Tensions mount ahead of Montenegro referendum
Tensions are mounting between secessionists and unionists in Montenegro ahead of the republic's scheduled 21 May referendum on independence from Serbia.
The unionists, ie those who would favour a close and lasting political association with Serbia, are shown by recent polls to be slightly outnumbered by those who seek independence for this republic of 700,000 people. However, some 15% of the 480,000 registered voters are still undecided.
According to a special formula proposed by EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana, Montenegro's secession from Serbia would require 55% of the votes cast, instead of a simple majority. Political science professor Srdjan Darmanovic was quoted by Financial Times Deutschland as saying that there is a "55% chance of reaching 55%".
the little Montenegro that could....
In the run-up to the referendum, EU envoy Miroslav Lajcak has held talks with both secessionist Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic and Predrag Bulatovic, the leader of the unionist opposition. "I conveyed my concern over the mood which seems overly headed toward confrontation," Lajcak said, citing recent accusations of vote-rigging and bribery by the unionists. "There is no need to create problems that would only complicate life after the referendum," he said.
"Something must change in Montenegro, or the European Union will change its stand" toward the Balkan republic, Lajcak commented.
The unionists, ie those who would favour a close and lasting political association with Serbia, are shown by recent polls to be slightly outnumbered by those who seek independence for this republic of 700,000 people. However, some 15% of the 480,000 registered voters are still undecided.
According to a special formula proposed by EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana, Montenegro's secession from Serbia would require 55% of the votes cast, instead of a simple majority. Political science professor Srdjan Darmanovic was quoted by Financial Times Deutschland as saying that there is a "55% chance of reaching 55%".
the little Montenegro that could....
In the run-up to the referendum, EU envoy Miroslav Lajcak has held talks with both secessionist Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic and Predrag Bulatovic, the leader of the unionist opposition. "I conveyed my concern over the mood which seems overly headed toward confrontation," Lajcak said, citing recent accusations of vote-rigging and bribery by the unionists. "There is no need to create problems that would only complicate life after the referendum," he said.
"Something must change in Montenegro, or the European Union will change its stand" toward the Balkan republic, Lajcak commented.
posted by redemption department at 8:57 PM
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