The talks are chaired by UN special envoy Martti Ahtisaari, who must present his proposals on Kosovo's status to the UN by the end of March.

The summit is seen as a last chance for two sides to present their views on his plan. He backs a form of self-rule for Kosovo which stops short of full independence. Ethnic Albanian politicians are broadly in favour of the blueprint, which gives Kosovo the trappings of a sovereign state, but Serbia strongly opposes it.

At the talks, which mark the end of a year-long diplomatic process, Serbian president Boris Tadic and prime minister Vojislav Kostunica are expected to voice their rejection of the proposals. Kosovan president Fatmir Sejdiu and prime minister Agim Ceku are set to give their backing.

"We came here today to complete this important process and make our contribution to an independent Kosovo, " Sejdiu said before the talks opened.

But Kostunica said, "Snatching Kosovo from Serbia would represent the most dangerous precedent in the history of the UN."

Ethnic Albanians comprise some 90% of Kosovo's people.