Kosovo talks extended

Paris, feb 15: The Kosovo peace talks have been extended by another week as no agreement could be reached between the Serbians and ethnic Albanians with US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright warning of air strikes if no solution could be reached by then.

8220;We have decided to continue the negotiations which must be concluded by Saturday, February 20,8221; French foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine, said in a statement here last evening after the meeting of the contact group, consisting of France, Russia, US, Britain, Germany and Italy.

Talks between Serbians and ethnic Albanians were arranged by the contact group following escalation of violence in Kosovo, southern Serbian province. The week-long talks yielded little as both sides stuck to their positions.