Kosovo says Serbia deal is key to its EU integration

(PRISTINA) - Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci said Friday that a deal with Serbia that enables Pristina to take part in regional meetings was "key" to the territory's EU and wider international integration.

"Today's agreement makes Kosovo a European Kosovo," Thaci told a press conference. "The agreement is a key for the integration of Kosovo in the international community."

He was speaking after Kosovan and Serbian negotiators reached the deal under which Pristina will be represented under the title "Kosovo*" -- the asterisk referring to a footnote outlining distinct international rulings on its disputed status.

The deal come after two days of EU-sponsored talks aimed at easing problems stemming from Pristina's 2008 unilateral declaration of independence and Serbia's staunch refusal to recognise the move.

The hardline nationalist opposition Self-determination Movement slammed the agreement as it set "an undefined status" for Kosovo and called for a protest Monday in front of government headquarters.

The protest is aimed at stopping the work of the government for four hours "as it cancels the state and (its) independence for us", opposition leader Albin Kurti said, referring to the deal.

Although Thaci conceded that "the formula is not the most ideal", he said it was "the most acceptable" at the moment.

Pristina will now be able to take part in Western Balkans meetings and sign agreements and speak for itself at summits, a role previously taken up by the UN mission in Kosovo, UNMIK.

"UNMIK will be no longer be at the table where Kosovo will be represented," Thaci said.