13/06/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 13 June, the Transport Council granted the European Commission a mandate to negotiate a transport treaty with the countries of the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro and Croatia). Talks are scheduled to begin on 24 June. In March, the Commission said the treaty was a measure to foster the European integration of the region. The aim is to integrate the infrastructure and legislation of the aforementioned states with that of the Community land (rail and road transport), maritime and inland waterway sectors (see EUROPE 9606). It will include security, safety and environmental standards. Negotiations with Kosovo, which has its own transport system, will be conducted on the basis of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244;, until the issue the country's status is finally decided. (A.By./transl.rt)