Kosovo welcomes Turkey mediation over Serbia ties

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said Turkey was ready assume a mediator role between Kosovo and Serbia if the two countries requested it.

"We are ready for mediation between Kosovo and Serbia if receive such an invitation. Because we want setting in this region based on peace, which is all we need," Erdogan told reporters in a joint press appearance with his Kosovo counterpart, Hashim Thaci, in Pristina.

Erdogan said that Turkey's relations with Serbia had recently seen a significant progress, and that the Serbian leadership had signaled an expectation for a Turkish mediation, coupled with a similar position from the Kosovar side as well.

"Turkey is ready to assume whatever role it is requested of to contribute to the peace process in the Balkans," Erdogan said.

Erdogan said Turkey was among the countries first to recognize Kosovo's independence, adding that Muslim countries seemed hesitant for recognition.

"Turkey is a member of the Organization of the Islamic Conference and Turkey's recognition of Kosovo's independence is a signal for other members of the organization. And the ruling by the European Court of Human Rights will pave the way for more positive developments," Erdogan said.