Kosovo's Thaci Given Serbia Arrest Warning

Serbian war crimes prosecutor Vladimir Vukcevic warned on Thursday that Thaci could be arrested if he attends the conference about Balkan countries' European integration in Belgrade on April 24.

"The investigation into Thaci is on hold because he is not accessible to Serbian investigative bodies. Interpol did cancel the validity of the arrest warrant for Thaci in other countries, because he is among the highest Albanian officials. However, in Serbia the warrant is in place, so we could arrest him if he comes," Vukcevic told newspaper Blic.

Thaci's political advisor, Ardian Arifaj, said on Wednesday that the Kosovo foreign minister has responded positively to the invitation to attend the conference.

"Thaci is one of the main politicians in the Balkans promoting peace and cooperation between people and countries. In this spirit, Thaci is prepared to travel to Belgrade," Arifaj said.

Kosovo deputy foreign minister Petrit Selimi said on Wednesday that Thaci's visit depends on the willingness of Serbia.

"The foreign ministry has responded positively to the invitation, because these visits help the process of normalisation of relations between Kosovo and Serbia," Selimi said.

He added that the Kosovo government guaranteed the security of Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic, Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic and other top officials when they visited Kosovo and that he hopes the Serbian government will reciprocate.

But Serbian foreign minister Ivica Dacic said that there is no need for Thaci to come to Belgrade.

"We have made a lot of steps towards normalisation of our relations in a way that was mutually agreed. This [invitation] was not mutually agreed, this was unilaterally organised by some non-governmental circles...