Kosovo opposition releases tear gas in parliament

PRISTINA: Opposition lawmakers have released tear gas in Kosovo's parliament as they try to pressure the government into renouncing deals with Serbia and Montenegro.

Clouds of smoke from two tear gas canisters forced lawmakers out of the debating chamber Monday, the latest in a string of disruptions caused by the opposition since mid-September.

A coalition of opposition lawmakers has vowed to prevent any session of parliament until the country's government renounces a deal with Serbia that gives more powers to ethnic Serbs in Kosovo and another with Montenegro on border demarcation.

If the government refuses, the opposition wants a referendum on the issue or fresh elections. The government, the president and the international community have called for dialogue.