Croatia is a true leader in the region, and I hope it will keep on strengthening the rule of law and continue the fight against corruption, Gordon said at a panel discussion on the prospect of EU membership as a driving force for social and political change. He highlighted the importance of economic issues and urged the authorities to encourage investment.

Gordon said that the US would keep on working on the European integration of the entire region. Leaders of the countries will have to work even harder so that the Balkans would not fall off radar screens, he added, citing progress in many areas.

Euro-Atlantic integration is possible for all Western Balkan countries, and despite the enlargement fatigue the EU is keeping its door open, Gordon said. He echoed the words of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, saying that NATO should also keep its door open.

Speaking of relations between Serbia and Kosovo, Gordon said that the US expected the two countries to normalise their relations.

Neither we nor the EU expect Serbia to recognise Kosovo at this stage, and it will not do it. However, Serbia will have to come to terms with the reality of democratic, sovereign, independent and multiethnic Kosovo within its present borders, Gordon said. He added that the US was willing to assist in that process, but that Belgrade should stop supporting illegal security and judicial structures in northern Kosovo and ensure freedom of movement for all.

Belgrade should not be obstructing Kosovo's efforts at decentralisation, and division is not an option either for Serbia or for Kosovo, Gordon said.

The two-day summit brought together prime ministers, ministers and other officials from Europe, the United States, NATO and other organisations. The traditional annual meeting was for the first time attended by the foreign ministers of Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria and Libya. Former Serbian President Boris Tadic arrived on the second day of the summit on Saturday.