Montenegro as an Independent Country
Montenegro as an Independent Country

Summary/Abstract: The Minister of Foreign Affairs of newly independent Montenegro underscores in his speech the impressive fact that the 21 May 2006 referendum on Montenegro’s independence has not only resulted in a clear vote for independence but also had functioned in a peaceful and democratic way. Political forces in Montenegro that have been deeply divided over the issue of independence should now be reconciled and concentrate on issues of common interest, like the integration into the EU, NATO and regional structures. Concerning relations with the EU, the Minister calls for an early continuation of the SAA talks, as it was not Montenegro that was responsible for the suspension of the talks with Serbia and Montenegro. Concerning the second priority of Montenegrin foreign policy – integration into the PfP and NATO – the need for a basic reform of the military sector is obvious. Another priority of foreign policy is seen in re-establishing friendly and open relations with Serbia. Bi-lateral problems that have emerged after the “divorce” of the two republics, like for example the access to education infrastructure and the rights of diplomats having served in the diplomatic network of the State Union, are foreseen as being solved in the very near future.

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