This was last formal meeting, EU’s Ashton says

BRUSSELS EU High Representative Catherine Ashton has said that Tuesday’s meeting was the last formal meeting between Belgrade, Pristina and the EU. She noted that Belgrade and Pristina would inform her about their decisions in the next several days. This was last formal meeting, EU’s Ashton says Ashton said that there was a “narrow but deep gap” between Belgrade and Pristina’s positions. In a release issued after the eighth round of the negotiations late on Tuesday, the EU high representative said that “several proposals were on the table” during the 12-hour talks. She also commended both prime ministers. “Both prime ministers, who I once again praise, were accompanied by their deputy prime ministers in the round that lasted for more than 12 hours. This is the last time we will meet formally. A number of proposals were put on the table. The gap between the two sides is very narrow but deep. They will now both go back and consult with their colleagues in their capitals and will let me know in the next few days of their decision,” Ashton’s statement said. “I wish them a good journey home and every possible success in reaching a conclusion,” she added. Serbian PM said early on Wednesday that “there is no agreement with Pristina” while Kosovo PM Hashim Thaci said that a new round of the talks could be held next week. Aleksandar Vucic, Catherine Ashton and Ivica Dacic (EU) B92

This was last formal meeting, EU’s Ashton says

Ashton said that there was a “narrow but deep gap” between Belgrade and Priština’s positions.

In a release issued after the eighth round of the negotiations late on Tuesday, the EU high representative said that “several proposals were on the table” during the 12-hour talks. She also commended both prime ministers.

“Both prime ministers, who I once again praise, were accompanied by their deputy prime ministers in the round that lasted for more than 12 hours. This is the last time we will meet formally. A number of proposals were put on the table. The gap between the two sides is very narrow but deep. They will now both go back and consult with their colleagues in their capitals and will let me know in the next few days of their decision,” Ashton’s statement said.

“I wish them a good journey home and every possible success in reaching a conclusion,” she added.

Serbian PM said early on Wednesday that “there is no agreement with Priština” while Kosovo PM Hashim Thaci said that a new round of the talks could be held next week.