19/06/06) MONTENEGRO RECOGNIZED BY U.S., EU, RUSSIA; SERBIA DECLARES INDEPENDENCE. (Balkan Watch)

• 2006-06-27
• Europa in de wereld

The Serbian government declared its independence from Montenegro, announcing itself as the successor state to the former Yugoslavia and accepting the results of last month’s referendum in Montenegro, during which over fifty-five percent of the former Yugoslav republic’s eligible voters chose in favor of withdrawing from the union between Serbia and Montenegro that was created in 2003. Montenegro’s independence has been recognized by several countries and organizations, including the United States, EU, Russia, Serbia and a number of other capitals.

State Department spokesman Sean McCormick announced Washington’s recognition of Montenegro as a “sovereign and independent country,” adding that planning also was underway to begin establishing diplomatic ties with the country. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice wrote to Montenegrin officials in Podgorica congratulating them on their successful independence vote. EU ministers announced plans to develop diplomatic relations with Montenegro, aiming to help prepare the new country for eventual application for EU membership.

Former Yugoslav republics Serbia, Croatia and Macedonia have also recognized Montenegrin independence. Initially, the Serbian government merely announced it would recognize its own independence from Montenegro, as well as itsbeing successor to the former Yugoslavia. After further debate, the Serbian government formally recognized Montenegro as a full and independent state. Serbian President Boris Tadic wrote to his Montenegrin counterpart Filip Vujanovic informing him of Serbian recognition and its goal of establishing friendly diplomatic relations between Belgrade and Podgorica. Montenegro formerly declared its independence on June 3. The Serbian government also announced that it would grant Serbian citizenship to Serbs living in Montenegro. Continued friendly relations between the two countries will be crucial for security in the Balkans.