Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica today warned Kosovo Albanians against an "illegal" declaration of independence and called for talks on the territory's future to resume.
He proposed new talks be held in Kosovo and Serbia instead of abroad.
Almost 18 months of mediated talks, mostly in Vienna but also Brussels and London, have failed to reach accord.
"Serbia wants to negotiate and it's essential that a political and democratic settlement ... is found through talks," Mr Kostunica told Serbian state news agency Tanjug.
Serbia was ready for negotiations "in any town in the province, and for the next round to be held in Belgrade."
Mr Kostunica said Kosovo Albanians wanting "an illegal declaration of independence" instead of talks were launching "a dangerous experiment with unpredictable consequences".
A report made available by diplomats at the UN yesterday said there was no compromise to be found between Serbia's offer of autonomy and the Albanian independence demand after the mediated talks, which hit a December 10th deadline.
The United States and almost all European Union member states support independence for the territory, seeing it as the best way to ensure stability in the Balkans.
But Russia asked again yesterday for talks to continue until the two sides reach an agreement. It has said it wants any final solution for Kosovo to go through the United Nations Security Council, where Russia has a veto.