In an interview with the BBC on August 1, Jeremic said Serbia could give Kosovo "the widest possible autonomy in the world," with direct access to international financial institutions and "some kind of representation abroad."

"We are prepared to give up a lot of things, but they also need to be prepared to give up something," Jeremic said, adding that a "large gap" remains between the negotiating positions of Belgrade and Prishtina.

Kosovo's ethnic-Albanian majority seeks independence from Kosovo. Serbia has offered Kosovo greater autonomy, but rules out independence for the province.

Belgrade is soon due to start a new round of talks with the Kosovo Albanian leadership, with the participation of U.S., EU, and Russian officials.

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