The Serbian cabinet decided July 24 2008, as announced on its website, to reinstate Serbia's ambassadors to European Union member states that had recognised Kosovo's February 17-declared independence.

The ambassadors were revoked “for consultations” earlier this year as a sign of protest against the recognition of the break-away Serbian province.

The proposition for reinstating the top diplomats was made by Serbian foreign minister Vuk Jeremic after consultations with president Boris Tadic held over the past weekend.

The decision is widely seen as a means to boost relations with the EU after Serbia’s new pro-Western government, sworn in on July 7, placed European integration at the top of its priorities, at the same time maintaining Belgrade’s rejection of Kosovo's declaration of independence.

After the ambassadors return to their states of function, Serbia will be represented at ambassador level in all EU member states except for Poland and Denmark, the new Serbian ambassadors to which are to be appointed later, broadcaster B92 said.