PODGORICA: 47% IN FAVOUR OF MONTENEGRIN INDEPENDENCE, 42% AGAINST

PODGORICA, Jan 23 (Hina) - According to a poll conducted by the Centre for Democracy and Human Rights and the Podgorica-based agency "Damar", 47% of Montenegrins support an independent and internationally recognised Montenegro, 42% are against it, while the others are indecisive or would not vote at all. In relation to previous polls, the number of those in favour of independence has decreased by around three percent. The poll was conducted between January 12 and 20 and included 1,149 citizens from 12 Montenegrin municipalities. A total of 37.2% of citizens believe independence is the best solution for Montenegro, 11.2% support a union of sovereign states, and 32.7% are for a federation with Serbia. The poll also shows a drop in the ruling coalition's popularity rating - 36.8% of citizens support the Coalition for Yugoslavia, 33.3% are for the ruling coalition, and 6.7% support the Liberals. The poll also includes the current popularity rating of politicians, with Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic and Prime Minister Filip Vujanovic having the highest popularity rating and Yugoslav President Vojislav Kostunica and Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic the lowest. (hina) rml