Vucic and Thaci have "fierce" telephone conversation

Vucic and Thaci have "fierce" telephone conversation

They discussed "the importance and consequences" of the visit last week of EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini for the region of the Western Balkans.

"The two interlocutors agreed that talks and dialogue between the two sides are of crucial importance for keeping peace and stability and highlighted their joint commitment to the implementation of the agreements reached in Brussels," the statement said.

Later in the evening, Tanjug quoted state broadcaster RTS who reported that Vucic "had a fierce verbal confrontation with Thaci over establishment of a Kosovo army."

During a phone conversation, Vucic and Thaci "took completely opposite positions on the matter, the broadcaster said."

However, said RTS, they agreed to continue the talks "to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control and to preserve peace."

A statement posted on the website of the Kosovo president said that Thaci and Vucic "welcomed the visit of the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, in the region and confirmed their commitment to the dialogue."

"With Prime Minister Vucic we also discussed about the need for the implementation of the Brussels Agreement. I strongly believe that dialogue signals a new era in the Balkans," the statement said, quoting a message Thaci posted on Twitter.

"In this telephone conversation the mutual commitment to continue the dialogue and to implement the agreements reached in Brussels has been repeated," the statement said.