Brussels, 28/06/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 28 June, the European Council adopted decisions authorising the opening of negotiations on a stabilisation and association agreement (SAA) between the European Union and Kosovo without prejudice to the position on the status of the country, which is not recognised by five member states (Spain, Cyprus, Romania, Greece and Slovakia) as an independent state. Italy's Prime Minister Enrico Letta announced that the Council had adopted the negotiation mandate for the SAA. On 25 June, the General Affairs Council approved, in principle, the draft Council decision authorising the opening of negotiations and recommended that the European Council open the talks (see EUROPE 10874). Welcoming the progress made in dialogue and the agreement of 19 April, the agreement for implementation and the concrete measures taken over these past weeks, the European Council underlined that the continuation of visible and sustainable progress in restoring normal relations remains essential so that Belgrade and Pristina may continue on their respective roads towards Europe. The heads of state and government invited EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton and the Commission to continue to report to the Council on progress made in implementation of the 19 April agreement. (CG/transl.jl)