

Prosecutors accuse Mladic and his political counterpart Radovan Karadzic of seeking through ethnic cleansing to &quot;permanently remove&quot; Bosnian Muslims and Bosnian Croats from areas claimed by Bosnian Serbs.

Genocide 
Wednesday&#39;s verdict &quot;is one of the most important in the history of the tribunal&quot;, chief prosecutor Serge Brammertz told AFP.

Mladic &quot;was the mastermind behind the killing of thousands of people,&quot; he said. In a twist of fate, former Serbian president Slobodan Milosevic died in 2006 while on trial.

Caught after 16 years on the run, Mladic faces two genocide charges including for the 1995 massacre in northeastern Srebrenica, where troops under his command slaughtered almost 8,000 Muslim men and boys.

The killings, in which the victims were marched away, shot in the back and dumped in mass graves, was one of the darkest episodes in the conflict, and has been called the worst atrocity on European soil since World War II.&nbsp;

Once a brutish military commander who strode around in combat fatigues, Mladic will also be judged for directing a 44-month campaign of sniping and shelling to terrorise citizens in Bosnia&#39;s capital Sarajevo, which left about 10,000 dead.

Mladic is further charged with taking hostage more than 200 NATO military personnel and keeping them as human shields to prevent NATO air strikes against the Bosnian Serb army.

Prosecutors have called for a life sentence, and Brammertz said that given Mladic&#39;s alleged &quot;high level of responsibility&quot; no other term &quot;will be acceptable to us&quot;.&nbsp;

In a complex case spread over five years, almost 600 witnesses testified and more than 10,000 exhibits were presented.

&#39;Not a monster&#39; 
But defence lawyers -- who in the past few days filed a flurry of requests to have their ailing client&#39;s health assessed -- have slammed his trial as &quot;political&quot;.&nbsp;

Just minutes before the verdict hearing began, they filed a new motion protesting that it was going ahead and saying he was appearing &quot;against the advice of medical specialists.&quot;

In a background paper handed out Wednesday to reporters, they insisted: &quot;The prosecution has failed to uncover a single order in which General Mladic ordered anyone to commit a crime.&quot;

They insist he is &quot;not a monster&quot; and have called for his acquittal.

After suffering at least three strokes, Mladic has been left with &quot;part paralysis of the entire right side of his body,&quot; lawyer Dragan Ivetic said.

&#39;We need justice&#39; 
For victims of the atrocities committed by the Bosnian Serb army however, the time has come for Mladic to face justice.

Subasic, who said she had begged Mladic to spare her son at Srebrenica, told AFP the truth had to be unveiled.

&quot;We need truth, we need justice. Without justice there&#39;s no trust, without trust there&#39;s no reconciliation,&quot; she said.

For Fikret Alic,a survivor of a Bosnian Serb camp, told AFP: who was in &quot;I hope justice will be done by this verdict, so that people will stop suffering. It will send a message to the world.&quot;

Mladic faces two genocide charges including for a 1995 massacre in northeastern Srebrenica, where troops under his command slaughtered almost 8,000 Muslim men and boys

UN judges Wednesday began handing down their verdict in the trial of former Bosnian Serbian commander Ratko Mladic, accused of genocide and war crimes in the brutal Balkans conflicts over two decades ago. Dubbed "The Butcher of Bosnia," Mladic's trial is the last before the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and comes as the court prepares to close its doors next month. After rumours that he would not attend his verdict, the former general, 74, who once cut a swathe of fear against Bosnia, appeared relaxed in courtroom as he listened intently to presiding judge Alphons Orie. Wednesday's verdict has been long awaited by tens of thousands of victims across the bitterly-divided region, and dozens gathered early outside the courtroom in The Hague, many clutching photos of loved ones who died or are among the 7,000 still missing. "Bosnia and Herzegovina: No impunity for war criminals!", read one banner, while another had a picture of Mladic with a human skull saying: "Guilty of all!" "We will see today. Will he be found guilty or will he be seen as a hero?," Munira Subasic, president of the Mothers of Srebrenica, told AFP. Mladic has denied 11 counts including genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the 1992-1995 war that killed 100,000 and displaced 2.2 million as ethnic rivalries tore Yugoslavia apart. Prosecutors accuse Mladic and his political counterpart Radovan Karadzic of seeking through ethnic cleansing to "permanently remove" Bosnian Muslims and Bosnian Croats from areas claimed by Bosnian Serbs. Genocide Wednesday's verdict "is one of the most important in the history of the tribunal", chief prosecutor Serge Brammertz told AFP. Mladic "was the mastermind behind the killing of thousands of people," he said. In a twist of fate, former Serbian president Slobodan Milosevic died in 2006 while on trial. Caught after 16 years on the run, Mladic faces two genocide charges including for the 1995 massacre in northeastern Srebrenica, where troops under his command slaughtered almost 8,000 Muslim men and boys. The killings, in which the victims were marched away, shot in the back and dumped in mass graves, was one of the darkest episodes in the conflict, and has been called the worst atrocity on European soil since World War II. Once a brutish military commander who strode around in combat fatigues, Mladic will also be judged for directing a 44-month campaign of sniping and shelling to terrorise citizens in Bosnia's capital Sarajevo, which left about 10,000 dead. Mladic is further charged with taking hostage more than 200 NATO military personnel and keeping them as human shields to prevent NATO air strikes against the Bosnian Serb army. Prosecutors have called for a life sentence, and Brammertz said that given Mladic's alleged "high level of responsibility" no other term "will be acceptable to us". In a complex case spread over five years, almost 600 witnesses testified and more than 10,000 exhibits were presented. 'Not a monster' But defence lawyers -- who in the past few days filed a flurry of requests to have their ailing client's health assessed -- have slammed his trial as "political". Just minutes before the verdict hearing began, they filed a new motion protesting that it was going ahead and saying he was appearing "against the advice of medical specialists." In a background paper handed out Wednesday to reporters, they insisted: "The prosecution has failed to uncover a single order in which General Mladic ordered anyone to commit a crime." They insist he is "not a monster" and have called for his acquittal. After suffering at least three strokes, Mladic has been left with "part paralysis of the entire right side of his body," lawyer Dragan Ivetic said. 'We need justice' For victims of the atrocities committed by the Bosnian Serb army however, the time has come for Mladic to face justice. Subasic, who said she had begged Mladic to spare her son at Srebrenica, told AFP the truth had to be unveiled. "We need truth, we need justice. Without justice there's no trust, without trust there's no reconciliation," she said. For Fikret Alic,a survivor of a Bosnian Serb camp, told AFP: who was in "I hope justice will be done by this verdict, so that people will stop suffering. It will send a message to the world."

Judgement day begins for Ratko Mladic, 'Butcher of Bosnia'

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

Hundreds of migrants from the Middle East and Asia marched through Belgrade today on their way to Hungary, and announced a hunger strike to underline their demand for passage to western Europe. 
 
Last month Hungary, Serbia&#39;s northern neighbour and an European Union member, allowed police to send back illegal migrants detained within eight kilometres of its razor wire-fenced frontier with Serbia. It has also limited the number of daily entries to a maximum of 30, creating a bottleneck in Serbia. 
 
A group of around 300 men, mainly from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran, marched across the main bridge between Belgrades city centre and the Novi Beograd area, with a police car leading the column. There were no women or children in the group.&nbsp; 
 
A police officer who declined to be named said the migrants had started a march to the Hungarian border, around 200 kilometres to the north. &quot;We are here to guarantee their safety and prevent accidents en route,&quot; he said. 
 
Earlier in the day, the group also announced a hunger strike, said Vladimir Sjekloca, a manager of Belgrade&#39;s Asylum Info Centre. 
 
&quot;They want to go to Hungary, they want borders open,&quot; he said. &quot;Most of them spent the night in the park.&quot; To cope with the inflow of over 100,000 migrants that passed through Serbia so far this year, the country&#39;s police and army last week formed joint border patrols. More than 650,000 people passed through Serbia last year on their way to the EU. 
 
On Friday, Aleksandar Vulin, Serbia`s minister for social affairs, said as many as 3,000 migrants were stranded in the country. 
&quot;Serbia cannot allow that,&quot; Vulin was quoted as saying by the Tanjug news agency. &quot;It will not suffer because EU countries cannot find a joint solution.&quot; 
 
Unlike in 2015, when countries tried to organise the orderly passage of migrants, the closure of the Balkan route prompted many to cross borders illegally or through human trafficking networks. 
 
(Reuters)

More than 650,000 people passed through Serbia last year on their way to the EU

Hundreds of migrants from the Middle East and Asia marched through Belgrade today on their way to Hungary, and announced a hunger strike to underline their demand for passage to western Europe. Last month Hungary, Serbia's northern neighbour and an European Union member, allowed police to send back illegal migrants detained within eight kilometres of its razor wire-fenced frontier with Serbia. It has also limited the number of daily entries to a maximum of 30, creating a bottleneck in Serbia. A group of around 300 men, mainly from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran, marched across the main bridge between Belgrades city centre and the Novi Beograd area, with a police car leading the column. There were no women or children in the group. A police officer who declined to be named said the migrants had started a march to the Hungarian border, around 200 kilometres to the north. "We are here to guarantee their safety and prevent accidents en route," he said. Earlier in the day, the group also announced a hunger strike, said Vladimir Sjekloca, a manager of Belgrade's Asylum Info Centre. "They want to go to Hungary, they want borders open," he said. "Most of them spent the night in the park." To cope with the inflow of over 100,000 migrants that passed through Serbia so far this year, the country's police and army last week formed joint border patrols. More than 650,000 people passed through Serbia last year on their way to the EU. On Friday, Aleksandar Vulin, Serbia`s minister for social affairs, said as many as 3,000 migrants were stranded in the country. "Serbia cannot allow that," Vulin was quoted as saying by the Tanjug news agency. "It will not suffer because EU countries cannot find a joint solution." Unlike in 2015, when countries tried to organise the orderly passage of migrants, the closure of the Balkan route prompted many to cross borders illegally or through human trafficking networks. (Reuters)

Migrants in Serbia march to Hungary, announce hunger strike

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