Serbian PM denounces EU agreement

Mr Kostunica says the EU mission to Kosovo undermines Serbia

Serbian PM Vojislav Kostunica has condemned a planned political accord with the EU, sparking a rift within Serbia's ruling coalition.

He said that by offering a deal while it was planning a police mission to Kosovo, Brussels was tricking Serbia into recognising Kosovo's independence.

The EU formally agreed a civilian mission on Monday, hours after Serbian President Boris Tadic was re-elected.

President Tadic's government faction insists on signing the EU agreement.

Thursday signing

The political accord with the EU - which offers Belgrade closer trade relations and relaxed visa requirements - is due to be signed on Thursday.

Thursday is D-day - if they sign, anything can happen with the government Velimir Ilic Serbian Investment Minister

In a statement, Mr Kostunica called for an immediate session of the Serbian Assembly.

"The EU, with this decision [the civilian mission], has directly undermined the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia and its constitutional order," he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Bozidar Djelic of Mr Tadic's Democratic Party said the election result on Sunday made it clear that the Serbian people had chosen to take a path towards EU membership.

But an ally of Mr Kostunica, Investment Minister Velimir Ilic, said if the EU deal were to be signed on Thursday, the cabinet could fall:

"Thursday is D-day," he said, "if they sign, anything can happen with the government".

If the prime minister does trigger the fall of his government, he could either seek new elections or try to form a new administration with nationalist leader and defeated presidential candidate Tomislav Nikolic.