Serbia president hails Kosovo deal

(BELGRADE) - President Boris Tadic on Friday hailed a deal that allows Kosovo to take part in regional meetings, a move believed to clear the way for the European Union to accept Serbia as a candidate country.

"It is in the highest national interest to remove all obstacles to getting candidate status," Tadic said in a statement.

The EU, which is to deliver its verdict on Belgrade's application for candidacy next week, had repeatedly said that Serbia could not become a candidate unless the issue of Kosovo's representation at regional Western Balkans meetings was solved.

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

Kosovo declared independence from Serba in 2008 but the move was never recognised by Belgrade.

Tadic stressed that under the agreement Kosovo "will not be present as an independent state" in international forums.

With Pristina's presence in regional meetings, Tadic said Serbia "will have more influence on the economic and political processes" in Kosovo.