(ANSA-AFP) - BELGRADE, MAR 1 - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic vowed to never recognise Kosovo after refusing to sign an EU-backed deal aimed at normalising ties between the rivals, following failed talks this week that aimed to deliver a breakthrough. Brussels hosted the leaders of Kosovo and Serbia on Monday, as the European Union ramped up pressure on the long-time bitter foes to iron out a pathway for an agreement that would lead to "de-facto" normalisation of ties. But despite vows that an agreement was close at hand, the talks ended in a stalemate with both sides blaming the other and insisting many issues remained unresolved that would prevent an agreement.

Vucic took to the airwaves late Tuesday where the president told viewers he would never recognise Kosovo and had no plans to help clear their way to United Nations membership. "As long as I am president, I will not sign or accept either formal or informal recognition of Kosovo or Kosovo joining the United Nations," Vucic said during a televised interview. (ANSA-AFP).