BRUSSELS, Feb. 22, 2005 (BETA) - Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel stated on Tuesday evening that it was important that "Belgrade joins the European Union in any form," because European and U.S. allies have one more "unfinished task" in the Balkans - the future of Serbia-Montenegro, and especially of Kosovo.

This will be high on the agenda during Austria 's time as chairing country of the European Union in the first half of 2006, Schuessel told reporters in Brussels, adding that Belgrade must be included in the solving of the status of Kosovo.

NATO leaders said in Brussels on Tuesday that a strong KFOR presence will remain in Kosovo and contribute to the political process there, in order for the province to become a multi-ethnic, peaceful and advanced society.