MONTENEGRIN PRESIDENT SAYS REFERENDUM ISN'T ONLY SOLUTION

PODGORICA, Jan 31 (Hina) - A referendum is not the only solution for the settlement of Serbian-Montenegrin relations, Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic told TV Elmag, the Montenegrin media reported on Thursday. "A referendum on Montenegro's constitutional status doesn't have to be the only solution," Djukanovic said, adding it was possible to agree to replace the federation with some other form of association. He added Serbia and Montenegro might agree to recognise each other, namely separate peacefully, or apply the Czech-Slovakian model. "As regards the referendum, we have to clarify that we see it as a goal solely because it is indicative of the citizens' mood as to Montenegro's future, which implies that it cannot result in internal instability," said Djukanovic. He maintains efforts have to be invested in reaching an agreement with Serbia on finding an optimal solution which will be the least problematic for both the Montenegrin and Serbian public. "We believe this model involves a federation of two independent states. If it doesn't happen we have to organise a referendum, whether someone likes it or not, and thus take the issue of the constitutional status off the agenda in a democratic and transparent fashion. Elections cannot substitute the referendum," said Djukanovic. (hina) ha sb