SERBIA-MONTENEGRO: Tens of thousands of Montenegrans rally in favour of independence before upcoming referendum

Record ID: 214431

  • Title: SERBIA-MONTENEGRO: Tens of thousands of Montenegrans rally in favour of independence before upcoming referendum
  • Date: 19th May 2006
  • Summary: (W5) PODGORICA, SERBIAMONTENEGRO (MAY 18, 2006) (REUTERS) DJUKANOVIC LEAVING AFTER THE RALLY, SHAKING HANDS WITH PEOPLE FIREWORKS
  • Embargoed: 3rd June 2006 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Topics: Domestic Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVA6JSZS3IZV3G7RGE88Z1N1RVW6
  • Story Text: Tens of thousands of people gathered in the Montenegran capital Podgorica on Thursday (May 18) in a show of support towards independence from Serbia, they will soon vote on this issue in an upcoming referendum.
    Supporters of pro-independence Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic flooded the streets, chanting "Yes to Independence" and "Milo, Milo" while waving red flags with a golden eagle emblem. The red flags were used in Montenegro during its independence between 1878 and 1918.
    Montenegro, with a population of just 620,000, is dwarfed by Serbia and its eight million people. Recent opinion polls show that the pro-and anti-independence camps are almost evenly divided, with the secessionists enjoying a slight advantage.
    Earlier, Montenegros pro-and anti-independence camps both expressed confidence of victory at the referendum that will decide whether it becomes another European state or stays in its troubled union with Serbia.
    There are about 485,000 registered voters in Montenegro.
    The European Union, which fears that the referendum could result in unrest, is demanding that at least 55 per cent of the voters choose independence for the ballot to be considered legitimate.
    Tension has soared, with both sides exchanging insults at rallies.
    Although Serbia and Montenegro were firm allies during the Yugoslav wars in the 1990s, relations eventually soured.
    Djukanovics government has spearheaded the independence drive by arguing that the union - in which the two states even have separate currencies - hinders economic growth and political reforms on both sides.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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