February 17 (SeeNews) - Thousands of people gathered in a peaceful protest in Kosovo's capital on the Independence day, insisting for the abandonment of the EU-brokered deals with Serbia and Montenegro and the resignation of the government.
The main opposition party, Vetevendosje (translated as "Self-determination"), reported that over 100,000 people attended the rally, which is quite impressive considering the country's population of about 1.8 million inhabitants. However, according to a statement by the country's police the protesters were about 15,000.
The day before the rally eight activists from Vetevendosje were arrested, the party said on its website.
The opposition has given a 10-day ultimatum to the government to resign, local media reported.
"The people of Kosovo have risen to oppose the agreements, which are harmful for Kosovo, and against this government, which at all costs continues to support them. A government, which has broken 23 times the country's constitution is illegal and does not have the right to rule the country," Vetevendosje said in its statement.
At a press conference organised by the government, the country's prime minister Isa Mustafa said the government will continue its work until June 10, 2018, when its term ends, and invited the opposition to return to parliament.
The opposition declared it is against the EU-backed deal between Kosovo and Serbia reached last year, which gives more powers to ethnic Serbs in Kosovo. The Constitutional Court has pronounced part of the agreement as not in line with Kosovo's constitution. The opposition also rejects a border demarcation agreement with Montenegro.
In December the opposition made several attempts to disrupt the parliament's work. On the day when the country's budget was adopted, the opposition fired tear gas in the assembly's main chamber. On January 9, there was another massive anti-government protest, which, according to Vetevendosje, was also attended by about 100,000 people.
Currently, the country is governed by the coalition of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK).