On the margins of the Millennium Development Goals summit in New York on Tuesday, Ban Ki-moon met Serbian President Boris Tadic and reaffirmed the UN readiness to help in the dialogue between the two sides, according to a press release issued by the World Organisation's press office.

The talks with Tadic focused on prospects for dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade to be facilitated by the European Union.

The press release recalls that by a consensus resolution, the General Assembly acknowledged the 22 July advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on Kosovo"s declaration of independence being in accordance with international law. It also recalls that the General Assembly welcomed the EU"s readiness to facilitate dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo.

Boris Tadic was quoted by the Serbian Tanjug news agency as saying that he and Ban agreed that "it is good for Belgrade and Pristina to start dialogue" which he said must address every outstanding issue.

Tadic said that Serbia would not change its policy on nonrecognition of Kosovo but that it would remain committed to dialogue.