Clinton, EU diplomats on joint tour of Balkans

SARAJEVO - Associated Press

Visiting U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is welcomed by Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika at the Presidency in Algiers, Algeria, on Oct. 29, 2012. ABACA photo

The top American and European diplomats are on a joint diplomatic tour of the Balkans, urging rival ethnic groups and governments in Bosnia, Serbia and Kosovo to settle their differences for the good of their nations.
 
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton was talking Tuesday with European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton in the Bosnian capital of Sarajevo. They are then meeting together with Bosnia’s three presidents before traveling to Belgrade for similar talks with Serbian leaders. Clinton and Ashton will see Kosovo’s leaders on Wednesday.
 
Clinton and Ashton are expected to support each Balkan nation’s efforts to join the EU and NATO.
 
But they will demand reforms on market and democratic issues as well as the rule of law and greater respect for minorities.