London, England (CNN) -- The U.N. General Assembly has adopted a landmark resolution calling for talks between Serbia and Kosovo, which declared its independence in February 2008.
Serbia has refused to recognize Kosovo's independence but the resolution on Thursday could open the way for the first direct talks between Belgrade and Pristina since the split.
Serbia had planned a resolution questioning Kosovo's independence, but softened it under pressure from the European Union to draft a compromise text, according to Agence-France Presse.
The EU agreed in turn to foster "dialogue between the parties" to bolster security in the Balkans and help Serbia and Kosovo in their efforts to join the EU.
"Dialogue in itself would be a factor for peace, security and stability in the region," said the resolution, which was passed without a formal vote.
CNN
