EU High Representative Catherine Ashton talked with Serbian President Boris Tadic and Kosovo's Prime Minister Hasim Taci on Tuesday, and voiced the EU's concern over the escalation of tensions in northern Kosovo, underlining that the EU facilitated dialogue is the only way forward to solve the pressing issues.

Ashton stressed that it is essential to restore calm immediately, Tanjug learned.

The High Representative urged Tadic and Taci to help defuse the tensions and do all that is necessary to calm down the situation.

She also stressed that the efforts must focus on resolving the underlying issues through the EU facilitated dialogue.

“The dialogue is the only way forward to solve the issue of customs stamps and to re-establish free trade in both directions,” she said.

Ashton also asked Tadic and Taci to assist the efforts of the EU Special Representative in Kosovo and EULEX who have been talking to both sides in order to agree to a reasonable way forward.