Protesters tried to disrupt the ceremony in Pristina by letting off tear gas canisters
- Protesters let off tear gas at ceremony
- Inauguration goes ahead as planned
- “I am the ordinary president of a nation of heroes” – Hashim Thaci
The news
ADVERTISEMENTOpposition supporters in Kosovo have set off tear gas in a bid to disrupt the inauguration ceremony of the country’s new president.
The Self Determination Movement Party admitted its members had planned the incident.
Eyewitnesses say several were detained by the police at the ceremony in Skanderberg Square in Pristina.
It went ahead without interruption, despite an opposition boycott.
The inauguration ceremony
The inauguration went ahead without interruption, despite an opposition boycott.
47-year-old Hashim Thaci has been sworn in.
He previously served as the country’s first prime minister following its separation from Serbia in 2008.
The context
There have been protests since last September over a deal signed between Kosovo and Serbia which gives more powers to the ethnic Serb community.
There is also disagreement over a border demarcation agreement with Montenegro.
In tweets
#Thaci's inauguration as #Kosovo's President interrupted by tear gas from opposition party https://t.co/KrmJ2Jfgwepic.twitter.com/N8BPfXqpEY
— Balkan Insight (@BalkanInsight) April 8, 2016
Opposition supporters let off tear gas canisters at Kosovan president’s inauguration > “I am an ordinary President of a nation of heroes” President Thaci today at the ceremony. pic.twitter.com/OrCqUrJxly
— Vlora Çitaku (@vloracitaku) April 8, 2016
Hashim Thaci is sworn in as president of Kosovo > BREAKING: Kosovo opposition toss again tear gas grenade into Parliament, after election of President Thaci last week pic.twitter.com/3qvXsSCFdE
— Vincent Triest (@VincentTriest) March 10, 2016
Protesters let off tear gas in Kosovan parliament in earlier protests