Kosovo high court finds flaws in deal giving more powers to ethnic Serbs

Kosovo lawmakers debate passing constitutional amendments, in Pristina, on Monday, Aug. 3, 2015. (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)

PRISTINA, Kosovo - Kosovo's constitutional Court says a deal between Kosovo and Serbia reached earlier this year, which would give more powers to ethnic Serbs in Kosovo, is not in line with the country's constitution.

In its ruling Wednesday, the court said Kosovo's minority Serbs can run their own affairs, including the right to form an association of municipalities where they are in majority but that association cannot have executive rights reserved for central government.

The issue has sparked months of protests by Kosovo's opposition, which has attempted to block the workings of the country's Parliament, using tear gas, pepper spray and whistles.

The opposition has called for a referendum or fresh elections if the government doesn't halt the deal.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, an act that Serbia still rejects.