Kosovar Opposition Deploys Tear Gas in Parliament

Kosovar opposition supporters who protest against the candidacy of current Deputy Prime Minister Hashim Thaci for president, threw two bombs containing tear gas into a room of the partially-recognized state’s parliament in its capital of Pristina, according to local media.

BELGRADE (Sputnik) – Members of the Kosovar opposition threw two bombs containing tear gas into a room of the partially-recognized state’s parliament in its capital of Pristina, where lawmakers were holding a session, local media reported Friday.

According to the RTK television channel, the lawmakers resumed their session after a break, but were unable to hold votes on most of the issues on their agenda.

Opposition supporters are currently holding a rally outside the parliament, protesting against the candidacy of current Deputy Prime Minister Hashim Thaci for president.

The Kosovar president is elected by the country’s parliament. The tenure of the current president expires on April 6, but a date for his successor's election has not been set yet. The opposition has been calling on the government to resign and for parliamentary elections to be held in March or April.

Kosovo, which is inhabited mostly by ethnic Albanians, declared independence from Serbia in February 2008 after years of struggle with Belgrade. Serbia considers Kosovo to be part of its territory. Dozens of countries, including Russia, do not recognize Kosovo as an independent state.