Montenegro Moves Closer To Independence Referendum

President Vujanovic wants his country to separate from Serbia (file photo) (RFE/RL) 1 March 2006 -- Montenegro's parliament today adopted a law that paves the way for referendum on the Balkan state's independence from its bigger partner, Serbia.

Sixty of 70 deputies present at the session voted in favor of the referendum bill, while 10 were against the decision.

The adoption of the bill formally opens the way for Montenegrin President Filip Vujanovic to call for a referendum on 21 May, as agreed by the parliamentary parties.

Tomorrow, Vujanovic will officially propose that the parliament call the referendum on Montenegrin independence.

Montenegro is the only state of former communist Yugoslavia that remains allied with Serbia following the six-republic federation's break-up in a series of wars during the 1990s.

(AFP, Reuters)