Kosovo Parliament ratifies agreement with EU

PRISTINA, Kosovo - The Associated Press

Kosovo President Atifete Jahjaga, front left, attends a Parliament session in capital Pristina on Monday, Nov. 2, 2015. Kosovo Parliament has voted overwhelmingly to ratify the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the European Union, considered a milestone for its economic growth. The 120-seat Parliament voted with 86 votes for the deal signed last week in Strasbourg, France, that opens the way to eventual full membership in the EU, Kosovo's main trading partner. (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)

Kosovo's Parliament has voted overwhelmingly to ratify a stabilization and association agreement with the European Union, considered a milestone for its economic growth.
     
The 120-seat Parliament voted with 86 votes for the deal signed last week in Strasbourg, France, that opens the way to eventual full membership in the EU, Kosovo's main trading partner.
     
The opposition boycotted the voting Monday. It wants the government to renounce deals with Serbia to give more powers to Serb-dominated areas of Kosovo, and with Montenegro on border demarcation.
     
During the past two months opposition lawmakers have disrupted parliamentary session using tear gas canisters, whistles and eggs, only allowing Monday's vote and last week's speech from the Austrian president.
     
Kosovo declared independence in 2008, a move not recognized by Serbia.