ZAGREB, Jan 15 (Hina) - "Montenegro's strategic interest is to sustain its statehood and secure its international recognition, with maximum tolerance in dialogue with Serbia," Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic said Monday during a
private visit to Zagreb. He told a news conference experience of many years evidences "it is impossible to reach an adequate solution for Montenegro in conditions of a two-member disproportional federation". He pointed to differences in two political programmes on relations between Montenegro and Serbia, saying the reference point of the Montenegrin one was the two states' international subjectivity as two independent states which would subsequently create a voluntary alliance. In this context the two republics would request two seats in the UN. The platform of Yugoslav President Vojislav Kostunica, adopted by the ruling coalition DOS on Sunday, demands the recognition of Yugo
ZAGREB, Jan 15 (Hina) - "Montenegro's strategic interest is to
sustain its statehood and secure its international recognition,
with maximum tolerance in dialogue with Serbia," Montenegrin
President Milo Djukanovic said Monday during a private visit to
Zagreb.
He told a news conference experience of many years evidences "it is
impossible to reach an adequate solution for Montenegro in
conditions of a two-member disproportional federation".
He pointed to differences in two political programmes on relations
between Montenegro and Serbia, saying the reference point of the
Montenegrin one was the two states' international subjectivity as
two independent states which would subsequently create a voluntary
alliance. In this context the two republics would request two seats
in the UN.
The platform of Yugoslav President Vojislav Kostunica, adopted by
the ruling coalition DOS on Sunday, demands the recognition of
Yugoslavia's international subjectivity, and only then solutions
to relation issues between the two republics within a "functional
federation", which would be in charge of foreign policy, defence,
monetary and customs systems, transport, law of obligations, and
bonds. This, according to Djukanovic, is not acceptable for
Montenegro.
He announced a discussion on the two platforms to last a month or
two, and in case an agreement is not reached "Montenegro has a
firmly defined intention to test the mood of its citizens on its
state and legal status through a referendum". Djukanovic added the
referendum could take place in the first half of this year.
Montenegrin President also announced the possibility of early
parliamentary elections considering the fact the People's Party
left the ruling coalition.
For Montenegro elections would mean "sustaining the democratic
rating Podgorica has in the eyes of the international community in
implementing the results of a referendum", at which he expects
Montenegro's independence will be opted for.
Djukanovic commented on the "new democracy in Belgrade" saying it
has to affirm itself through cooperation with international
organisations, including the Hague-based international war crimes
tribunal, and in relations with partners in the community, that is,
with Montenegro.
He denounced "Serbia's new political elite" which is stirring the
danger of a possible conflict between Serbia and Montenegro,
explaining "it is evidently disturbed by Podgorica's intent to
define its statehood".
(hina) lml sb