Kosovo opposition lawmakers have released tear gas to disrupt a parliamentary session to protest government deals with Serbia and Montenegro.

A parliamentary debate on the election of a new Kosovo president was disrupted Friday when two tear gas canisters were opened on the opposition benches, prompting lawmakers to leave the chamber.

Kosovo's Parliament is expected to elect Hashim Thaci, Foreign Minister and former guerrilla leader, as the next president.

Thaci, who led the fighters of Kosovo's successful separatist war against Serbia in 1998-99, believes he has the votes in the 120-seat Parliament. Kosovo declared independence in 2008, although that is rejected by Serbia.

Kosovo's government is blaming what it calls "paramilitary anarchists" for setting fire to a car owned by a minister's family.

The government issued a statement Wednesday denouncing what it called "an unprecedented criminal attack ... aiming at creating an atmosphere of violence and fear."