Serbia offers EU deal

BELGRADE: Serbia’s foreign minister and a top ally of President Aleksandar Vucic has suggested a compromise to end a conflict over Kosovo, the newest independent European state, that is blocking Serbia’s hopes of European Union membership.

Serbia, where many regard Kosovo as the cradle of their nation and Orthodox Christian faith, refuses to recognise the independence of its former province and has been blocking its membership in organisations including Interpol and Unesco.

But normalisation of relations with Pristina is a key condition for Serbia joining the EU.