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Kosovo opposition MPs release teargas in parliament

Monday, 14 December 2015 6:44 PM [ Last Update: Monday, 14 December 2015 6:48 PM ]

Members of the Parliament disperse after a tear gas was launched by opposition lawmakers, in the Kosovo Parliament on December 14, 2015.

Opposition lawmakers have released teargas in the Parliament in Kosovo over the government’s deals with Serbia and Montenegro.

On Monday, MPs Glauk Konjufca and Time Kadrijaj set off two teargas canisters in the chamber, forcing the lawmakers out of the debating chamber.

"This is a collective action by the opposition," Konjufca said.

"Others have done this too, and we will continue to do this in the future. Our breaching of the law is nothing compared to the damage that is being done by these agreements," he added.

The parliamentary sessions continued in another room, while most opposition MPs were banned from participation.

The opposition lawmakers are furious over an accord brokered by the EU in August between Kosovo's government and Serbia.

As part of the recent deal, Kosovo agreed to give more legislative and financial rights to its minority Serb community. It has also set up Serb-run municipalities that allow for greater autonomy.

The opposition MPs believe that the move will increase Serbia’s influence and deepen Kosovo’s ethnic divide.

Kosovo signed a border demarcation deal with neighboring Montenegro, which the opposition say would lead to Kosovo’s loss of territory.

Meanwhile, dozens of protesters gathered outside the parliament, throwing stones and paint at the building.

According to reports, an opposition MP was arrested.

Kosovo, whose population is predominantly ethnic Albanian, declared independence from Serbia in 2008. It has so far received international recognition from about 100 countries. However, Belgrade refuses to recognize Kosovo's independence.

Kosovo and Serbia were at war from 1998 to 1999, which ended after Serbian armed forces withdrew from the territory.

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