Kosovo hardliners protest Serbia deal

(PRISTINA) - More then 1,000 Kosovan ethnic Albanian hardliners Monday protested against a deal between Pristina and Belgrade that allows Kosovo to take part in regional meetings.

Protesters blocked access to the government buildings in Pristina chanting anti-regime slogans.

"This government does not work for the people (of Kosovo)," said Albin Kurti, the head of the nationalist Self-Determination Movement.

He added that by reaching the agreement with Belgrade the government "helped Serbia" obtain EU candidate status.

Self-Determination, the third biggest party in Kosovo's parliament, opposes all contact with Serbia and is working for unification with neighbouring Albania.

Under the accord reached Friday in Brussels, Kosovo would be represented in international forums under the title "Kosovo*" -- the asterisk referring to a footnote outlining distinct international rulings on its disputed status.

Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia in 2008 and is recognised by around 90 countries.

But the move was never recognised by Belgrade.