MITROVICA, Kosovo (AP): Several thousand Serbs are protesting in Kosovo's north against the formation of an ethnic Albanian security force.

The protesters claim the new Kosovo Security Force is designed to harass the Serb minority, and say they will not allow the NATO-trained force to deploy in the Serb-dominated north.

They are urging Serbia's government to hold a Feb. 17 session in Kosovo as the former Serbian province marks its first anniversary of independence. Serbia rejects Kosovo's statehood.

Kosovo's security force is dominated by ethnic-Albanians and commanded by a former rebel leader that fought Serbia during the 1998-99 war. It will begin operating only after recruitment is finished.