Up in smoke as MPs hold up session in Kosovo
Print Edition
KOSOVO’S opposition released tear gas in parliament for a sixth time yesterday, despite a recent reprimand from United States secretary of state John Kerry over the ongoing disruption.
Opposition members of parliament have for more than two months paralyzed the work of parliament in protest against European Union-brokered dialogue and deals reached with Serbia, the country from which Kosovo declared independence in 2008.
The opposition nevertheless renewed its protest yesterday, with MPs Glauk Konjufca and Time Kadrijaj opening canisters to release tear gas that spread through the chamber and forced a suspension of proceedings.
“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.”
They are particularly opposed to a deal to give more autonomy to Kosovo’s ethnic Serb minority, which it says will deepen Kosovo’s ethnic divide and increase Serbia’s influence.
Protesters also reject a border demarcation deal with neighboring Montenegro, arguing that it has led to a loss of territory.
Yesterday’s protest went ahead despite the presence of about 100 plainclothes police in gas masks inside the chamber, while dozens of opposition supporters were outside.
Police have detained several opposition MPs in recent weeks over the tear gas episodes.
The EU has been brokering talks and deals between Serbia and Kosovo in a bid to improve ties between the two sides, which fought a 1998-99 war.
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