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Opposition Protesters, Police Clash In Kosovo Capital


Kosovo Protests Turn Violent
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WATCH: Protesters threw firebombs at government buildings, and police responded with tear gas, in the Kosovan capital, Prishtina. The demonstration was against an EU-brokered agreement on improving relations with Serbia, which gives greater autonomy to majority Serbian municipalities. (RFE/RL's Balkan Service)

Opposition supporters and police have clashed during an antigovernment protest in Kosovo’s capital, Pristina.

Following a peaceful start of the January 9 demonstration, some opposition supporters threw firebombs and stones at the government's headquarters, which caught fire before firefighters quickly doused the flames.

Police responded with tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Police said 14 people were hurt in the unrest, including 10 police officers and two journalists, while 24 protesters were arrested.

Several thousand people gathered for the protest, calling for early elections and the resignation of Prime Minister Isa Mustafa.

The opposition wants to block an EU-brokered agreement with Serbia designed to give greater autonomy to Serb-majority municipalities in Kosovo and the possibility of financing from Belgrade.

The agreement has not been ratified by either of the countries' parliaments.

Kosovo, which is overwhelmingly ethnic Albanian, declared independence from Serbia in 2008.

With reporting by AFP, AP, and Reuters

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