Kosovan Prime Minister Hashim Thaci called the decision a "historic turnaround" for the state.

BBC: Kosovo declared 'fully independent'

Meanwhile, Mr Thaci underwent a gradual process of transformation from left-wing guerrilla to mainstream political leader.

BBC: Kosovo profile

Mr Thaci condemned the protesters, saying they were "opposed to progress in Kosovo".

BBC: Clashes in Kosovo over launch of Serbia dialogue

Last year, I met Prime Minister Thaci in his office, on the second floor of a drab fourteen-story tower in central Pristina.

NEWYORKER: Bring Up the Bodies

Meanwhile Mr Thaci said the settlement would help pave the way for both Kosovo and Serbia to join the EU and Nato.

BBC: Serbia and Kosovo reach EU-brokered landmark accord

The deal was reached after months of tense negotiations between Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic and Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci in Brussels.

BBC: Serbia and Kosovo reach EU-brokered landmark accord

Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic said he had not been able to reach agreement with his Kosovo counterpart, Hashim Thaci, on normalising ties.

BBC: Serbia-Kosovo talks fail to reach accord in Brussels

The head of the rebel army's political wing, Hasim Thaci, 29, who was the Kosovars' chief negotiator in France, felt obliged to defer to Mr Demaci.

ECONOMIST: Kosovo��s elusive peace

Last October, Kosovan Prime Minister Hashim Thaci had talks with his Serbian counterpart Ivica Dacic in Brussels - the first direct political contact between the two sides since Kosovo proclaimed independence in 2008.

BBC: Kosovo violence: Children injured in Mitrovica blast

The protest was organised following last week's talks between Mr Thaci and his Serbian counterpart Ivica Dacic in Brussels - the first direct political contact between the two sides since Kosovo proclaimed independence in 2008.

BBC: Clashes in Kosovo over launch of Serbia dialogue