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| Viewing file: Select action/file-type: <a name="newsitem978779099,36495,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Independent Montenegro - completely rational solution</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Montenegrin president Milo Djukanovic said that the independent Montenegro was never “nearest to reality” and he pointed out that in this procedure the Montenegrin Constitution was to be respected but not the FRY Constitution, too.<br>“We estimate it to be more rational to accept the existing situation and start from it then forming the fourth Yugoslavia on the basis of three previous unsuccessful”, said Djukanovic in the interview for the Voice of America”. <br>He expressed the expectation that, inspite of the People’s party leaving the Montenegrin Government, the authority would succeed, “with scheduling the elections first or without it “, in defining the democratic ambient in order to make it possible for the Montenegrin citizens to give their opinion on the matter of the state-legal status of Montenegro. <br>Djukanovic said that the concept of the Montenegrin Government on the future relations between Montenegro and Serbia predicts two independent and internationally recognized states that could form the union in the future and he emphasized that it would not exclude larger closeness of Serbia and Montenegro comparing to the other surrounding countries.<br>“On the contrary we consider it completely compatible and we believe it is possible to form a rational union. What kind of union it would be would largely depend on the will expressed by the Serbian and the Montenegrin authorities. Our initiating proposal is that this union should consist of three functions: the army, the same currency and foreign policy”, said Djukanovic.<br>He added that it would also include the economic openness that existed in the scope of the EU - the open market, crossing borders between Serbia and Montenegro without visas or customs, signing of all the agreements that would not make living of the Montenegrin and Serbian citizens harder comparing to the former state, agreement on education and right to work. <br>Djukanovic said that this concept also predicted both Montenegro and Serbia to have their seats in the UN.<br>“Our concept is based upon the independence and international-legal subjectivity of Serbia and Montenegro. And it predicts separate membership of both Serbia and Montenegro in all the international organizations beginning from the UN through OSCE, IMF, World Bank, World trade organization”, said the Montenegrin president.<br>“I am of opinion that it would be best for Montenegro to continue with performing all its most important state functions in Montenegro itself and that way to determine its future and we certainly see it as the future of a democratic, market oriented country and country which is part of European and trans-Atlantic structures” estimated Djukanovic.<br>He did not want to comment on the negative reactions of the Serbian authorities regarding the proposed platform form Montenegro. He only said that he was very satisfied with the political changes in Serbia and that he expected it to be concentrated upon the problems.<br>Djukanovic said that the Montenegrin Constitution was to be respected, as it was the case in the past. <br>“As far as the FRY Constitution is concerned I hope that no one is expecting it should be suddenly respected especially not regarding depriving Montenegro of some rights it has according to its constitution. We certainly are not to care about such, hundred times violated, constitution but we are surely to care about the Montenegrin one”, said Milo Djukanovic. <br>“Regardless of the fact that we have the constitution from 1992 we practically had the FRY not even on the first day after establishing the constitution”, estimated the Montenegrin president. <br>Independent Montenegro - completely rational solution<br>The Montenegrin president Milo Djukanovic said that the independent Montenegro was never “nearest to reality” and he pointed out that in this procedure the Montenegrin Constitution was to be respected but not the FRY Constitution, too.<br>“We estimate it to be more rational to accept the existing situation and start from it then forming the fourth Yugoslavia on the basis of three previous unsuccessful”, said Djukanovic in the interview for the Voice of America”. <br>He expressed the expectation that, inspite of the People’s party leaving the Montenegrin Government, the authority would succeed, “with scheduling the elections first or without it “, in defining the democratic ambient in order to make it possible for the Montenegrin citizens to give their opinion on the matter of the state-legal status of Montenegro. <br>Djukanovic said that the concept of the Montenegrin Government on the future relations between Montenegro and Serbia predicts two independent and internationally recognized states that could form the union in the future and he emphasized that it would not exclude larger closeness of Serbia and Montenegro comparing to the other surrounding countries.<br>“On the contrary we consider it completely compatible and we believe it is possible to form a rational union. What kind of union it would be would largely depend on the will expressed by the Serbian and the Montenegrin authorities. Our initiating proposal is that this union should consist of three functions: the army, the same currency and foreign policy”, said Djukanovic.<br>He added that it would also include the economic openness that existed in the scope of the EU - the open market, crossing borders between Serbia and Montenegro without visas or customs, signing of all the agreements that would not make living of the Montenegrin and Serbian citizens harder comparing to the former state, agreement on education and right to work. <br>Djukanovic said that this concept also predicted both Montenegro and Serbia to have their seats in the UN.<br>“Our concept is based upon the independence and international-legal subjectivity of Serbia and Montenegro. And it predicts separate membership of both Serbia and Montenegro in all the international organizations beginning from the UN through OSCE, IMF, World Bank, World trade organization”, said the Montenegrin president.<br>“I am of opinion that it would be best for Montenegro to continue with performing all its most important state functions in Montenegro itself and that way to determine its future and we certainly see it as the future of a democratic, market oriented country and country which is part of European and trans-Atlantic structures” estimated Djukanovic.<br>He did not want to comment on the negative reactions of the Serbian authorities regarding the proposed platform form Montenegro. He only said that he was very satisfied with the political changes in Serbia and that he expected it to be concentrated upon the problems.<br>Djukanovic said that the Montenegrin Constitution was to be respected, as it was the case in the past. <br>“As far as the FRY Constitution is concerned I hope that no one is expecting it should be suddenly respected especially not regarding depriving Montenegro of some rights it has according to its constitution. We certainly are not to care about such, hundred times violated, constitution but we are surely to care about the Montenegrin one”, said Milo Djukanovic. <br>“Regardless of the fact that we have the constitution from 1992 we practically had the FRY not even on the first day after establishing the constitution”, estimated the Montenegrin president. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem978700317,67440,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro is to be state</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Montenegrin Premier Filip Vujanovic estimated last night that the mutual interest of Serbia and Montenegro was to have their own states.<br>He was a guest of Radio-television of Serbia and he said that in dialogue on rearranging the relations between Montenegro and Serbia we should not be creating “something that is to have the risk of tensions” but “we should pay attention to the mutual interests”. <br>“The mutual interest of Serbia and Montenegro is to have their own states. It is hard to believe that Serbia is to hide behind the Yugoslavia or the union and lose the possibility to internationally recognize itself”, said Vujanovic and he added that “Serbia did not deserve that” and that “the great Serbian people are not to allow it”. <br>“Montenegro did not deserve it and I shall say that the Montenegrin people, although not so numerous, is not to allow. We shall have our states and our unity on the way to Europe which is to be completely open”, said Vujanovic. <br>The future union, according to him, should provide the constant stability in relations between Serbia and Montenegro and “if we take that road we shall preserve our unity in the European and Euro-Atlantic integration”. <br>He rejected the possibility of the selective voting of the citizens at the referendum and he said that Montenegro was to “vote and decide as entirety”.<br> Vujanovic said that the model of the future structure proposed by the Montenegrin Government “guarantees the property rights, full freedom of movement without passport and visas and gives the freedom of complete communicating”.<br>The Montenegrin Premier said that 65% of the Montenegrin citizens “feel like the Montenegrins” and that this fact should be respected. He also added that the future status of Montenegro should be decided by those who have right to vote and with the residence in that Republic. <br>He expressed his belief that the Montenegrin authorities should succeed in reaching the agreement with the democratic opposition of Serbia and he reminded that some representatives of DOS found the shelter in Montenegro when being persecuted.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem978609642,89144,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Minority Government - rational solution</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Montenegro entered new millennium with minority government after the People's party had left the governing coalition. It is still uncertain whether the political crisis is to be resolved by the early elections or by some rearrangements at the Montenegrin political scene. However, it is calculated with the open offer made to the Liberal party of Montenegro to support the cabinet of Filip Vujanovic without taking over the former competences of People's party, but, so far, there are no confirmations on possible contacts and talks between the highest officials of Democratic party of Socialists and Liberal alliance regarding this issue.<br>Miodrag Zivkovic, the political leader of Liberal alliance of Montenegro confirmed that the attitude of Liberals was unchanged but also that the leaders of Liberal party did not talk on this matter to the representatives of the Democratic party of Socialists. <br>On the other hand, Miodrag Vukovic, the president of the Executive board of DPS said, before the New Year's holidays that the final decision on this matter was to be made after the more detail analyse by the party organs in consultations with democratic subjects in Montenegro. <br>At this moment, we should also remind you of the balance of political forces in the Montenegrin parliament. Namely, at the last Parliamentary elections held in May of 1998 coalition "To live a better life" gained 42 MP mandates of totally 78 in the republic parliament. Democratic party of socialist gained 30, the People's party 7 and Social-democratic party gained five mandates. Socialist People's party gained 29 mandates, liberal party five and Democratic alliance and Democratic union of Albanians 1 mandate each. In case DPS and SDP decide upon accepting the support of Liberal party in the republic parliament, premier Vujanovic could count on majority of 40 votes with two more votes of Albanian national parties while the opposition block - SNP and the People's party would have 36 MP votes. This solution seems to be most acceptable at the moment concerning the fact that Montenegro is before the referendum where the state-legal status of Montenegro is to be decided about (just to remind you that holding of referendum in the first half of this year was agreed upon during the meeting of the leaders of the parties of the governing coalition two months before the People's party leaving the coalition) and that after that as constitutional and legal obligation we shall undoubtedly have the early parliamentary elections. <br>If the model of minority government is accepted with the support of Liberal party we can soon expect the convoking of special session of the Montenegrin parliament where not only the laws on referendum and media rules would be discussed about but also a few legal projects of the Montenegrin Government like the proposal of the law on customs and foreign-trade circulation.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem978090451,70250,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Soc: We are now part of the opposition, Burzan: We are going on </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The people's party was outvoted. From this moment, the People's party is part of the opposition and does not t this Government.<br>Ministers of the NS informed the Premier on submitting the resignations. We are to submit the written resignations if not tomorrow because of the holidays then on the first working day with appeal to the president to revoke the session of the parliament as soon as possible and to confirm our resignations and formally release us from duty. Until then, we are to work, as minsters retired making no political problems to Government. We are simply to perform our official duties", said the leader of the People's party Dragn Soc immediately after the termination of last night's session of the Government. <br>He said that now we were to expect the early elections, the survival of the minority government of DPS and SDP with the support of Liberal alliance or forming of new majority with introduction of Liberals in the Government.<br>"As far as we are concerned the early elections are acceptable since we are the pre-election coalition. The Government with the support of the Liberal party according to me would not have legitimacy since we are not the post-election coalition so that we can change partners. We are pre-election commission; we have coalition agreement that rested upon the democratic Montenegro and democratic Yugoslavia. Thanks to that coalition program we won the elections as coalition, and now practically the majority that won the elections does not exist any more", said Soc, minister of justice retired from last night.<br>He estimated that it would not be politically moral toward the citizens the minority government to remain with the support of Liberal alliance since they did not give their support separately to NS or DPS or SDP but to the coalition, "which does not exist any more". <br>The vice president of the Government Dr Drgaisa Burzan on the other hand pointed out last night that minority government with the support of Liberals in the parliament would have legitimacy to function normally. "In our system the Government remains as long as it has the support of the parliament", emphasized Burzan. <br>Concluding that now "number of variants are possible", he added that he did not want to speak about them because of "some political consequences".<br>"The early elections are possible. In all these scenarios, I see a stabile moving towards the realization of this platform. We have an answer for all the possibilities", said Burzan.<br>He said that during the previous days everything was done with the aim of providing the People's party the clear distancing from the platform emphasizing that they should have accepted it.<br>"We are going on. We have an excellent platform that offers Serbia chance for political synthesis that would provide stability in relations between Montenegro and Serbia. In no way the citizens would be harmed. The borders would be passed without passports; the residential rights are also set in the platform as well as the right to employment and all the things that would make this border invisible for the citizens. This platform surely is not against Serbia since it does not change the position of the Serbian citizens. I expect it to be accepted. I sincerely hope that we are soon to have the solution for the state status of Montenegro and Serbia as of two independent, internationally recognized states, which form the union that provides all the privileges for the citizens and does not put them in the conflict position", concluded Burzan.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem978008435,83016,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>We want referendum acceptable for everyone</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">President Milo Djukanovic spoke last night at the conference “Montenegro – which way to go”, organized by the Association of students at the Technical Faculty in Podgorica.<br>President Djukanovic explained the reasons for organizing the referendum and options for Montenegro, depending on the outcome of referendum. <br>Speaking of the option of Serbia and Montenegro forming a union of two independent, internationally recognized states, president Djukanovic said: “The characteristics of this union could be the subject of negotiations and special agreements signed by the states of Montenegro and Serbia, but it would be possible to create such agreements even without the union. I am convinced that there should be no border between Serbia and Montenegro, and that people should travel without visas or passports. We suggested that a part of that union could be realization of particular joint functions in defence, foreign policy and currency, and we believe that it would be only one step on the road of global integrations. The future of the whole region is in inclusion in the European Union, programs of the Stability Pact and at last the admittance of a large number of states into the NATO. That is why I am sure that our proposal for the union with Serbia does not put in danger the independence and international legal subjectivity of Montenegro but it fulfils the needs of a part of our and Serbian public and it is in line with integrations of the region and Europe.”<br>“If Montenegro becomes independent state, I see it in the future as the state without army. Control of borders and other competences of the army nowadays, and in the conditions of thorough demilitarisation of the Balkans in the future, could be performed by special forces of police, and that would be more than enough for preserving the function of external security that the army performs at the time being,” said Djukanovic when asked what would Montenegrin army look like. He added that it was his personal ‘working opinion’. In the platform that proposes the concept of the union of independent states, there exist the army of Serbia and army of Montenegro. That document includes the serious reduction of the army; the strategy would be agreed by consensus at the Supreme Defence Council.<br>“Referendum does not represent a provocation of any kind – it is a democratic way of testing the will of citizens on a particular issue,” said Djukanovic, denying the statements that connect the organization of referendum with tensions in political life. <br>“All those who oppose the referendum would have their chance to state why they are against it, why they are afraid of the will of voters in Montenegro regarding an issue as important as the issue of state-legal status,” said Djukanovic. He added that Montenegro was organized as a serious and efficient state, which would be able to provide stability in order to test the will of citizens in the most democratic way.<br>Montenegro faces the problem of corruption at the same level as other societies in transition. “Montenegrin privatisation is continuously monitored by consultants from international community and they have no significant comments on the attitude of Montenegrin authorities towards corruption,” said Djukanovic. <br>President Djukanovic stated that the foreign debt of Montenegro is 305 million US$. He considered that amount bearable and that Montenegro could, in conditions of normal economic functioning, service that debt without problems.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem977919554,19424,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Every option of state-legal status includes referendum</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“Attitude of Democratic Party of Socialists and major part of the ruling coalition is that Montenegro should be independent and internationally recognized state,” said Milo Djukanovic, President of the Republic of Montenegro and president of DPS in the broadcast of Montenegrin Television last night, whose subject was “Montenegro in 21st century”. Besides president Djukanovic, president of Social-democratic Party Zarko Rakcevic, president of People’s Party Dragan Soc, president of Democratic Union of Albanians Fuad Nimani and political leader of the Liberal Alliance Miodrag Zivkovic participated in this round-table discussion. President of Socialistic People’s Party Momir Bulatovic did not follow the invitation to participate in this broadcast, and Mehmet Bardhi from Democratic Union in Montenegro could not come due to his other engagements.<br>President Djukanovic stated that in the last few years DPS realized that the concept of independent and internationally recognized Montenegro had no alternative. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem977833185,32662,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>"I know the Constitution of Montenegro well enough even without Kostunica's explanations"</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">"After the meeting of the Supreme defence Council I met with Vojislav Kostunica on his initiative. He suggested informal meeting and I, off course, accepted it. As far as I am concerned it is unexpected and unusual the announcements for public to be given from such meetings. That is why I refused to give a statement for journalists waiting for me in front of the Palace of federation. Therefore, just like you I heard about the text of the announcement form Kostunica's cabinet from medias", said for Vijesti the Montenegrin president Milo Djukanovic on the occasion of announcement form Kostunica's cabinet on the meeting he had yesterday with the Montenegrin president. <br>The announcement says that Kostunica was explaining you the Montenegrin Constitution?<br>"What is more important I used this opportunity to inform Mr Kostunica on our understanding of future relations of Montenegro and Serbia and he gave his understanding. Anyway, I know the Montenegrin constitution as well as the Constitution of the FRY well enough even without Kostunica's explanations. We in Montenegro also know what is good for us and what we are to do, certainly transparently and democratically and with faith that we shall reach the best possible agreement with Serbia in mutual interest". <br>Did the Supreme Defence Council accept your demand regarding the cadre changes in the Second army and Navy?<br>"As far as the Supreme Defence Council is concerned, taking all into account, I am satisfied with the way my demands were treated. It is not right me to first give the public announcement since it was not done in the announcement from the meeting but the public is to be informed on that very soon."<br>It is also said in the announcement that you supported the session of the Federal parliament on situation on south of Serbia?<br>"I do not really see any reasons for some special comment on your remark regarding my support to the session of the Federal Parliament. It does not change my attitude towards the Federal Parliament neither the attitude of the state organs of Montenegro. All the other participants of the meeting of the Supreme Defnce council have different attitude towards the Federal parliament and that sentence is result of such attitude. Therefore I repeat it is nothing special that should be reason for concern in Montenegro", concluded Djukanovic.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem977744977,45,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>If NS leaves the Government, DPS ready even for the special elections</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">After the presidencies of People’s party (NS) and Democratic party of Socialists (DPS) have discussed the compromise proposal of Premier Vujanovic on the state status and the relations of Montenegro with Serbia, the leadership of the Social-democratic party is also to present its attitude on new platform today. <br>The proposal of Premier Vujanovic on the concept of two internationally acknowledged independent states but with number of mutual functions was supported by the top of the DPS on Saturday. If the People’s party continues with obstructing the preparations for referendum, what would paralyse the work of the Parliament and the Government in a great measure, then the presidency of DPS left the open possibility of holding the special parliamentary elections till the end of May at latest. The main board of DPS is to give its opinion on the final strategy at the session scheduled for Thursday. <br>The leadership of SDP talked to the vice presidents of the DPS Svetozar Marovic and Filip Vujnaovic who explained them the key definitions of the new platform. According to Vijesti, SDP is to insist upon the army, foreign affairs and the imposing of martial law, that is, the state of war, have to stay under the competence of Montenegro. Social-democratic party also insists upon none of the already acquired competence of Montenegro to be returned to Belgrade. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem977572230,40792,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro wants the international recognition</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Montenegrin Minister of foreign affairs Branko Lukovac in the interview for Paris newspaper “le Mond” described the idea of Cofi Annan, the UN secretary general, and of some other west diplomats on establishing the confederation of Serbia, Kosovo and Montenegro as a superseded concept.<br>‘It is unacceptable for us since we want the international recognition”, said Lukovac. He said that Vojislav Kostunica is undoubtedly better than Slobodan Milosevic but that as a president of federation did not have more legitimacy than his predecessor. The constitutional reforms implemented by Milsevic just before his defeat made federation completely senseless according to Lukovac. <br>When asked what they are to negotiate with Belgrade about then, the Montenegrin Minister of foreign affairs said:<br>“About the lose union of two internationally acknowledged states that includes the domain of defence, international and monetary policy and maybe the joint customs. It would be the union of two completely independent states. We want to separate in civilized way”, said Lukovac. “The west, which is already tired of the Balkans, wants to award Kostunica because of his democratic orientation and to preserve the frames of the FRY. That is why the negotiations between Montenegro and Serbia we are preparing for are to be very difficult, but if they are unsuccessful, the referendum on the independence is to be organized”, said the Montenegrin minister of foreign affairs. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem977485568,19521,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Why would we be the only two people who do not want their states? </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">"I would gladly listen to the arguments of the SNP for being against Montenegro as a state and of the friends form Serbia for being against the international recognition of Serbia. We would be the only two people in the Balkans who do not want their own states", emphasized the Montenegrin Premier Filp Vujanovic yesterday when talking in the Montenegrin Parliament. <br>Vujanovic pointed out that the Montenegrin offer to Serbia is a real road that satisfies both the interests of Montenegro and Serbia. Nothing of what was proposes is against either Serbia or Montenegro. Both Montenegro and Serbia, through their international subjectivity, are to have what they have been having for centuries. I do not understand why it would bother someone Montenegro to take credits from the World Bank and IMF (international monetary fund). If we have two internationally acknowledged states nothing is to really change since we are still to have free circulation of goods, information, economic cooperation", said Filip Vujanovic. <br>"The Platform changed because the time changed. There was a constructive mistake in relations between Serbia and Montenegro since the functioning of two disproportional states cannot be provided. In addition, it is unfair this two states two be equal if they are disproportionate", emphasized the Montenegrin premier.<br>Reminding that all the ministers of foreign affairs of Yugoslavia, since its establishment, were from Serbia and that all the chiefs of the Yugoslav mission in the UN were also from the other republic Mr. Vujanovic asked if anyone could allow this dimension of Montenegro not to be recognized through what is necessary - the international sovereignty both of Montenegro and Serbia. "I think the Montenegrin offer on both Montenegro and Serbia to have their states is a fair offer. Now we should here from your negotiators or from you", said Vujanoivc directing to the MPs of the SNP, "what is it in this offer that is not good".</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem977399214,32540,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Lukovac: Future relations can be based only on independence</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Commenting the statement of Kofi Annan, Montenegrin Minister of foreign affairs Branko Lukovac reminded that it was the idea of Karl Bild that no one showed any interest in.<br>"I think that it is Mr. Annan's personal opinion, which does not represent the discussion in the UN. If he meant it for the former Yugoslavia, then he is 10 years late. If he meant, as it seems he did, the relations between Montenegro, Serbia and Kosovo, I think that such solution is not real. Majority of Montenegrin citizens is that Montenegro should have the full state capacity and international legal status. Nothing less than that could be the basis for the future relations with Serbia or any other country. Future relations in the region can be developed only on the new basis of independence and international-legal status of the states that had formed the SFRY before," said Lukovac.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem977314618,38897,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegrin proposal on arrangement of the relations opens a good perspective both for Montenegro and Serbia</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Montenegrin president Milo Djukanovic received yesterday in Podgorica the president of the OSCE Parliamentary assembly Adrian Severin, who was visiting Podgorica in the scope of his visit to the region. <br>In the course of long and open conversation, they mutually expressed satisfaction with the previous cooperation where the OSCE office in Podgorica had special importance. They also expressed readiness for strengthening the cooperation what is very important in the forthcoming happenings at the political scene of Montenegro. They also concluded that the OSCE office should keep its previous status. <br>Djukanovic and Sevrin exchanged the opinions on the actual political happenings in the region and on the relations between Montenegro and Serbia. They expressed the expectations that the future elections in Serbia are to provide conditions for institutionalisation of democracy and by that for the quality dialogue on establishing the mutual relations. The Montenegrin president emphasised that the Montenegrin proposal was directed towards searching for solution according to the European standards that opened a good perspective for both Montenegro and Serbia, as well as the shortest road for their entering the European integration. Severin pointed out he had understanding for the argumentation in favour of the Montenegrin initiative and he underlined that the most important thing was the solution to be found democratically and in the interest of strengthening democratic processes in Montenegro and Serbia, as well as in the interest of the stability of the whole region. <br>Montenegro wants to go forward with Europe and not back in myths<br>The president of the Montenegrin parliament Svetozar Marovic received today in Podgorica the president of the OSCE parliamentary assembly Mr. Adrian Severin with his associates. The meeting was also attended by the chief of the OSCE office in Montenegro Julian Peal Yeyts. <br>The president Marovic informed the guest with the proposals of Montenegro on the future relations in this area and he added that we in Montenegro want to go forward with the whole developed Europe and not back to the past to myths, legends, divisions. It is not the sin to be for Montenegro. It is our duty.”<br>Both Mr. Severin and Mr. Marovic agreed that the dialogue is the best way leading towards the welfare in the modern and democratic societies.<br>Mr. Adrian Severin was also received by the Montenegrin premier Filip Vujanovic.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem977227186,32790,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>America supports Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Minister of foreign affairs of Montenegro Branko Lukovac talked today to number of the American officials in the state department on development of cooperation of Montenegro and Serbia, on situation in the region, including the forthcoming dialogue between the state organs of Montenegro and Serbia on the future of their mutual relations. <br>Minister Lukovac met with the state undersecretary of this institution for political issues Tomas Pickering, then with Jim Swigert, the state-secretary deputy and with the competent for the programs of help for the southeast Europe. <br>They talked on the situation in the region with the special attention to the Montenegrin understanding of its future relations with Serbia - especially after the elections in Serbia and the dialogue, which is to be led between the state organs of Montenegro and Serbia. They also talked on cooperation between Montenegro and USA regarding the impending programs and also on the planned projects for next year supported by Congress and Senate. <br>The Montenegrin Minister of foreign affairs Branko Lukovac is also to meet with James O’Brien, the advisor of the American president and the state secretary for the southeast Europe.<br>Branko Lukovac also met with the republican senator Bob Doll.<br>Today he is supposed to meet with the representatives of the non-governmental organizations interested in cooperation with Montenegro.<br>The agreement on cooperation signed<br>The Montenegrin minister of foreign affairs Branko Lukovac signed yesterday the one-year agreement on cooperation on inducing the American capital and firms to invest in Montenegro. The agreement was signed with Mr. Berl Bernard, the president of the firm “Verner Liphert Bernard Macfson”, that provides consultant services.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem977142355,65673,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>For the independent and the internationally acknowledged Montenegro more than a half of the citizens</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The referendum question “Are you for the independent and internationally acknowledged Montenegro?” was answered positively by 50,5% of the citizens in the survey conducted by the “Damar” agency in 16 Montenegrin municipalities. 37,8% of the citizens were against this proposal and 7,1 of the citizens were indecisive. The referendum would not be attended by 4,6% of the voters. <br>The question if the Serbian citizens should also vote through the referendum on the future relations between Montenegro and Serbia, that is, on the state-legal status of Serbia, 60 % answered positively, 15.8 negatively and 24,2% were indecisive.<br>Djuaknovic with the greatest trust<br>The Montenegrin citizens have the greatest trust in the Montenegrin president Milo Djukanovic. 32,9% of the citizens would vote for him where 84,03% of the voters from DPS. <br>The president of the SNP Predrag Bulatovic would gain the trust of 9,8% of the citizens but he is convincingly the first among the supporters of his party. <br>The supporters of the People’s party mostly support Dragan Soc and then Vojislav Kostunica while the supporters of the Social democratic party the greatest support would give to Zarko Racevic and Liberals to Slvako Perovic.<br>One fourth of the citizens of Montenegro has the least trust in Momir Bulatovic. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem976963365,35384,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Britain would respect every decision of Montenegrin citizens</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">President of the Republic of Montenegro Milo Djukanovic received yesterday in a farewell visit Charge d’affaires of the Great Britain Embassy in Belgrade, David Landsman.<br>Mr. Landsman communicated the message of the Premier Blair to President Djukanovic that Great Britain supported democratic processes in Montenegro and pays attention to its interest, and would continue to do so. Great Britain also interceded for democratic solution of all problems in the region, including the issue of relations between Montenegro and Serbia, and it would prefer some form of union, but it would respect every democratic decision of Montenegrin citizens.<br>President Djukanovic expressed gratitude for the message and for constructive attitude of British Government and premier Blair regarding this issue that is very important for the democratic future of Montenegro and the whole region. <br>In the course of conversation president Djukanovic and Mr. Landsman expressed mutual satisfaction with the successful development of relations and readiness for further cooperation and contacts between Montenegro and Great Britain. President Djukanovic also said that Mr. Landsman greatly contributed to such relations.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem976881681,22201,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>President Djukanovic received French ambassador</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">President of the Republic of Montenegro, Milo Djukanovic received Mr. Gabriel Keller, French ambassador, in Podgorica yesterday.<br>President Djukanovic expressed the gratitude to president Jacque Shirac and to French Government for supporting democratic Montenegro. He also informed ambassador Keller on basic terms of reference of the latest Montenegrin initiative for regulation of relations with Serbia. He said that the proposal is based on actual condition of the relations and that it includes the international recognition of Montenegro and Serbia, and establishment of federation in case both sides show their interest in it.<br>Ambassador Keller informed President Djukanovic on the attitude of his country that union of Serbia and Montenegro has to be preserved on new, democratic bases. However, France would respect the results of negotiations between Podgorica and Belgrade regardless of the choice made, and it would do its utmost to create the relation of understanding and friendship between France and Montenegro.<br>President Djukanovic expressed appreciation of such attitude and expressed the readiness for cooperation and continuance of dialogue of trust and mutual respect, which is the characteristic of Montenegrin-French relations.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem976881652,94365,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>At the elections in Serbia 72% of the citizens would vote in favour of Democratic opposition of Serbia and in Montenegro DPS the most popular</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">If the parliamentary elections would be held now in Montenegro 28,2 % of the voters would vote in favour of DPS, 17,7% in favour of Socialist people's party (SNP), 9,3% for Liberal party, 4,1 in favour of social-democratic party and 1,7% for People's party, showed the survey of the public opinion of the agency "Scen" form Novi Sad conveyed in December.<br>According to the same survey more then 72% of the voters in Serbia would vote for Democratic opposition of Serbia at the next elections. <br>As far as the other Serbian parties are concerned 5,4% of people would vote for Socialist party of Serbia (SPS), 3,6% for the Serbian Radical party and 2,4 for the Serbian renewal movement.<br>If the parties would participate separately at the elections then Democratic Party of Serbia would obtain 32,8% of votes, Democratic Party would gain 10,5% and Socialist party of Serbia 2,4%.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem976794338,89925,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Djukanovic, Rakcevic and Soc are to talk again on referendum today</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Leaders of three governing are supposed to meet today in order to discuss on the differences in attitudes regarding working on the new platform for negotiating with Serbia and on preparations for referendum on the state status of Montenegro, was informed Beta agency by the coalition “To live a better life”. In case the president of Democratic party of Socialists Milo Djukanovic, of People’s party Dragan Soc and of Social Democratic party Zarko Rakcevic reach the agreement, the Montenegrin Government should in a few days discuss the proposal of the new platform”, said the anonymous official to the Beta agency. <br>This job should have been done by the coalition-working group but its members did not succeed in reaching the agreement.<br>According to the same source even if the leaders do not reach the agreement, DPS and SDP are discussing the possibility on Montenegrin Government to adopt the platform without the ministers from the People’s party who would exclude their opinion.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem976711234,83998,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>We shall be full member of the international community and not as a minor or invalid</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">How Montenegro is to integrate in the regional processes in the following period and what its position is to be in the international community mostly depends on how the state-legal status is to be resolved. This determination is before the Montenegrin citizens and they will let us hope on referendum vote for Montenegro to be full member, and not like some minor or invalid, of the international community”, said Branko Lukovac, minister of foreign affairs of Montenegro, last night at the tribune “International exchange as the factor of the integration’ held in Kotor. He added that there are people in Montenegro who were against “Montenegro being an independent state and having its place in the international community.<br>However, he believed that majority of the Montenegrin citizens would still vote for the independent Montenegro and its independent international status. <br>Lukovac said that this kind of determination of Montenegro would be the best guaranty for new cooperation and understanding with everyone, with Serbia first of all.<br>“Then we shall do everything we can to recognize, if not first then among the first, the independent Serbia”, emphasized Lukovac.<br>He also expressed his hopes that Serbia would be the first to recognize the independent Montenegro, since it would be the best proof of connections and good intentions towards the neighbours.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem976620576,88500,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Svetozar Marovic in London</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">At the invitation of Her Majesty’s Government and the Committee for foreign affairs of the House of Commons of the Great Britain Parliament, high delegation of the Montenegrin Parliament, headed by its President, Svetozar Marovic, is in official visit to the Great Britain Parliament. This visit should promote further cooperation between the two states and strengthen the contacts between the two parliaments.<br>President Marovic is to meet with Mr. Michael Marin, first speaker of the House of Commons of the British Parliament. Montenegrin delegation is to meet with representatives of the Committee for foreign affairs of the Great Britain Parliament and leaders of the parliamentary groups of the House of Commons.<br>Montenegrin delegation will also visit the Foreign Office and separate meeting with Mr. Keith Vase, Minister for Europe in the Foreign Office. They will also meet with other representatives of British institutions.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem976538327,14071,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>SNP tries to block the referendum preparations</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Montenegrin Parliament Working group for making of the new law on referendum and regulations for representation of the parliamentary parties on the state media should meet today. All parties, except Socialists People’s Party confirmed their participation at the constitutive meeting, while SNP refused yesterday to participate in this group until the decision of its leadership.<br>SNP vice-president Predrag Bulatovic stated yesterday for the BBC radio that his party received the invitation for participation in the activities of the parliamentary commission for the preparation of the referendum, but they refused to come until the Main Board or Congress of the party met.<br>“It is the essential political issue, through which the scenario prepared by Milo Djukanovic is practically accepted,” said Predrag Bulatovic.<br>SNP expects that the priority is solution of the dilemma on whether the elections or referendum should be organized first, and they would then decide whether they would participate in the Working group activities.<br>“For this issue it is necessary to organize the SNP Main Board meeting. When that would happen, I cannot tell. Until then, we would not recognize the activities of the incomplete commission. For that reason, without the SNP participation, the commission would be non-governmental,” said Predrag Bulatovic.<br>People’s Party president, Dragan Soc stated that his party was ready to work together with other political parties on preparing the democratic setting for organization of the referendum. However, Soc said that the important element of the whole task was the agreement on media, repeating that NS representatives would, at the beginning of the parliamentary commission meeting, open the debate on state media functioning. Depending on the other parties’ attitudes, NS would decide on theirs. <br>“If we can see that there exists the willingness for agreement, we will continue our work. Otherwise, I am afraid that majority in the People’s Party would not be willing to witness something that could not produce democratic ambient,” said Dragan Soc.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem976358969,24245,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The president of the republic received the ambassador of India</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Montenegrin president Milo Djukanovic received yesterday in Podgorica the ambassador of India in Belgrade Arnu Kumar. <br>In the course of conversation, they exchanged their opinion on the current situation in Montenegro and Serbia after the recent changes in Belgrade. The President Djukanovic informed the ambassador of India on the basis of the Montenegrin democratic project, as well as on the latest initiative for redefining the relations between Montenegro and Serbia. They both emphasized the significance of reaching the agreement after the elections in Belgrade. The ambassador Kumar agreed to the fact that the most important thing was the solution of the relations to be reached peacefully and through the dialogue. <br>The president Djukanovic and the ambassador Kumar talked also on some concrete issues regarding the bilateral cooperation between Montenegro and India.<br>The ambassador Kumar was also received by the minister of foreign affairs of Montenegro Branko Lukovac, minister of justice Dragan Soc and minister of maritime and traffic Jusuf Kalapmerovic. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem976358949,70562,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>New diplomats cannot represent Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Montenegrin minister of foreign affairs Branko Lukovac stated yesterday that the new Yugoslav diplomats would not have legitimacy to represent Montenegro.<br>He said that he understood that Belgrade wanted to change the diplomats that served Slobodan Milsoevic as soon as possible.<br>“Montenegro was not consulted on the occasion of selection of new FRY ambassadors”, said Lukovac for radio Free Europe.<br>He said that the new ambassadors of the FRY in the world were not chosen with the participation of the official state organs of Montenegro and that was the reason why they would not have any significance for it. <br>When asked if this solution prejudiced the future relations between Serbia and Montenegro, concerning the fact that the Montenegrin platform predicts the foreign policy of the future union to be joint, Lukovac said:<br>“Regardless of the previous and current appointments, we shall start negotiating with Serbia unburdened. We shall talk on what our mutual interests could be even in the sphere of international relations”, said Branko Lukovac. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem976276252,98738,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>I see no reasons for the early elections</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The president of the Montenegrin parliament Svetozar Marovic stated that the governing Montenegrin coalition ”to live a better life” functions and that there are no reasons at this moment for the early elections. He announced that the Montenegrin authority is to establish the official text of the innovated platform on rearranging the relations in the FRY after the elections in Serbia.<br>The president of the Montenegrin parliament emphasized that he is for Montenegro.<br>“Not so loud as some, but not less sincere”, said he and he added that he is for Montenegro “because of myself, my family and all the other families in Montenegro.”<br>Marovic said that the proposal of the innovated platform did not cancel the union of Montenegro and Serbia but only proposed the federation to continue existing as a union of states of Montenegro and Serbia.<br>Marovic pointed out that there are no essential but only tactical differences in the top of the Democratic party of socialists regarding the future state-legal status of Montenegro.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem976276224,42126,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The Slovenian consulate in Montenegro </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Slovenia will be allowed to open its general consulate in Podgorica, competent for the whole territory of Montenegro, is predicted by the agreement of the FRY and Slovenia on establishing the diplomatic relations. <br>It was announced after the last night’s session of the Yugoslav illegal government where the information on the FRY Premier visiting Slovenia on 9 December was adopted. <br>On that occasion the agreement on establishing the diplomatic relations between the FRY and Slovenia is to be signed. <br>According to this agreement, the place of the Yugoslav consulate in Slovenia is to be established later on.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem976188199,27547,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>America is not to question the status of Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The United States of America are to still support the development and the economic reforms in Montenegro and the Senate has already provided aid of 89 million dollars for this year. So far, we could not have a more efficient program of support for Montenegro by which the non-governmental organizations would be formed and the private media helped because of the pressure form Belgrade during the last few years. Now we have more possibilities to urge the development of this very open society”, said James O’Brien, the advisor of the American state secretary. <br>“The president Djukanovic knows that the future of Europe is in development of democracy. In this aspect, the issue of the status of Montenegro is very important. America does not have a negative opinion on this, that is, it is not to question the decision of the people”, said O’Brien. <br>Montenegro remained part of Yugoslavia in 1992 but that was the result of agreement reached in the scope of only one party. The decision brought that year was neither transparent nor democratic. I consider that there is a possibility for leaders in Belgrade (that is in Serbia and Yugoslavia) and in Podgorica to open this process and to allow people to decide. I am sure that a peaceful solution will be found, among the other things because of the mutual feeling of people in both republics”, concluded James O’Brien. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem976103857,86794,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>It is more reasonable to admit that Montenegro and Serbia are independent again then to make the forth Yugoslavia</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“The conflict between Montenegro and Serbia has not started with Milosevic but with the annexation of Montenegro to Serbia in 1918”, said the Montenegrin president Djukanovic in the interview for “Frankfurter Algemaine zaitung”. Djukanovic also said that we should not be blinded by the illusion on the FRY existence. “We have to face the fact that Serbia and Montenegro are independent states again. It is more reasonable to admit the current state then form the forth Yugoslavia”, said president Djukanovic.<br>“The FRY did not function not even for a day, everything was subjugated to Milosevic’s needs. The Serbian constitution was not opposite to the FRY constitution and in 1992, the Federal Ministry of internal affairs was ‘eliminated’ by the putschist attack of the Serbian police. Beginning from 1998, Milsoevic started his offensive on Montenegro by customs limitations, economic blockade, and war threats… During this hard phase Montenegro showed that it had democratic reservation and that it can take responsibility for its own development”, said president Djukanovic. <br>“Since the era of dialogue in the region has started I think it is time for negotiations with the new leadership in Belgrade regarding the relations between Serbia and Montenegro. We can not eternally be hostages of the unresolved issues as it is the status of Kosovo”, he said and he emphasized that that many years of the international protectorate would be needed before deciding on the status of Kosovo. <br>When asked if he though it justified Croats asking the FRY president Kostunica to apologize for war crimes of Serbs committed over Croats, the president Djukanovic answered that it was not good to remind someone of his own obligations. “Everyone has to take its part of responsibility and the responsibility of Serbia is bigger then of Montenegro”. <br>Montenegro is capable of being an independent state<br>The Montenegrin president Milo Djukanovic said that there were no possibilities of war conflicts in Montenegro in case of this republic deciding upon the independence. Djukanovic confirmed that the Montenegrin society is polarized to those who want independence and those who do not, but at he same time he expressed his belief that everybody is to accept the will of the majority if the decision on independence is brought democratically. <br>The Montenegrin president emphasized that Montenegro is economically completely capable of surviving as an independent state pointing out that he, as an economist and the president, knew best the possibilities of his country.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem976017806,62209,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Right of the Montenegrin citizens to decide on their own country must not be denied</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Montenegrin president Milo Djuknovic received yesterday in Podgorica the secretary general of the Socialist party of Italy and the former minister of foreign affairs Giani De Michelis.<br>In the course of the open and long conversation, it was concluded that improving of the bilateral cooperation between Montenegro and Italy is of mutual interest. <br>President Djukanovic expressed his readiness to cooperate with Italy. He also informed the guest on the latest initiative on regulating the relations between Montenegro and Serbia, expressing his expectations this problem to be resolved by negotiations through the dialogue in democratic atmosphere. It was mutually concluded that after the recent changes in Belgrade there are real conditions for realizing this. <br>Giani De Michelis greeted the orientation of Montenegro towards negotiations with Serbia and he pointed out that no one could deny the legitimacy of the Montenegrin citizens to decide on the state-legal status of their country.<br><br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem976017760,89174,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The continuation of the parliament session</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">After eleven days of pause, the Montenegrin Parliament is to continue with the regular session, which started on 18 October. <br>The MPs are supposed to work on about ten laws, decisions and resolutions proposed by the parliamentary parties and the Republic government. It is estimated that the most significant is the set of laws on property as well as changes and amendments of the law on privatisation of the economy. The republic Government proposed to the Parliament to adopt the law on amnesty of the persons convicted of crimes according to regulations of the republic of Montenegro.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem975931920,46398,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>People’s Party stalls – we will not play that ridiculous game</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“Behind the NS invitation to continue the dialogue on the new platform there lies their intention to stall its setting up. I have to remind that the platform of August 1999 was set up in seven days and we do not intend to play that ridiculous game of the People’s Party,” said Ranko Krivokapic, vice-president of SDP.<br>He added that further meetings of the three parties representatives would not be held until the presidents of DPS, SDP and NS discuss everything.<br>“NS representatives – Djurdjevac and Drecun did not accept the DPS and SDP proposal on the union of two independent, internationally recognized states, and on the other hand they want to continue the dialogue. We cannot accept it if they do not accept the basics. We cannot make agreements on the details if we do not agree on the starting points. We will not let them drag this project,” said Krivokapic.<br>Krivokapic proposes that SDP and DPS make the platform by themselves and then offer it to the People’s Party at the session of the Montenegrin Government. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem975757312,79378,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Serbia and Montenegro should be separated</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Head of Montenegrin Mission in Sarajevo and founder of the People’s Party, Novak Kilibarda said that Serbia and Montenegro “should be separated in order to successfully cooperate as states and nations with multiple connections.”<br>“I am assured that wise and peaceful separation is the only precondition for Serbia and Montenegro maintaining their good relations,” said Kilibarda in his interview for “Nezavisne Novine” from Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska. <br>He also said that Yugoslav President Vojislav Kostunica was “a thousand times more difficult for negotiations with Montenegro than former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic.”<br>“Kostunica will never threat with the Army, but he can find his way to control it. He does not want to remove from office the Head of State Security and he actively cooperates with Army Commander that was in Milosevic’s service till the last moment,” said Kilibarda.<br>“Kostunica will do anything to prove himself as Serbian nationalist, but he will not do a thing before close observation of the attitude of other countries that should give their consent for his activities. His power as politician, is the fact that the whole Serbian nation is supporting him,” said Kilibarda.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem975670271,92812,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>If People’s party leaves, the Liberal party is to support the minority Government </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The president of the Liberal Party of Montenegro Miroslav Vickovic said that his party had no intentions of entering the Montenegrin Government if they were offered that after the possible People’s party leaving the coalition. In his statement for the latest issue of weekly magazine “Monitor” Vickovic repeated the readiness of Liberal Party to support the minority Government but “on condition the project for the independent Montenegro is headed by Milo Djukanovic and the referendum question to precise that the internationally acknowledged Montenegro is not to make any regional state unions”. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem975583501,53383,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>NBY is the National Bank of Serbia to Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Regarding the statement of Mladan Dinkic, new governor of National Bank of Yugoslavia, that one of the subjects of his program is to realize the monetary authority over Montenegro in 100 days, Miodrag Vukovic, Counsellor of Montenegrin President, said that it was “hard, actually impossible to realize if Dinkic meant extending the NBY competence to Montenegro.”<br>“Montenegro does not intend to give back any of its competences to so-called federal institutions,” said Vukovic.<br>He reminded that Montenegrin President, Milo Djukanovic, directed a letter to Yugoslav President Vojislav Kostunica two days ago, stating his opinion on proposal of candidates for NBY governor, and that Montenegrin authorities do not recognize the Federal Parliament as legitimate.<br>Miodrag Vukovic said that Montenegro completed its economic sovereignty in the field of monetary policy, and that it had its own Central Bank.<br>“Present Montenegrin currency is German Mark which can be replaced only by EURO. We can only agree on that issue with Serbia,” said Vukovic.<br>He added that Montenegrin authorities considered ‘so-called National Bank of Yugoslavia’ as National Bank of Serbia.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem975577299,4406,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Technical problems with our web hosting company</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Technical problems with our web hosting company have caused our server to break down. Because of that reason we could not post news in last three days. Now the problem is solved and we are continuing with our work. We apologize to all of our visitors and we expect that you will continue using our service.<br><br><br><b> MNNews team </b><br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem974981019,4553,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Picula: Djukanovic was the first to shake Milosevic’s monopoly</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“Croatia received informal assurances that Yugoslav delegation would attend the Summit in Zagreb, but it was not quite clear whether Podgorica and Belgrade would agree on participation of the Montenegrin President at the Summit,” said Tonino Picula Croatian Minister of Foreign Affairs.<br>“We would like to see Montenegrin President in Zagreb. He was the first to shake Milosevic’s monopoly when Vojislav Kostunica was not even there,” said Mr. Picula for the Croatian Television.<br>At the host’s remark that “there are many people annoyed because Yugoslav delegation is coming to Zagreb. Yugoslavia was involved in the war here, and now it is coming to ask for assistance, so many protests are being announced,” Mr. Picula said that Vojislav Kostunica was not coming to Zagreb to attend the bilateral meeting, but a “great multilateral meeting, and Yugoslav President was invited, too.”<br>Mr. Picula added that the attendance of Yugoslav President would be an opportunity for improving the relations between Zagreb and Belgrade. Regarding the apology the Croatian public is waiting for, Mr. Picula said that the Summit would give Kostunica the chance to give answers to the questions evaded during the electoral campaign. Croatian Deputy Minister of foreign affairs Vladimir Drobnjak expects Kostunica’s apology to Croatian people for “the crimes committed during the Great-Serbian aggression.”<br>Citizens groups and associations that announced the protests against the coming of the Yugoslav delegation were clearly warned that they can protest, but only outside the security zone of the Summit participants and that means at the far distance from the hotel “Intercontinental”, where the Summit will take place.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem974896449,60027,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>We shall not follow Milosevic’s provisory</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“Relations between Serbia and Montenegro should be established on the basis that would start with accepting the current situation where we see two independent states Serbia and Montenegro”, said the Montenegrin president Milo Djukanovic at the press- conference held after his meeting with the Czech President Vaclav Havel in Prague.<br>They discussed the situation in the region and they paid special attention to the relations between Serbia and Montenegro after the defeat of Milosevic’s regime. They both concluded that thanks to the changes in Belgrade they did not have to discuss the war subjects. <br>The president Djukanovic presented the proposal of model of the future relations of Serbia and Montenegro. He also mentioned that this proposal did not exclude the possibility on the independent and the internationally acknowledged states of Serbia and Montenegro having some internal, rational alliance with some joint functions in mutual interest. <br>When answering the question on with whom he is to talk in Serbia Djukanovic said: “With the future democratic government of Serbia.” He pointed out that they have to find the solution to the problem by negotiating. “It will help us to efficiently resolve and exceed the internal political differences and to obtain the international verification for that solution.” He reminded that the federal parliament and the federal Government are illegitimate from the point of view of Montenegro. <br>The Czech president Vaclav Havel estimated that it would be good all three entities, Serbia, Montenegro and Kosovo, to resolve their problems at the same time. He added that the result of this agreement can be some tripartite alliance or federation, or even three independent states are possible. The role of the international community is not to give advice on what is the best solution but to respect the democratically agreement of the people who make decisions. He emphasized that the role of the international community is to invest in good relations and respect of human rights. <br>I shall speak at the summit in Zagreb<br>Regarding the participation at the summit in Zagreb the president Djukanovic said that the received the invitation on the behalf of Shiraque and Mesic. He considers that there are o differences between the invitation he received and the invitations directed to the other participants of the summit. “I am not really acquainted with the way the organizers resolved this formal problem”. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem974808276,98323,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Serbia and Montenegro, after all, are not equal for organizing the referendum in both</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">DOS leaders prevented the internal disunion and reached the agreement on Kostunica being the first candidate on the list for the Republic elections, by accepting his conditions that the relations with Montenegro are to be discussed in the federal institutions and not among Republic authorities and ruling political parties.<br>Zoran Djindjic, one of the DOS leaders confirmed that the condition regarding the solution of the relations with Montenegro at the federal level was accepted.<br>“If we regard this issue on the republic level that would mean denial of the federal state existence,” said Djindjic.<br>He emphasized that it would not exclude the inter-party negotiations among DOS, SNP, DPS and other parties, adding that Kostunica did not request it either. “Without the inter-party negotiations we can not reach the final solution,” said Djindjic. He also said that the expert team of DOS “so far has no vision of the future union.” Djindjic said that the basis of the agreement on the future relations between Serbia and Montenegro should be the opinion of the majority of citizens, and “now it is up to Montenegro to establish the orientation of the majority.”<br>“Serbia and Montenegro, after all, are not equal for organizing the referendum in both. Montenegro should decide on it, but I am not quite sure that they themselves know what is the opinion of the majority of its citizens,” said Djindjic expressing his opinion that there are more people in Montengro than in Serbia, who dispute its independence.<br>“Montenegrin authorities reproach us for disputing their independence. I suggest they test the opinion of their citizens first,” said Djindjic.<br>He emphasized that DOS was ready for fair partnership relations and that it would accept the ‘loose federation’ if the majority in Montenegro decided so. “But we will not accept that half of the Federal Government consists of the Montenegrin representatives and such agreement is impossible,” said Djindjic.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem974722415,20522,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegrins have right to decide on their own destiny </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The group of experts for the international relations, participants of the conference in Dayton, suggested on Saturday to the future American administration higher measures that, in their opinion, could contribute stability in the region of the former Yugoslavia.<br>One of the conclusions of the conference held in Right Paterson base was that NATO should stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo in order to provide security, but the number of soldiers should be reduced during the time. <br>KOSOVO - The existing institutions have to urgently provide the appropriate protection of the rights of the Serbs and the other minorities in the province. The international community should immediately start with forming the organs of the local self-management, as well as with preparing the parliamentary elections. The time limit for defining the status of Kosovo should also be determined. The negotiations on this issues should take into consideration all the possibilities, including the independence and remaining of Kosovo in the scope of the Yugoslav federation. <br>MONTENEGRO - The Montenegrin people should be enabled to decide on their own destiny, and the decision on the status of Republic should result from the negotiations with the future government of Serbia. The international community should not be influencing this process by restricting the further help. There should not be any preconditions for accepting Montenegro in the international community if the people of Montenegro decide upon the independence on the referendum. Next, the political connection among Kosovo, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina should not be set up.<br>EUROPE - The perspective of the European integration is of vital significance for the stability of the Balkans. The European institutions and the states in the region should be more engaged in realizing of that integration. The more decisive engagement of the USA is necessary in realization of all above-mentioned goals and at the same time, it is the pre condition for the future reducing of the American presence in the region. <br>The meeting in Dayton was finished last nigh by awarding the first Dayton prize for peace to the American president Bill Clinton. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem974543775,33294,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>We expect the world and Belgrade to respect the citizens' right to choose freely</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">At the Dayton Summit, organized on the fifth anniversary of the Peace Agreement for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegrin president, Milo Djukanovic yesterday presented the essentials of the Montenegrin initiative on redefinition of the relations between Serbia and Montenegro.<br>Although the Dayton Summit represents an informal exchange of opinions on the situation in the Balkans, the importance of this Summit lies in the fact that it would be the source of quality and competent proposals and recommendations for the new US Government in order to formulate the future policy of USA towards Southeast Europe. <br>President Djukanovic attended the debate on the future status of Montenegro and policy towards post-Milosevic's Serbia. He stated that Montenegro had fulfilled all the conditions necessary for being internationally recognized state. He said that the two states forming the present federation had no reason to refuse the offered model. New federation would include joint foreign, defense and monetary policy. Serbia and Montenegro would simultaneously request the international recognition, which would not present an obstacle for founding the union of the states. <br>"We believe that the agreement with Serbia on our initiative is not only possible, it is also logical. However, if Belgrade does not show understanding referendum in Montenegro will be unavoidable", said President Djukanovic.<br>He also said that the problems in relations between Serbia and Montenegro had the historical background - they existed before Milosevic, so they could not be automatically solved after Milosevic's renouncement. <br>Pavle Jevremovic, counselor of the Yugoslav President Vojislav Kostunica, expressed restraint and cautiousness towards Montenegrin initiative, explaining it as "fear of the further fragmentation of the Balkans". <br>OSCE Secretary General, Ian Kubish participated at the debate on Serbia and Montenegro and said that this organization would keep its Office in Podgorica and that it was ready to contribute to solving the relations between Serbia and Montenegro. <br>Representative of the USA in the UN, Richard Holbrook stated yesterday at the press conference that the presence of Croatian and Montenegrin Presidents at the Summit was very important. He also said that yesterday afternoon USA established diplomatic relations with Belgrade. Mr. Holbrook insisted that it was establishing - not reestablishing - of the diplomatic relations, and thus clearly stated that continuation of FR Yugoslavia was not accepted. Belgrade had to go through the international recognition just like all the other newly formed states of the former Yugoslavia. He also said that there were no misunderstandings with Belgrade. <br>Mr. Holbrook said that he met President Kostunica several times. He said that Kostunica is a nationalist, but is also devoted to law obedience and democracy. When asked for the reasons for Kostunica's absence from the Summit, Mr. Holbrook explained that his presence was not necessary and that he was represented on the high level.<br>The reporters asked Mr. Holbrook to comment the status of Kosovo. He answered that the Resolution 1244 was purposely formulated in a way that could be interpreted in several ways. "Only China and Russia interpret the resolution as if Kosovo is to be a part of Yugoslavia forever. I do not perceive the Resolution in such a way. We must go through two phases before the final solution on Kosovo status is found. The first phase is establishing the self-management on the basis of electoral will of the citizens, and the other one is negotiations between the Belgrade authorities and Kosovo representatives. These negotiations must be held in democratic atmosphere, democratically and with tolerance, and we will be there in order to encourage and assist them. Our strategic interest is the stabilization of the region", said Mr. Holbrook.<br>The summit in Dayton is to be continued today with debate on two issues: the role of NATO in Southeast Europe and integration of the Balkans into EU.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem974463005,87288,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The world is to recognize the democratic decision of the Montenegrin citizens</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">"Serbia does not understand the interests of Montenegro and considers it a secessionism, forgetting about the fact that we are separate from no one. The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia betrayed the hopes of its citizens and it turned out to be the Milosvic's instrument and with the constitutional amendments adopted in July it stopped existing", said Minster of foreign affairs on the tribune "The foreign policy of Montenegro today" organized yesterday by "Nansen dialogue centre". <br>According to him, Montenegrin should establish cooperation with Serbia on voluntary basis as the internationally recognized subject. The international acknowledgement of the FRY, according to Lukovac, is caused by the intention of the powerful countries to disengage militarily, "and we can also recognize the whish of certain countries to award DOS for "destroying" Milosevc in that way".<br>"The acknowledgement of the FRY to a certain degree influences the results of the dialogue on the future federation between the Montenegrin and the Serbian authorities. Besides, the international community is always interceding in favour of policy of not creating new states. On the other hand, regardless to al the pressures, I think that the democratic determination of the majority of the citizens is to be recognized", said Lukovac.<br>As far ad the foreign policy is concerned, regardless to the kind of union, which is to be established with Serbia, Lukovac sees it under the competence of Montenegro.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem974378892,43609,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro is close to referendum</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">President of Montenegro, Milo Djukanovic met with the Slovenian President Milan Kucan in Kranj, Slovenia. The subjects of their meeting were the relations between Montenegro and Slovenia, Montenegrin proposal for redefinition of the relations between Montenegro and Serbia and forthcoming summits in Dayton and Zagreb.<br>President Djukanovic said that the Montenegrin model for future relations between Serbia and Montenegro did not represent anything that was not already known to the public, and the accusations of secession directed to Montenegro were at least four years late. “Our proposal is just to verify the results achieved in Montenegro for the past four years, because we do not propose gaining any of the new functions that we have not already gained. I think that it would be a rational move both for Serbia and Montenegro to verify the existing situation, and that does not exclude the possibility of forming a union with joint interest functions,” said President Djukanovic. He also said that after the elections in Serbia, if Montenegrin and Serbian authorities succeeded in making the agreement, then it could be expected to organize the parallel referendum in the two Republics at the beginning of January 2001. If the agreement was not achieved, then Montenegro is to test the opinion of its citizens.<br>Montenegrin President said that the Slovenian support to the Montenegrin proposal for the union of independent states with Serbia would be welcomed. <br>Slovenian President Milan Kucan said that Slovenia could not dispute the right to self-determination to any country since Slovenia itself demanded that right. “Whatever decision citizens of Montenegro make, that decision will be a good solution for Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia and Southeast Europe,” said President Kucan.<br>President Djukanovic said that it was very important to remove from office of the Yugoslav Army all those who misused the Army during Milosevic’s regime, performing the apparent party and sometimes even personal identification with Mr. Milosevic and his regime. He emphasized his belief that the Balkans had the demilitarized future ahead.<br>He also said that when he considered the future of the independent Montenegro, he saw it as a state without the army. However, if Serbia showed its interest in the model for the union of two independent states of Serbia and Montenegro, that would include the agreement on the Army’s functions, said President Djukanovic. “A solution like that, included in our model refers to a thorough rationalization of the Army with commanding structures completely changed. At the union level there would be a joint command and the operations would be performed separately, at the level of the states of Serbia and Montenegro,” explained President Djukanovic.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem974290180,21331,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Status of Montenegro is to be discussed in Dayton</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic will visit the Republic of Slovenia today, on his way to the USA. President Djukanovic will meet the Slovenian President Milan Kucan.<br>President Djukanovic will attend the meeting in Dayton, November 16 to 18. This meeting is dedicated to the fifth anniversary of the Dayton peace agreements. Mr. Bruce Hitchner, President of the Project of Dayton peace agreements and Director of the Center for international programs of the University of Dayton, directed the invitation to President Djukanovic and other leaders of the region. <br>One of the meeting subjects will be definition of the next phase of the Dayton peace process, including the issue of the future status of Montenegro. That would be an opportunity for President Djukanovic to present the official assessments and attitudes on the situation in Montenegro in the scope of the recent events in Belgrade, as well as to state the motives for the Montenegrin initiative on regulation of the future relations between Serbia and Montenegro. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem974204344,52767,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Stability Pact was suggested to invest 10 million dollars in the Montenegrin infrastructure</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“One of the concrete suggestions from the working table in the sector of constructing, organized in Albani, the European foundation for training cadres and cooperation is to direct for consideration to the Stability pact for the southeast Europe, regards the investment in construction and maintaining of infrastructure. It is to be the additional possibility for influx of the foreign help for reviving the economy. The proposal of the Montenegrin delegation was primarily regarding the roads”, said Zoran Arsenijevic, the chief construction inspector in the Ministry of urban planning. He participated the meeting organized by the European foundation for training and cooperation and held in Tirana, Albania, last week as a national expert in the area of constructing. It was proposed Montenegro to receive 10 million dollars in the scope of this project.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem974118191,87468,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Djukanovic in Zagreb only if he is equally treated</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“We are still expecting the Montenegrin president Milo Djukanovic to be invited by Jacques Shiraques, the French president and currently the presiding of the European Union, to attend the EU summit. We are expecting the president Djukanovic to be invited to participate this meting on equal basis as all the other state chiefs at this summit”, said the Montenegrin minister of foreign affairs Branko Lukovac in yesterday’s interview for radio “Boje” form Berane.<br>According to him the Monteneigrn president Milo Djukanovic is to participate at the work of the summit in Zagreb only if having the same rights as all the other participants.<br>“It is important the president Djuknaovic, as all the others, to have right to express the Montenegrin understanding of the future of the region and relations with the EU”, emphasized Lukovac. <br>“I believe that the perspective of good relations between Montenegor and Serbia is only possible if both states are completely independent and sovereign. Then with no problems we can unite for welfare of boh”, said Lukovac.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem973940253,88939,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>State-legal status has to be verified by the referendum</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">In his interview for the Associated Press Agency, when asked about the future relations between Montenegro and Serbia, Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic said that he opted for the union of independent states.<br>“I am not convinced that the political public in Serbia is interested in federation, especially not in the present one and the one that would be named Yugoslavia. Both in Serbia and Montenegro new generations are coming out and they are not, like the old ones, affected with positive emotions towards Yugoslavia. The issues of state-legal status have to be verified by citizens on the referendum. There are two possible referendum models till June next year: first model would be a joint referendum in Serbia and Montenegro. The condition that has to be fulfilled in order to announce the joint referendum is that the two state leaderships achieve the agreement on the possible relation model of Serbia and Montenegro. If we can make the agreement, then it would be fair to offer the citizens in Serbia and Montenegro the right to show whether they are for or against it. But, if we do not make an agreement, then it is inevitable that we, in Montenegro, organize the referendum that would show whether the citizens of Montenegro want their state to be independent or to be in one model of the union with Serbia.”, said Djukanovic.<br>“Montenegro perceives the future of Serbia and Montenegro as two members of the United Nations. It was not our intention to take measures of stopping the obvious intentions of the international community regarding the acceptance of FRY in the UN. On the contrary, in the letter I directed to the UN Secretary General I informed him that we were very interested in Belgrade receiving the economic support that would help the new government to alleviate the economic problems in Serbia during the winter. Nevertheless, we wanted to inform the international community that Serbia and Montenegro had started negotiating on the new relations model. The international community has to bear in mind that one of these models is the model that includes the separate membership in the United Nations. We think that the future of Serbia and Montenegro should primarily be the cooperation in the Partnership for Peace, in our integration into NATO Pact. This integration is logical, we just have to observe our surroundings and we will see that every neighboring state is a member of NATO or wants to become one”, said Djukanovic.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem973855564,31542,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>“We want Djukanovic to participate on equal basis as all the other participants”</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The preparations for the summit of the Balkans countries and the EU which is to be held in Zagreb on 24 November are almost finished but the consultations on Montenegrin participation are still going on since the Fry is to be represented by its president Vojislav Kostunica”, was announced yesterday after the meeting of the French Minister of foreign affairs Iber Vedrin and the European commissioner for foreign policy and safety Javier Solana with the Croatian Minister of foreign affairs Tonino Picula.<br>Solana was stying in Slovenia yesterday and he said that he hoped both the FRY president Vojislav Kostunica and the Montenegrin president Milo Djukanovic are to participate at the summit in Zageb. <br>Branko Lukovac, the Montenegrin minister of foreign affairs said yesterday in Podgorica that the problem of Montenegrin participation at this summit was to be resolved in the following two or three days. He also said that EU, as the initiator and organizer of this summit would intercede in favour of Montenegrin president Milo Djukanovic participating this meeting but they would also direct this invitation via Belgrade.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem973773134,76,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>New Platform in ten days</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The representatives of the Democratic Party of Socialist, Social-democratic party and the People’s party talked yesterday about the new platform on arranging the relations between Serbia and Montenegro. Miodrag Vukovic and Predrag Ivanovic explained the attitudes of the DPS, Ranko Krivokapic and Rade Brajovic of the SDP and Savo Djurdjevac and Predrag Drecun of the NS. They did not want to publicly reveal any details from this meeting justifying it with the claim that it was the expert team discussion. <br>DPS and SDP according to the decisions of their Main Boards suggested the renewal of the Montenegrin independence and then entering the union with Serbia. The People’s party remained to the Platform of the Montenegrin Government form August of 1999. Considering the federation the optimal solution. <br>The next meeting of the Governing coalition representatives is scheduled for Monday, November 13. One of the participants of this meeting said for Vijesti that the final document should be known in ten days time but he gave no precise information on whether this document was to be the result of the consensus of all three parties.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem973684412,97249,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Prevlaka peninsula is not and will not be a stumbling block</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Montenegrin and Croatian Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Branko Lukovac and Tonino Picula met yesterday in Cavtat, Croatia to discuss the situation in the region, democratic process in the FR Yugoslavia and forthcoming summit of the EU and countries of the South-east Europe in Zagreb. Minister Lukovac said that the summit in Zagreb was the opportunity to hear all the representatives of this region whose aim was peace and integration into Europe. “We expect our President Milo Djukanovic to be invited to participate at this summit and state his opinion regarding the situation in Montenegro and Serbia”, said Lukovac. Croatian Minister of Foreign Affairs said that the summit in Zagreb was an important political event and that the form of invitation to be directed to President Djukanovic was being discussed about.<br>Regarding the issue of Prevlaka, Minister Lukovac said that it was not and would not be the stumbling block between Montenegro and Croatia. “It is not a territorial problem. Experts from the both sides will solve the problems of Prevlaka. I strongly support the construction of the tourist zone on Prevlaka” said Minister Lukovac.<br>The participants of this meeting concluded that satisfactory conditions for the further improving of the relations between Croatia and Montenegro were porvided. Minister Lukovac said that Montenegrin and Croatian Ministers of Traffic agreed on all the issues that would enable more intensive circulation of people and goods. The representatives of Montenegro and Croatia discussed the border crossing and the mutual project that would be presented to the Stability Pact. Regarding the liberalization of the visa regime they also agreed upon representatives of the Ministries of Internal Affairs to meet and reconcile opinions on the local border traffic between Boka Kotorska and Dubrovnik-Konavle district. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem973597120,31515,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>On participation of Montenegro at the summit in Zagreb</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Montenegrin Minister of foreign affairs Branko Lukovac is to meet with his Croatian colleague Tonino Picula in Cavtat today. <br>They are to continue with the already initiated talks on cooperation of Montenegro and Croatia. One of the issues to be discussed about is also the agreement on the modality of participation of the Montenegrin delegation at the summit of the EU countries and the countries of the southeast Europe scheduled for 24 November in Zagreb. <br>The officials from Zagreb announced earlier that the Montenegrin president Milo Djukanovic is to be invited to participate at his meeting. Since in the meantime the changes happened in the top of the federal state the invitation was also directed to the new FRY president Vojislav Kostunica. Therefore two diplomacy chief are reach the agreement on how the Fry and Montenegro are to be presented at this summit. <br>The deputy of the Minister of internal affairs Vuk Boskovic is also leaving for Cavtat where he is to meet with his colleagues from Croatian internal affairs department and to talk to them on the liberalization of the visa regime. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem973511606,41802,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Kind of community of the two sovereign states </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The President of Montenegro Milo Djukanovic said yesterday in his statement to the Czech Television that Serbia and Montenegro needed to retain some elements of the community, first of all the army, foreign policy and currency.<br>President Djukanovic explained that all the other functions “Serbia and Montenegro would organize by themselves as internationally recognized legal subjects. It would be irrational to build a new, fourth Yugoslavia on the basis of the two de facto independent states, since that process would last much longer and in the end it would cause many problems” said Djukanovic.<br>He emphasized that the fact that Montenegro had its own police forces, customs administration and that it had withdrawn the Yugoslav dinar, as official currency, from circulation did not mean “the doors” to the federation of Serbia and Montenegro were closed.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem973339168,16055,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Relations between Montenegro and Serbia on firm basis</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The President of Montenegro, Milo Djukanovic received yesterday the newly nominated consul of the Russian Federation in Montenegro, Mr. Iuri Bichkov. They discussed on the current political situation in Montenegro and Yugoslavia, and expressed their satisfaction with the recent democratic changes in Serbia that are very important for the stability in the region, as well as the democratic dialogue regarding the future relations between Serbia and Montenegro.<br>President of Montenegro emphasized the determination of Montenegro to persist in realization of all its strategic choices, that include further democracy improvement, economic reforms and international integration.<br>They expressed mutual satisfaction with intensive contacts and traditionally good relations between Montenegro and Russian Federation, and pointed out the importance of the Consulate for their further development.<br>Mr. Bichkov was also received yesterday by the Montenegrin Premier, Filip Vujanovic.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem973254971,50982,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Decision of the citizens on the state status till june at latest</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">"Regardless to the conclusion reached in the dialogue between the Montenegrin authorities with the future Serbian authorities regarding the relations between Montenegro and Serbia, a referendum on the state status will be scheduled in Montenegro till June at latest", was concluded at the end of the meeting of representatives of three parties of governing coalition Milo Djukanovic, Zarko Rakcevic and Dragan Soc held two days ago. <br>Referendum preparations are to start immediately and the leaders of Democratic Party of Socialists, Social-democratic party and the People's party agreed that the law on elections and the media regulations on pre-election campaign have to be finished till the end of December.<br>They also reached the agreement regarding the proposals of DPS and SDP on the international acknowledgement of Montenegro and Serbia and their latter forming the federation with number of mutual functions not to be adopted by the Montenegrin Government. Consequently, the state delegation of Montenegro will not be the one to negotiate with the Serbian authorities but the representatives of the governing coalition together. The expert teams of DPS, SDP and NS are to reconcile their opinions on the new Platform before initiating negotiations with Serbian representatives. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem973169493,2084,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The laws on the Central bank, banks and foreign investments adopted</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Members of the Montenegrin Parliament adopted yesterday three laws on the proposal of the Government: the Law on the Central bank, the Law on the banks and the Law on the foreign investments. All of them were adopted without discussion, since the members of the Socialist People’s Party and the Liberal Alliance were absent. The members of the People’s Party abstained from voting.<br>Minister of Finance, Miroslav Ivanisevic, said that these laws would provide more efficient function of the banking system and create the basis for foreign investments. The Law on the Central bank would enable the inclusion in the banking system of developed countries and world market.<br>Minister Ivanisevic also said that the Central bank (instead of the National Bank of Yugoslavia) would not have the function of issuing the currency, and that the monetary system would be based on the strong convertible currency (German mark) until its conversion in euro. The reform of the banking system in Montenegro could not be done under the existing federal legislative and monetary authorities, and Montenegro would now take the full responsibility in the scope of the banking system.<br>The Law includes amendment of the Social-democratic Party regarding the members of the Central bank Board. Four members of the Board, ot totally seven, would be nominated by the Montenegrin Parliament, and three by the Government.<br>The Parliament will continue its session today, with discussion about the law on temporary prohibition of managing the former public property that became public property by any means. This law was proposed and put on agenda on the request of the Social-democratic Party by urgent procedure.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem973078508,6994,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The faith of Pavkovic, Obradovic and the Seventh battalion to be discussed about</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The president of the FRY Vojislav Kostunica called a meeting of the Supreme defense council in Podgorica which is to be held today, was reported from the Army cabinet of the president of the FRY.<br>Besides Kostunica the members of the Supreme defense council are the president of Montenegro Milo Djukanovic and the president of Serbia Milan Milutinovic.<br>According to Vijesti Djukanovic is to insist upon the changes in the army top, first of all of the chief of the general staff Nebojsa Pavkovic and the commander of the second battalion Milorad Obradovic. Djukanovic is also to ask dismissing of the para-military formation called the Seventh battalion, which was a direct threat to the civil authority and to the peace in Montenegro. <br>The opinion of two other members of the Supreme defense council on this matter is not familiar. Kostunica has never publicly declared his opinion on the demand regarding the changes in the army top and more then once has he praised the general’s behavior at the decisive events on 5 October. However, some other members of the Democratic opposition of Serbia have been demanding for these changes for a long time now. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem972996142,47701,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>“If Soc and Zizic can unite we can unite too under your leadership”</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Leader of the Liberal alliance Miodrag Zivkovic said for BBC that Liberals have not yet received the invitation from DPS for meeting. He also said that the liberal party had number of objection regarding the recent conclusions of the Mina Board of DPS on resolving the relations with Serbia since that proposal foresaw federation of Montenegro and Serbia. <br>“Liberal alliance s against this kind of Platform since it intercedes in favour of the independent Montenegro. The platform of DPS foresees the joint competences in the sphere of defence, foreign and monetary policy, the president, ministers and unicameral parliament and it is the joint country based on federal principles”, said Zivkovic.<br>“We are all conscious of the fact that Montenegro can be internationally recognized only if it is fully sovereign and it can not be provided without referendum with clear and precise question: ‘Do you vote for sovereign Montenegro?’”, Zivkovic pointed out and he added that the story on the international recognition and two seats in the UN was only the story used to confuse “the most Montenegrin Montenegrins”. <br>The president of the Liberal alliance Miroslav Vickovic called yesterday upon the President of Montenegor and DPS to be at the head of the Montenegrin political block the Liberals are to approach to. He also added that it was the last moment to renew the Montenegrins state sovereignty.<br>He estimated that the time for forming the internationally recognized and independent Montenegro had almost expired but that it still was not too late and he said to Milo Djukanovic to offer a hand to Zarko Rakcevic and SDP. He also adviced the president Djukanovic not to believe to Filip Vujnaovic and especially not to Svetozar Marovic nay more since “they are deliberately weakening the actions leading towards the independence of Montenegor”.<br>“If Soc and Zizic can unite how can we not unite under your leadership at this crucial moment. If you take that road we Liberals will join you ready to forget all you did to us”, finished Vickovic.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem972910528,6719,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Regardless to the attitude of the international community Montenegro can not renounce its right to self-determination</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“One of the very important issues is if we are really in the post-Milosevic’s period. If Milosevic’s policy meant the forced rearranging of the state, “big Serbia” and the iron fist, I believe we are not any more in that period. If we connect that period to the forces that created that policy then we are not witnessing its end since these forces are not defeated. The forces that created that policy understood their goals can not be realized but they are still in power, some of them already adapted and some of them are ready to adapt”, said the Montenegrin Minister of foreign affairs Branko Lukovac at yesterday’s session of the international conference dedicated to the position of Montenegro in the Balkans and in the Europe, organized by Center for the regional an security studies (CERS) from Podgorica. <br>“Destroying of Milosevic’s policy started with its defeat in Montenegro and through the cooperation with the Serbian opposition started the final confrontation with the regime. The final act was the constitutional violence and the illegitimate elections. That is why division of the authority with Socialist People’s party still has elements of Milosevic’s policy, which is trying to repress the democratic forces in Montenegro. Pre-text can deceive since the world could hardly wait to see the end of a dangerous crisis. The international community would like to cancel the sanctions to the FRY as soon as possible and make the FRY again part of the world in order to provide control over it. We would like to recommend them not to hurry since we started looking for some other arrangements. We expressed our fear that euphoria and the haste can have negative consequences on the agreement regarding the future relations”, said Lukovac. <br>“On the other hand”, Lukovac said, “we can not ignore the international community since it could endanger previous achievements of Montenegro in the area of diplomacy.”<br>“Even if it turns out that the international community may have the unfavorable attitude, Montenegro cannot renounce its right to self-determination and it is up to the state organs to make it part of the world. Since there is a danger the result of the dialogues on the future relations between Montenegro and Serbia being prejudiced we have to be careful”, said Lukovac.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem972729823,54693,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The US shall accept whatever Serbia and Montenegro agree</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“The USA and the international community shall accept any solution which is the result of an agreement between Montenegro and Serbia”, stated the American ambassador in the UN, Richard Holbrook in Sarajevo yesterday. <br>The Montenegrin foreign affairs minister, Branko Lukovac confirmed that he talked to Holbrook “about certain aspects of the expected candidacy of FRY in the UN and other international organizations and on Montenegro’s position in relation to this”, but he did not report on any other details. <br>Holbrook confirmed that the US shall continue to support Montenegro and its development and expressed his hope that the dialogue process on the future relations between Montenegro and Serbia, shall be successful. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem972641041,76137,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>DPS main board’s new platform: International recognition for the two states to precede the formation of union</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Montenegrin authorities are to address the UN secretary-general Kofi Annan and the EU leadership with the request that the resolution of international status of FRY is delayed until after Montenegro and Serbia work out their relationship, this was specified last night at the DPS main board meeting. The board discussed this party’s political strategy before adopting key decisions relating to resolving Montenegrin constitutional status. <br>Conveying the attitudes from the meeting of this party’s Presidency, which preceded the meeting of the main board, the leader of the DPS and president of Montenegro, Milo Djukanovic , according to “Vijesti” source, presented the concept of the amended platform which would be used as the basis for the negotiations with Serbia, and which concept outlines international recognition of the two states and then the formation of the union. According to this proposal, they would share the army with the division of the command between the states, foreign policy in the areas in which identical goals are confirmed, monetary policy, by retaining dual currency system i.e. DM in Montenegro. <br>The agreement to be reached is to be, in the end, tested at referendum, which would be held at the same time both in Montenegro and Serbia, this is the attitude of the DPS leadership. Only after early parliamentary election in Serbia, which is scheduled for December 23, the time for holding the referendum should be discussed. <br>The members of the main board have been informed that the SDP, as a coalition partner is mainly supportive of this approach for resolving the constitutional status of Montenegro, apart from the timing of referendum, and concerning the growing public resistance expressed by the third coalition partner, president Djukanovic said shortly: “If the People’s Party is opposed to it, there are those who will be supportive of this approach.”<br>Djukanovic has warned that Montenegro is facing a difficult dilemma:”After 100 years a setting has been created for Montenegro to have its decisions made in it and not elsewhere. Are we to keep that title or to confer it to someone else? Within this context he has warned of unfavorable international circumstances, because: for the western democracies it is good enough that Milosevic is gone”<br>By answering the questions posed by the members of the main board with regard to the international community putting pressure, he has said that international community will respect agreement with Serbia rather than possible unilateral steps.<br>The DPS, as was stressed, will be discussing these stances in coming days with all the parliamentary parties in Montenegro.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem972553000,9243,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Liberal alliance leader Miodrag Zivkovic confirmed the meeting with DPS officials: Liberals will support DPS if they commit themselves to sovereign Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Liberal Alliance leader, Miodrag Zivkovic said that Liberal Alliance shall wholeheartedly support the DPS, if they, at their today’s meeting of the Main Board, commit themselves to sovereign Montenegro and to holding a referendum on Montenegrin constitutional status with a clear question: “Are you for sovereign Montenegro?” Zivkovic confirmed for BBC that his party is to meet these days with DPS delegation. <br>“Liberal Alliance is invited for the talks with the DPS and we have informed them that it is acceptable for us meet between 25 and 28 October. We have also asked to have an hour broadcast on Montenegro TV to present Montenegrin public with which positions Liberal Alliance will go to this meeting”, Zivkovic said stressing that Liberal Alliance has welcomed the DPS desire to talk to liberals, because this is the first meeting between the Liberal Alliance and the DPS on official level. <br>“We have also agreed, with regard to the issue of Montenegrin independence, that if gentlemen from the DPS, at the meeting of the Main Board, commit themselves to sovereign Montenegro and to calling a referendum with a clear question: ”Are you for sovereign Montenegro?”, that is if these gentlemen take Montenegrin flag in their hands, Liberal Alliance shall absolutely and wholeheartedly support them,”Zivkovic said among other things.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem972473540,17077,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro knows which road to follow</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">President of Montenegro, Milo Djukanovic met last night in Podgorica with the EU Commissioner for International Affaires Chris Patten. Addressing the journalists after the talks Djukanovic said that this is the moment when the relationship between democratic Serbia and democratic Montenegro should be based on the solid grounds and disagreements that we have had throughout more or less at least last century resolved.<br>“Democratic Montenegro is absolutely aware how complex this issue is, with responsible attitude towards it, and it is ready to seek, in a democratic and tolerant setting , through talks on Montenegrin political scene and negotiations with Serbia , the possibility of their coming to a desirable solution based on mutual agreement. He has reiterated Montenegro’s firm commitment to follow the path it had taken three years ago, the path of democracy, economic reforms and integration of society into European and transatlantic structures. <br>EU Commissioner for International Affaires Chris Patten has said that an Agency for Recovery and Development will be soon constituted, and facility trade measures can be expected for agricultural products. <br>EU will as early as this year provide emergency assistance for Serbia but not at others partners cots in the region. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem972384125,33938,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>This is not the moment for any halfway solutions</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“This is not the moment for any halfway solutions, which would continue to generate conflicts and jeopardize stability in the whole region, but rather [a time] for establishing a healthy basis for the relations between Podgorica and Belgrade. Without tensions, historical and other burdens, limitations imposed by the Yugo-framework, the democratic government in Montenegro and the democratic forces in Serbia have to turn to arranging their relations in the best interests of these two old European states, that is in the interests of their citizens”, stated Montenegrin president Milo Djukanovic in a meeting with the newly appointed head of the Office of the Monitoring Mission of the European Community in Montenegro, Michael Frankland. <br>“This will be an important incentive for strengthening the reform, democratic, pro-European path, which Montenegro has definitely taken, and which is the only real choice for democratic Serbia. No one has the right to make compromises, which would go against the basic strategic state and national interests of Montenegro, and neither will Montenegro’s democratic government and its citizens allow this. It is very important that all this it understood, in a real way and without unnecessary euphoria by the international community, whose support so far has significantly contributed to the democratic development of Montenegro”, said Djukanovic. <br>Emphasizing the importance of the changes of the leadership in Belgrade, Djukanovic stated that “it is most important that this democratic energy is channeled into Serbian state institutions and the deconstruction of the system of the former regime, and this should open possibilities for a democratic dialogue between Montenegro and Serbia about future relations”. <br>Michael Frankland, among other things, stated that the representatives of the international community, who are working in Montenegro are very carefully monitoring the current political dynamics, and that they have understanding for the position and views of Montenegro, it was stated in the presidential cabinet’s press release. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem972293862,2639,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegrin Government high official confirmed yesterday for “Vijesti”: The changed platform will demand that the two states be internationally recognized</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Montenegrin Government high official confirmed yesterday for “Vijesti” that Vujanovic’s office is soon to adopt the changed platform as the basis for the talks with Belgrade on the relationship between Montenegro and Serbia. He has, unofficially, explained, that the main change in the known government document refers to the wording that before an agreement on union is reached, the two states are to be recognized by the international community. <br>Concerning the forthcoming activities the situation in the government is quite uncomfortable at this moment. <br>The statement signed by Miodrag Vucinic, secretary-general of the Government and its speaker with regard to the information covered and broadcast by some media , and which refers to the allegation that the government of Montenegro will by the end of the week adopt new platform for talks with Serbia, says that no initiative for new platform for talks with Serbia has been submitted to Montenegrin government on working out the relationship between the two states.<br>This text was distributed yesterday to media in order to deny the information that “Vijesti” covered on Saturday, as well as other media, that the government is preparing a changed platform for talks on the relationship with Serbia.<br>Vucinic “denied” only what was not covered by “Vijesti” – that the government was submitted an initiative for determining new platform. Our information included that the government will change starting points for the talks with Serbia after the meetings of coalition parties are held, meaning that the initiative is yet to be submitted. <br>As “Vijesti” found out yesterday from the competent place in the Government that the changed document for the talks with Belgrade will be adopted , after the alleged “denial” a dilemma remains: perhaps all of them in the Government are not resolved with regard to what they are to do, or don’t have time to deal with the issue of Montenegrin identity being preoccupied with carrying throughout Montenegro the mortal remains of a long-deceased Serbian poet.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem972127556,80019,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>An Appeal by 133 Montenegrin intellectuals: Montenegro should enter any integrations as an independent internationally recognized state</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Montenegro should seek membership of any future state, economic and political integrations exclusively as an independent and internationally recognized state, says an appeal by 133 eminent Montenegrin intellectuals – academicians, university professors, writers, painters, musicians, journalists and athletes. The document has been sent to the President of Montenegro, the Parliament and the Government.<br>At this dramatic moment after the ousting of the dictatorship in Serbia, Montenegro is at a historic watershed when it must decide whether it wants to be de facto part of the Serb national, political, economic and cultural corpus, or whether it wants to seek European integration as an independent state with a ten-century historic heritage. <br>Centuries of experience have shown that Montenegrin identity is based on a historic need for preservation of Montenegrin state and an aspiration to be part of the family of European nations; that the idea of South Slav peoples of a common state has proved to be unviable and antiquated; that a joint state of Montenegro and Serbia based on an equal footing is impossible due to a huge disproportion of all the relevant elements of these two states….<br>Whenever it renounced its state capacity, and the right to take care of its own foreign policy, defense and security, the very existence of Montenegro was inevitably put in jeopardy. … At the beginning of the twentieth century it disappeared as a result of force and deception and at the end of the century it is faced with the threat that it might disappear as a result of the same force and deception, in a fire of a Greater Serbia . <br>Montenegro has for centuries been an example of religious and inter-ethnic tolerance and of multicultural intertwining in this region.<br>In view of our past experience, we demand of the Montenegrin state and political leadership , and in particular of the President, the Parliament and the Government to act at this crucial moment guided with a sense of full historic responsibility.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem972127515,85652,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>New Montenegrin Platform for Talks with Belgrade to be adopted next week : Two seats at the UN, a few joint functions and a unicameral parliament</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Montenegrin government will be adopting by end of the next week a new platform for talks with Serbia on redefining the relationship between the two states, according to a source close to the office of prime minister Vujanovic.<br>The document will be based on the proposal put forward by President of Montenegro and DPS leader Milo Djukanovic at the meeting of the coalition leaders last Tuesday, whose main idea is that talks with Serbia should be entered into from the position of an internationally recognized, independent Montenegro. According to these proposals, a future union of independent states of Montenegro and Serbia would , apart from two flags on the East River and separate membership of UN and other international organizations, imply a number of joint functions in the field of security, foreign, economic and monetary policies, a small number of joint bodies, president of the union, government with just a few departments and a unicameral parliament with equal number of seats for both Montenegro and Serbia.<br>The authorities in Belgrade will be asked that FRY inclusion into UN and other international associations be postponed until after the final agreement between Serbia and Montenegro, which should follow after the December 23 parliamentary election in Serbia.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem972045870,32482,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Austrian diplomat : Montenegro wants agreement with Serbia on a Union of independent states before December 23</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Albert Rohan, secretary-general of the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said yesterday to Austrian journalists, after a visit to Podgorica in his capacity as OSCE envoy, that Montenegro proposes “ a union of independent states” as a solution for a future relationship with Serbia. Rohan said that president Djukanovic explained that the position of Montenegro is that in future both republics should have a separate seat in international organizations. <br>Within such a union the two Republics would have a joint foreign , security, economic and monetary policy. Also, future union would have a federal president and a federal government with a reduced number of departments, as well as a unicameral parliament with equal number of seats for both Montenegro and Serbia. Over the forthcoming weeks and months Montenegrin authorities propose to discuss this at expert level, as well as with FRY president Kostunica in order that a settlement be reached before December 23, the date of parliamentary election in Serbia.<br> After the election in Serbia, Montenegro wants to implement the settlement together with a new Serbian government . According to Rohan, Djukanovic is planning to have people vote on all the planned changes in a referendum. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem972044778,47289,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro parliament session – questions of MPs:</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Montenegrin Parliament continued its session yesterday with questions by MPs. DPS MPs used the opportunity to ask their colleagues from SNP, as the organizers of the recent federal election in Montenegro, questions such as:<br>Will legal action be taken for falsifying the electoral will of the citizens on September 24; why election results by polling station have not been disclosed; what kind of protection can be provided to persons in whose name other persons have cast a ballot without their knowledge; under which law has the Federal Election Commission allowed Yugoslav army to guard polling stations and use force against citizens without any justification., etc.<br>SNP MPs asked questions such as: When will 20,000 police go home now that Slobodan Milosevic is no longer in power; why minister of culture does not take sufficient account of artists who do not support the ruling coalition, etc.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem971958529,31124,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>We shall insist on independence</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro, Dragisa Burzan has said that apart from the changes which have taken place in Belgrade, Montenegro should break away from Serbia. <br>“With changes in Belgrade, developments have started, but we are hanging on to our options. We shall stick to our goal which is independence. The socialist Yugoslavia ceased to exist in 1991, and what we had from that point onward was the state of Slobodan Milosevic. Within that framework Montenegro’s existence was only formal”, Burzan said for Viennese daily “Prese”.<br>“We have refused to participate in the election for the institutions of such a state, and this is why it is not possible for us to recognize the newly elected president, even though this is Vojislav Kostunica”, argued Burzan, observing that Kostunica is not a legitimate president. <br>He has also denied the claims that Montenegro is ignoring the changes, which took place in Serbia.<br>“This is what we are not doing. What we want is to reach an agreement with Serbia and take to redefining our relations. This is the reason we are negotiating with new authorities. However, this does not mean that we are giving up our goal. People in Montenegro want to be free”, said Deputy Prime Minister.<br>Burzan has further argued thhat “Montenegro had been for centuries a sovereign state, and was occupied by armed force only in 1918.”<br>He has pointed out that Montenegro has the right to make its own decision about the future and that the authorities will allow “the people to decide on their own what their future status will be” and that this decision will be respected.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem971958493,57686,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Senior DPS Official on Future Relationship between Montenegro and Serbia:Something in between union and confederation</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">This federation cannot be saved, said Miodrag Vukovic, adviser to president Djukanovic on constitutional issues and chairman of the Executive Board of DPS, in an interview with Reuters.<br>What we want is a new partnership based on cooperation between the two states. The new system should be something in between a union and a confederation. In the event that we fail to achieve this, full independence will be the only option. <br>He described the present federation as a “state of organized chaos”, designed to suit Milosevic’s private interests. He also said that as long as Milosevic is Belgrade, he will represent a constant threat to the new government. “He is charging his batteries, so we will again have to deal with evil”<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem971870257,43538,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Presidents Djukanovic and Kostunica met in Podgorica: Final decision on future relationship after early election in Serbia</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">President of Montenegro Milo Djukanovic and president of FRY Vojislav Kostunica agreed yesterday in Podgorica to resume a political dialogue on a future relationship. <br>The talks were focused on the future relations between Montenegro and Serbia. It was agreed that it would be good if expert teams were to be organized with a view to working out mutually acceptable solutions, which would be finalized after the 23 December elections in Serbia, as stated by the office of president Djukanovic .<br>The agenda included the issue of formation of federal government. President Djukanovic informed president Kostunica of the reasons due to which Montenegro cannot participate in work of the interim federal government, which will be reflected in Montenegro's treatment of such government, says the statement . It was also said that “issues relating to future work of the Supreme Defence Council were also brought up", but without any details. During “a very frank discussion” president Djukanovic reiterated satisfaction over the recent democratic change in Belgrade, which is important not only for further democratisation of Serbia, but also for regulation of a future relationship between Montenegro and Serbia, as well as for the stability of the region and its inclusion into European integrations”.<br>During his official visit to Podgorica Kostunica had a separate meeting with speaker of the Montenegrin Parliament Svetozar Marovic, prime minister Filip Vujanovic and deputy prime minister Savo Djurdjevac.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem971870186,12213,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Ruling coalition leaders meet in Podgorica :All options open to Montenegro, from referendum to early parliamentary election</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Resolving the constitutional issue of Montenegro and defining the future relationship with Serbia are tasks that can no longer be postponed, was the conclusion of a meeting of the ruling coalition in Podgorica . <br>After a five-hour meeting behind closed doors, leaders of parties making up the coalition “For a better life” – Milo Djukanovic, Zarko Rakcevic and Dragan Soc and their respective deputies - concluded that all options are open to Montenegro on its path towards crucial decisions – from referendum to early parliamentary election. Although “everybody spoke of referendum” , according to the Vijesti source no time frame for its organization was mentioned.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem971777387,68239,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Kostunica to meet with Djukanovic in Podgorica</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">President of FRY Vojislav Kostunica is to make an official visit to Montenegro today, it was confirmed to Vijesti in the Palace of the Federation. Kostunica is to speak with Montenegrin president Milo Djukanovic, and meet with government and parliamentary representatives. <br>A DPS presidency meeting took place yesterday at which the future relations between Serbia and Montenegro in the context of Kostunica’s visit were discussed and it lasted five hours. <br>The members of the DPS presidency contacted by Vijesti refused to discuss the meeting claiming that this was agreed together with an agreement the president Djukanovic shall directly inform Kostunica on the views of the DPS leadership on what Montenegro could accept in the negotiations with Serbia. <br>Djukanovic is also to inform coalition partners at a meeting of the leaders of the DPS, SDP and the People’s party to be held this afternoon. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem971691368,57686,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The root to the new state status of Montenegro: The factual reality of the sovereign state should be strengthened through the adoption of a new constitution</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">By Mijat Sukovic<br>Without the declarative proclamation of independence Montenegro is, factually speaking, an independent state. Two clusters of facts prove this.<br>First – the state of Montenegro is conducting all state functions on its territory, with two exceptions – it does not have state sovereignty over its air space and it does not manage the military activities conducted on its territory. <br>Secondly – In the international community, through serious and hard work Montenegro has achieved the status of an independent, respected and highly regarded entity capable of taking over rights and responsibilities. It has acquired a position which make possible her independent presence in the United Nations, international financial institutions, regional and international associations of states. <br>Its independence in terms of its legal status and its international independence have been conducted by Montenegro in institutions, through Decisions and to an extent through laws. The institutional and legal finalizing of these is taking place now. <br>… Given this, according to the laws of logic and life, it can be concluded that: there is a need and a responsibility that the created and vital practical situation of Montenegro in terms of its state status is made official through constitutional enforcement, that this factual situation is clearly, decisively and strongly arranged, strengthened and protected, and that the present constitutional arrangement is removed or annulled. And that the current factual situation is finalized in a way so that Montenegro’s sovereignty is also established over its airspace and over the military on its territory. An explicit declaration is also necessary so that with such a determined state status, Montenegro can (in a way and under the conditions determined with constitutional enforcement) voluntarily join unions with other states and certain state functions can be transferred to institutions of the union which the state of Montenegro is a member of…</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem971525975,98607,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Kostunica believes that the relations between Montenegro and Serbia shall continue in the form of a confederation</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">In an interview with the French Figaro magazine, President of FRY Vojislav Kostunica stated that he would like the name of Yugoslavia to be changed to “Serbia and Montenegro”.<br>“Already in 1992, when the president of FRY Slobodan Milosevic used the term Yugoslavia, I concluded that this word had lost its meaning as the Croats and Slovenes had left this union of south Slavs. We shall annul this name, if the Serbian and Montenegrin people wish”, said Kostunica in an interview with this French paper.<br>Kostunica also stated that changes to the constitution have to be made. “We need to re-look at everything, and keep in mind the difficulties of a union with two entities of different sizes. It may be that a confederation is the form which is most suited”, said Kostunica. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem971433037,92095,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Clinton’s representative wants to know why Montenegro is restrained in relation to changes in Serbia</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Washington (SENSE)<br>At the last minute it was decided that Bill Clinton’s and Madeline Albright’s advisor James O’Brian is to extend his tour in the Balkans to include, Podgorica. The reason for extending the tour which was to include Beglrade Sarajevo and Pristina, is, according to one representative of the administration, very serious: even after one week since Milosevic’s departure, there are no signals in the normalizing of the relations between Serbia and Montenegro. On the contrary. <br>What is especially of concern in Washington is the restraint which continues to exist with respect to the change which happened with the election of Vojislav Kostunica for the president of the joint federation. Apart from that, the Clinton administration is demonstrating visible interest for the return of FRY as a full scale member of the United Nations, and this shall also be one of the themes O’Brian is to discuss in Podgorica, given the restraint which is heard from some high representatives of the Montenegrin government in relation to this membership entry. <br>At the same time, there is a visibly emphasized determination in the State Department to support the reform course of Djukanovic’s administration. State secretary Madeline Albright spoke twice to president Djukanovic over the weekend, and with relation to this, the American government’s press representative, Richard Boucher said the following: “We are continuing to work with the international community, not only in terms of what we can do to help Serbia to feel the dividends of democratic change, but also in terms of their neighbors in the region. Support to their efforts to build democracy and economy continues. We are in permanent contact with Montenegro. <br>James O’Brian met with president of FRY Vojislav Kostunica yesterday. After the meeting Kostunica and the advisor to the American president stated that “FRY and USA have agreed to initiate the process of establishing diplomatic relations”. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem971433003,82872,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Kostunica: if the Montenegrins want to leave the federation, their will shall be respected</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">President of FRY, Vojislav Kostunica stated that if the people of Montenegro wish to depart from the Yugoslav federation, there will shall be respected.<br>Kostunica believes Milosevic is to blame for the tense relations between Belgrade and Podgorica. <br>“Democratic change in Serbia shall one day enable a democratic dialogue with Montenegro”, said Kostunica in an interview with Italian television. <br>The dialogue shall center around “new constitutional resolutions and through testing the will of the people in Serbia and Montenegro on whether they wish to live in the same country or not”. <br>“The relations between the two states shall, in any case, be determined on the basis of the will of the people”, said Kostunica, emphasizing the fact that he had been promoting the option of holding a referendum in both republics. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem971346226,96730,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Djukanovic: Back to work in a few days</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Montenegrin president Milo Djukanovic was checked out of hospital yesterday, where he was being treated after a car accident which took place a few days ago.<br>“After being treated for two days in the Podgorica General Hospital, I feel better. The doctor has advised me to remain at home for the next few weeks, but I believe I shall be able to start work on some lighter responsibilities in a few days”, said Djukanovic. <br>In response to the question of what he thinks about the statement made by Vojislav Kostunica that “an independent Montenegro is out of the question”, president Djukanovic said that he shall have time to comment on this within the next few days”. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem971346171,451,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>First the agreement and then UN membership</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Montenegrin minister of foreign affairs Branko Lukovac said for the British BBC that before the eventual demand of Belgrade for the UN membership, Montenegro and Serbia should reach an agreement on the form of their relations and then if they reach the agreement on some kind of federation then they should decide in which form this federation would be present in the UN and the other international institutions, Montena fax reports. <br>When asked on the demand of Montenegro to gain the seat in the UN, that is if the invitation of Kofi Annan directed to Belgrade meant that the Montenegrin demand was to be rejected the Montenegrin minister said that the Montenegro had already ensured the participation in the work of the UN whenever it is in the interest of this republic. <br>“We are now trying to find certain practical solutions in order to be present with our demands in the forums of the UN as an interested state, conscious that our formal status depends on the decision of the Montenegrin citizens on the independence. Therefor until such a decision is brought we have no procedural possibilities neither to ask nor to obtain the status of the UN member”, said minister Lukovac. <br><br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem971258668,53884,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Kostunica: Montenegro’s independence is out of the question</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">President of FRY Vojislav Kostunica has stated that the independence of Montenegro and Kosovo are out of the question, and said that the unity of FRY is of prime importance, reports Reuters.<br>In an interview with French television, Kostunica said that he does not support the idea of greater Serbia. “I am a democrat to the very essence, but I am also a nationalist, just as the French, the Americans or other nations can be. My nationalist feelings are normal and linked to my interest in the future of my country. This is not about chauvinism directed at other nations. There are no grand ideas about greater Serbia”, said Kostunica. <br>He stated that the Constitution does not allow the secession of Montenegro. “What we want is to create a democratic regime between Serbia and Montenegro”, said Kostunica. <br>In an interview with the Times, Kostunica said that “part of the Montenegrin government would like to secede, but does not have the strength to see this through”. <br>“Serbia and Montenegro can now start off a normal dialogue and this shall enable us to regulate our relations in a normal and positive manner”, added Kostunica. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem971258633,28606,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro has the right to its independence: Kostunica does not know the Constitution</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Dragan Djurovic, member of the DPS presidency stated yesterday that the new president of FRY, Vojislav Kostunica was mistaken when he said that Montenegro’s independence is out of the question. <br>“The Montenegrin constitution allows the citizens to freely decide on what the state status of Montenegro shall be. Independence is no longer a taboo theme, rather it has been pushed into the forefront through the work of some political parties and non-government organizations. There is a clear constitutional-legal procedure for holding a referendum on independence”, explained Djurovic. <br>Djurovic stated that he believes Kostunica made this statement because he does not know the constitution of Montenegro, adding that the Constitution of FRY also, does not limit the right of the republics to independence. Serbia and Montenegro have transferred some of their authorities to the federal state, and in the same way they can renounce this. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem971172696,24773,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>President Djukanovic suffers light injuries in car accident</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">President Djukanovic was lightly injured in a car accident, which took place just after 3pm on the Budva – Cetinje road, yesterday. <br>The president was immediately taken to the General Hospital in Podgorica. “The president is feeling well, and following the advice of doctor’s he will remain in hospital for a short period”, it was stated by his cabinet. <br>The president’s driver and security guard were also injured in the accident as well as a young man and woman (Ivan Vucevic and Ivana Lainovic) who were in a Reno Clio. <br>According to the Investigative judge of the Main court in Kotor, Boris Savic, three cars participated in the accident, as the Reno first “had contact” with the Audi, belonging to the Podgorica police and then with the president’s Mercedes. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem971172659,8611,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The army and foreign policy have to be exclusively Montenegrin</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“Montenegro cannot accept the proposals of DOS that a state is created with Serbia which would have joint functions in the fields of defense, foreign policy and monetary policy”, states the deputy president of the SDP, Ranko Krivokapic, following the initiative presented to president Milo Djukanovic by the Leader of the Democratic party, Zoran Djindjic. <br>“Apart from all the friendly feelings existing for Zoran Djindjic, the most important are the friendly feelings towards our country, Montenegro. He suggests that the three key authorities which present the basis of sovereignty and integrity of one country – the army, foreign policy and monetary policy – have to be joint functions. I would like to remind you that all three of these segments have had negative consequences on Montenegro, whenever they were transferred to Belgrade. Whenever the army commandment was transferred to Belgrade, this army was transformed into an army which did not defend Montenegro but tried to occupy it. This happened in 1914, at the end of the 1980’s and throughout the 1990’s. Our boys went to die under somebody else’s commandment and for someone else’s interests, and to the damage of Montenegro. <br>Why are you against a united diplomatic service? <br>It is clear that our foreign policy priorities differ. The foreign policy priorities for Montenegro are the US and the EU and for Serbia they are Russia and the EU. Serbia has unresolved problems with all its neighbors, and Montenegro does not. Serbia has problems with its ethnic minorities, whilst Montenegro has built stable relations (with its own ethnic minorities) and has stable relations with its neighbors. Also, Montenegro is much further ahead in its transition process. <br>And what about the issue of a joint currency?<br>The currency is the border issue, which we could discuss. The economic issues are the field in which we could negotiate in detail. In terms of deciding about war and peace, foreign policy and integrations, it is Montenegro, alone which has to make the decisions. …We are ready to talk if Serbia is ready to accept a stable currency – the German DM or the Euro – because there are no guarantees that the destroyed Serbian economy could succeed in having a stable currency. <br>You mentioned negotiations, but the other leaders of the SDP have stated that can only take place once Montenegro is recognized internationally as an independent state.<br>We request that two states negotiate, because Montenegro is already practically independent. The SDP intends to participate in these negotiations as part of the government delegation. <br>It seems certain that the SNP will be given the position of federal prime minister? <br>Kostunica is inviting those entities to Belgrade, which were accused of election fraud in Montenegro. Even the SNP has finally realized that only those entities, which serve Serbian interests, are welcome in Belgrade. It is not important who this is. The statement made by Vladan Batic that 100.000 should not decide what the 7 million are expected to do (given that the SNP is by far the strongest single party in parliament) , is evidence that all the Montenegrin entities should return to the state of Montenegro, even the SNP. I think that even they are getting close to the conclusion that Montenegro’s equality in the federation is not possible. <br>What if the new federal government continues to insist it is accepted in the UN?<br>This would be the right time for Montenegro to adopt a declaration on independence and the possible holding of a referendum. This state would not be legitimate, as it does not exist either from a legal or from a practical perspective. The legitimacy in the UN can only be obtained for Serbia and Montenegro as the equal inheritors of the former SFRY. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem971086709,79814,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Djukanovic and Kostunica schedule a meeting on changes in the military leadership</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">President of Montenegro, Milo Djukanovic and the new president of FRY Vojislav Kostunica agreed that a meeting of the Supreme defense council should be held soon, where changes in the military leadership could be agreed, it was confirmed by the leader of the Democratic party, Zoran Djindjic. <br>Djindjic said that Kostunica and Djukanovic spoke on the phone and agreed that a meeting of the Supreme council should be held within the next three days.<br>Djukanovic met Djindjic, who was representing the Democratic Opposition of Serbia, last night in Podgorica. Djindjic informed Djukanovic on DOS’s plans to possibly form an expert government with the SNP. This government would spend the first two to three months around issues connected to the removal of international sanctions and for the pledged international financial support for economic recovery to be realized, and therefore this government would not interfere in the authorities of the Republican governments. This government would “be voted in by the representatives of DOS, the Montenegrin SNP, and the occasional patriot from the SPS”, said Djinjic.<br>The leader of the Democratic party claims that Djukanovic assessed this idea as interesting and “the least bad transitory solution”.<br>Djindjic said that he explained DOS’s thinking on renewing FRY.<br>“We believe the joint state should not be called Yugoslavia but the “The Union of Serbia and Montenegro”. This union should have much less joint functions, because at the moment there is a lot of overlap with the republics. The joint functions should be reduced to defense, and if regional stability is enhanced this would assume a small army, then also foreign policy and monetary policy based on a convertible currency. It is also true that the expensive institutions of the parliament and government should be reduced, because we already have this at the level of the independent states. The idea is to decrease the size of the federal functions but significantly improve their efficiency, which would mean reduced costs”, said the leader of the Democratic party. <br>Responding to the question of whether this is really DOS’s program, given Vojislav Kostunica’s statement on strengthening the joint state, Djindjic said: <br>“We, in the campaign, did not have completely differing views on these issues. I explained these ideas in the joint meetings of the DOS leaders and they were positively accepted both in the coalition and by the Serbian public. I think we should first clarify what strengthening the joint state means. If the state has three functions, which are strong, this is better than if it has 20 which are weak”, explained Djindjic. <br>Djindjic said the talks between the representatives of DOS and the Montenegrin government about the future relations between Serbia and Montenegro are to start this week.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem971086655,21630,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>We do not recognize neither the federal parliament nor Kostunica</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Deputy president of the Montenegrin government, Dragisa Burzan stated that “Montenegro does not recognize either the federal parliament nor the president of FRY Vojislav Kostunica, with respect to his authority in Montenegro”. <br>Burzan explained that Montenegro did not recognize the federal elections, and therefore not a single legal consequence of it, and stated that the Montenegrin government is keeping to the platform from before the elections.<br>However, the political position is no longer the same, because we wish to give Kostunica a chance to develop some political activities in Serbia in the director of democratization”, said Burzan. <br>Burzan does not see Montenegro is some kind of federation with Serbia and says he stands for Montenegro’s full state sovereignty that is for Montenegro to be recognized as an independent state”. <br>Montenegro shall have to hold a referendum in two to three months, after which the international community shall have to recognize the will of the people for an independent state”, states “Avaz” the Sarajevo daily, where the interview with Burzan was published. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem971086612,72588,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The best solution for Montenegro is to be sovereign</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“Whilst aware of the fact that the greater Serbian politics has permanently tried to appropriate and subordinate Montenegro and deny the Montenegrin nation, language, culture and the church; Given that over the last century the experience of the joint states of Serbia and Montenegro were dangerous, bad and bitter with respect to Montenegro and its vital interests; whilst being convinced that the equal union of Montenegro and Serbia was not, is not and cannot be possible, the Montenegrin Orthodox Church believes that it would be best for Montenegro to be sovereign and independent once again”, it was stated in a message issued by the Archbishop of Cetinje and the Montenegrin Mitropolit Mihailo. <br>“The time has come for Montenegro honorably and freely to embark on the road of state independence and achieving full international entity in the union of modern, educated and civilized nations in Europe and world-wide”, said Mitropolit Mihailo. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem970915161,25411,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Kostunica and the others will have the opportunity to be better informed on Montenegro and to understand that it can not be claimed</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">‘During his dictatorship ruling Slobodan Milsoevic caused many damages to all in the region, he made people all around Yugoslavia suffer, but most of all he made Serbian people suffer. Yesterday in Belgrade we saw the last act of the long lasting severe battle, which democratic Montenegro was most often fight with the last dictator in Europe. Certainly, only the democratic strength and decisiveness of Serbian people could bring this regime to an end”, said president Djukanovic last night at the tribune of the citizens in Niksic.<br>“Only the democratic Serbia and Democratic Montenegro may come to an agreement on their future relations. The Montenegrin understanding of these relations was given in the Platform given to the Serbian Government more then a year ago and which is to become more actual thanks to the changes in Belgrade.<br>There are two possibilities before Montenegro regarding the defining of its state-legal status. One of the options is agreement with democratic Serbia on the basis of Platform, which is certainly liable to some changes. And the other option is establishing of Montenegro as an independent state”, said Djukanovic.<br>“I don’t think we can allow to be nervous. Montenegro should still give chance to democratic public of Serbia to give its opinion on our offer. If we get no answer or if we get some inappropriate answer in the foreseeable future, it is completely clear that Montenegro can with a clear conscience towards its citizens, towards the friendship with Serbia and the region, say that it will atke the road of the state independence”, Djukanovic was precise.<br>How would you comment the statement of Vojislav Kostunica on “Bulatovic’s Montenegro and Djukanovic’s Montenegro, and on his giving the mandate of the federal premier to SNP and the statement that Montenegro has turned its back to democratic Serbia? <br>“The most important thing is that Slobodan Milosevic is defeated. And it is also very important that dictatorship regime is not threatening with war to Montenegro any more and that there are chances provided for Serbia to take democratic road.<br>I am not especially sensitive to any statement. I consider part of them as pre-election rhetoric both of Mr. Kostunica and his colleagues form DOS. But anyway I just want to say that I do not agree to these statements. I do not even want to react vainly and nervously for two reasons. The first one is that I want to contribute to Dos intention in taking over the power in Serbia and becoming a reliable partner both to Montenegro and to the other countries in the region. And the other one is that we think that no statements from Serbia or text from some cheap newspaper form Belgrade can disturb Montenegro. Montenegro is not like that anymore. And talking about “Bulatovic’s and Djukanovic’s Montenegro” is in my opinion rather the elementary ignorance of Montenegro and I do not mind that. Mr. Kostunica as well as the others will have the opportunity to be better informed on Montenegro and to understand that it cannot be claimed”, said Djukanovic. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem970915033,86656,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Milosevic announced that he is to play with his grandchild in the future</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The former Yugoslav president Slobodan Milsevic publicly congratulated to the newly elected president Vojislav Kostunica and he wished a lot of success to the Yugoslav people in the future.<br>In his public speech at YU Info TV channel he thanked to the people who voted for him but he also thanked to those who did not vote for him since they freed me of a big burden of responsibility. The former FRY president that in the future he was to spend more time with his family and with his grandchild Marko, and that after a shorter break he would start working on strengthening of his party which would, according to him, be a strong opposition party.<br>Milosevic met with Kostunica and they talked for an hour. It was their first meeting since the new president of FRY never met, directly or indirectly, Slobodan Milosevic. Kostunica also received the chief of the general staff of the FRY army General-Lieutenant Nebojsa Pavkovic, who also congratulated him on victory. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem970831459,5532,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Interview with elected President of Yugoslavia, Vojislav Kostunica broadcast on RTS (Serbian State Television) after 11pm last night. </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">(Text taken from Free B92 internet site) <br>Elected president of FRY Vojislav Kostunica addressed the citizens for the first time after the elections on 24th September on Radio-television Serbia (state run TV). He stated that there shall not be any retaliation directed at those who have different political views and rejected the possibility of citizens of FRY being extradited to The Hague Tribunal, which he referred to as the means of achieving American influence and NATO presence in the Balkans. Kostunica said he was positive that he has a "vision of Serbia without internal tensions, clashes, conflict, with normal relations between the government and the opposition, with an understanding that government is changeable and transient". "This is something which has not characterized the governments so far, especially not Slobodan Milosevic", said Kostunica. He accused the former government of "more easily communicating with the world and negotiating in Dayton, making agreements with Richard Holbrook, easily accepting the Kumanovo capitulation and the arrival of foreign troops, but being incapable of talking with the part of the people who think differently". "Life has been too exhilarating, people are yearning for some peace, harmony, normality, and I noticed that during the campaign in the eyes of the people and in their requests", said Kostunica. He stated that the state television shall be open to all political options, because "the state television must not belong to a political party, but rather it belongs to the people" and needs to represent "a mirror of the views of the people". "Every political option shall be broadcast, respective to its strength. Who is more powerful, there shall be more of him, who is smaller - less, but everyone must be heard", said the elected president of FRY. He said his vision is a democratic state, without internal tensions, with normalized relations with other states. "This shall not be easy, there are those who have erred, who bombarded us. We cannot ignore this, neither the damages, nor the crime, Serbs would lose their identity if they forgot those crimes", repeated Kostunica. Kostunica said we should "count on the lifting of the heavy wall of external sanctions" with the normalization of the political life both in the country and with the rest of the world. Kostunica said that according to the promises from the country chairing the EU, on Monday the sanctions against Yugoslavia shall be lifted. He said that a democratically organized state shall enable for money taken out of the country to be returned and especially emphasized that "social solidarity has to exist, an understanding for the poorest and those most deprived". "Real economic revival shall start and the country shall be able to see this, and this shall be thanks to all the people. What was positive was the renewal of what had been destroyed, no one denies this, but this is not the to the credit of one party, this is something the people payed for and no one can claim (credit) for this", said the elected president. He said that there shall be no retaliation, no revenge and spite and called upon the creating of "a democratic culture, a civilized dialogue". Kostunica criticized The Hague Tribunal, stating that he has looked into this court, as a lawyer, adding that the FRY Constitution does not allow for Yugoslav citizens to be extradited to other countries. "The representatives of the Tribunal have in talks with representatives of the countries of former SFRY, and of Montenegro, formulated the view that - if the extradition of anyone who is indicted for war crimes could jeopardize stability of the democratic order, then the democratic order is of higher importance than this", said Kostunica. He said he was so preoccupied with how FRY can be democratically arranged that at the moment The Hague Tribunal "is for me the last whole on the flute (the last of my concerns)". Responding to the question of the relations between Serbia and Montenegro Kostunica said that "it is now time for a serious, precise, and democratic agreement" between Serbia and Montenegro, but an "agreement with both one and the other side in Montenegro - Djukanovic's and Bulatovic's". "We have a new beginning, which is called the joint state of Serbia and Montenegro and we need to see whether the citizens support a joint state, and I am certain they do", said Kostunica. He assessed that the new Constitution has to devised very carefully and compiled in a way that it always takes into account the majority in Serbia and the majority in Montenegro. When making the Constitution we must not just focus on the current majority in Serbia or Montenegro, said Kostunica adding that a constitution is something which should last a long time. Responding to the question of who should be the prime minister of the government of FRY, Kostunica said that there shall be consultations about this and that the Constitution has to be respected, that is that the principle that the president of one country and the prime minister are from different republics. "That mandate has to be given to the most powerful party in Montenegro and this is the Socialist People's party", said Kostunica, explaining that by not participating in the elections, "the Democratic party of Socialists excluded itself, at least in this initial period". The mandate needs to be entrusted to someone who can bring together the two parts of Montenegro, someone who is able to achieve a normal communication with the DPS. There are such people, like Predrag Bulatovic or Zoran Zizic, people who are able to talk to their opponents from the DPS", said Kostunica. He also said that his mandate shall be very short, and that at the latest in a year and a half free and democratic elections shall be held for the federal parliament and that at these elections a parliament be elected which would be constitutional. "You have in front of you a president of FRY who did not accept this (responsibility) easily. At one moment I felt the request from the public, and this was later confirmed at the elections. Governing assumes responsibility, and democratic politics and statesmen cannot exist if they do not have the conviction that governing assumes responsibility" said Kostunica.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem970740920,76653,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Presidential elections annulled?</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Federal Constitutional Court decided yesterday about annulling the part of the election procedure on the election of the president of the FRY “which is in relation to the voting, establishing and announcing the results” of voting of 24 September 2000.<br>The announcement of the Federal Constitutional Court says: “The Federal Constitutional Court has unanimously decided, after the public dispute at the session on conferring and voting held on 4 October, to annul part of the election procedure on the election of the president of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia which is in relation voting, establishing and announcing of the results of the elections held on 24 September 2000”. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem970740889,55764,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro ready for even larger cooperation with neighbors</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic received yesterday Gerardo Amaduci, the general consul of the Republic of Italy in Montenegro.<br>They talked about the actual issues of political, economical and cultural cooperation between Montenegro and Italy.<br>Milo Djukanovic said that the economical relations between these two countries are not enough developed and he expressed the interest of Montenegro in the scope of the European union and through realization of the Stability Pact for southeast Europe. He also pointed out to the need of improving the cultural cooperation between two people and he interceded in favor of soon realization of idea on placing the monument of Njegos in Rome. <br>They also talked about the current political situation in our country. <br>The Italian consul was also received by the Montenegrin Premier Filip Vujanovic, as well as by the Montenegrin minister of foreign affairs Branko Lukovac. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem970654773,50658,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Kostunica does not have the legitimacy of Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“It is clear that Montenegro has no future with Milosevic, nor with anyone else who shall continue with his policies. Milosevic is working on the elimination of Montenegro as a state, and it is clear that he has annulled the equality of Montenegro with the changes in the Constitution”, said the Montenegrin foreign minister, Branko Lukovac in an interview with New York Times. <br>“If Milosevic uses the army, we rightfully expect the international community to respond”, said Lukovac. <br>If Kostunica comes into power, he shall not have the legitimacy of Montenegro, according to Lukovac. <br>“Kostunica shall only have the legitimacy of Serbia where the majority of citizens voted for him, but this is not the case in Montenegro where 80 per cent of citizens boycotted the elections. We hope the new government in Serbia shall have understanding for our interests, and that after an agreement on the renewed relations, elections shall be scheduled at a time suitable for both Serbia and Montenegro”, said Lukovac. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem970654713,56557,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The people from DOS care for Montenegro in the same way as Milosevic</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The president of the Social-democratic party, Zarko Rakcevic stated that the SDP is not surprised by DOS’s announcement that Vojislav Kostunica shall offer the mandate of federal prime minister to the SNP, that is to the minority in Montenegro. He assessed that the people from DOS demonstrate the similar type of care for Montenegro as Slobodan Milosevic does. <br>“Mr. Milosevic mentioned Montenegro in his speech only in passing, and he says that without Belgrade caring for it, Montenegro is left to the mafia, yet he forgot that practically 80% of citizens of Montenegro rejected this kind of caring paternalism on 24th September. A similar kind of care towards Montenegro was demonstrated by DOS. For them, if four fifths of the Montenegrin electorate boycott the elections, this is an illegitimate act. They probably believe that Kostunica has legitimacy to represent Montenegro with under 2% support”, said the leader of the Social-democrats. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem970574032,15820,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Russia has to be more decisive in its support to the democratic forces in Serbia and Montenegro </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“I believe Russia’s engagement is necessary. Russia is one of the most important entities of the international community and this is why it should not allow itself to be self-suspended from the activities the international community is conducting in the Balkans. I believe Russia must be more decisive than it has been so far, in its support to the democratic forces in Serbia and Montenegro”, said president of the Republic of Montenegro, Milo Djukanovic for the Russian RTR television in commenting the role of Russia in resolving the current crisis in Yugoslavia. <br>“Because of Russia’s insufficiently clear position with respect to democratic forces and with respect to Milosevic’s dictatorial policies which have been set against the democratic forces in the country especially against the democratic government in Montenegro an illusion has been created about how Russia is allegedly in some secret agreement with Milosevic. I am absolutely sure this is only an illusion and that it is untrue. Unfortunately Milosevic has been creating and maintaining this illusion, and by doing so has manipulated with the pro-Russian feeling existing in a significant part of the population in both Serbia and Montenegro”, said Djukanovic.<br>“I believe there is no reason for Russia to be withheld in their position, with respect to supporting democracy in Yugoslavia. There is no reason for concern that this could be interpreted as support to some people or some parties, which are clearly pro-western in orientation. We now have to be clear that democracy lives both in the West and in the East. Both in Russia, and in America and in Western Europe. Support for democracy has to be obtained from all democratic structures in the modern international community. This is why I believe Russia should support the democratic government in Montenegro and the democratic opposition in Serbia more clearly than has been the case so far and Russia needs to establish a crystal clear distance from something which represents a dictatorship in Europe, and this is the government of Slobodan Milosevic”, said Djukanovic. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem970573963,45858,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The government proposes six new laws</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Montenegrin parliament has started its regular autumn sessions. President of parliament, Svetozar Marovic, the deputy presidents and heads of the parliamentary groups are to hold a consultative meeting today to agree on the time of the first session. The first session is most likely going to include discussions on a series of proposed acts Vujanovic’s cabinet has prepared. <br>“These include proposed acts on the central bank, on banks, foreign investments, building construction, the use of national symbols and amnesty for individuals charged for crimes in line with the Criminal law of Montenegro. The government also requests that this session looks into the proposed acts on expropriation, urban land, land measuring and entry into the real estate records, the act on forests as well as the draft act on de-nationalization received by parliament in February”, said the general secretary of parliament Dusan Mrdovic. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem970490461,1028,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The agreement on the independent Montenegro or coalition falling apart</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><br>The President of the Social-democratic party of Montenegro Zarko Rakcevic said that the future relations between Serbia and Montenegro should be arranged exclusively by the internationally acknowledged Montenegro and the internationally acknowledged Serbia. In the statement given for BBC he pointed out that the former experience of Montenegro pointed out to the fact that never again should the decision on the army directing, on the customs, monetary policy and the foreign affairs be left upon Belgrade, the Montena fax agency informs.<br>“We are of opinion that post-Milosevic Serbia, is still partially centralized and with paternal pretensions. Our experience has thought us not to leave the decision making on army directing, on the customs, monetary policy and the foreign affairs upon Belgrade. We want everything to be clear regarding that therefore internationally acknowledged Serbia and internationally acknowledged Montenegro and then from those positions into the further integration”, said Rakcevic.<br>Does it mean that SDP is to insist upon such an attitude in the coalition and can it be the reason of the governing coalition falling apart?<br>“If the position of Montenegro is not recognized there are real chances our roads to split in the further period. I think that the matter of the state-legal status of Montenegro is to become actual very soon and that we shall have to discuss on this problem inside the coalition”, Zarko Rakcevic pointed out. He also pointed out that SDP was neither to change its program nor to give up its program principles – fight for the independent and the internationally acknowledge Montenegro. He also mentioned that the rearranging of the Montenegrin political scene was possible. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem970315735,23138,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>With only 20% of votes SNP can not represent Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“Those who want to represent our state in the eventual federation with only 20 % of votes gained in Montenegro should not that it is not going to be possible, since I do not believe that in the new democratic structure of Serbia they are to have partner for such plans. However if they do find the partner then it is clear what the majority of 80 % of Montenegrin citizens is to do”, said Milo Djukanovic for “Vijesti”. <br>“I am convinced that the victory of the Vojislav Kostunica is indisputable as well as it turned out to be true that Milosevic is not to accept it easy. But I am also convinced that the process of changes that started in Serbia is unrestrainable and that Milosevic will not be able to stop it by his manipulations.”<br>State identity and dignity<br>I do not believe that there will be the second round of voting but if there is we shall promptly express our attitude on it. This time after the great results of the elections from 24 September the position of Montenegro is much more relaxed. The citizens expressed their will regarding the state dignity of Montenegro and support to its pro-European road. The percentage of those who participated at the illegitimate elections in Montenegro completely confirmed that our decision on boycotting the elections was correct.”<br><br>Political Kosovo <br>Although the official Montenegro did not accept the elections, its democratically authorities did not forbid it either. Is there a better proof of vitality of the Montenegrin democratic project? I am of opinion that the alleged satisfaction with the election results, which SNP is trying to, forcefully and unconvincingly, demonstrate, is only the consequence of their long alliance with Slobodan Milsoevic. They have been celebrating their defeats for too long; therefore it is no wander they do not have a real relation towards the election defeat of 24 September. They were celebrating the forcing the army out of Kosovo thinking that they could deceit and impress their own people. And now, in the same way, they are trying to represent this political Kosovo in Montenegro as their victory”, said Djukanovic. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem970315695,81108,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The FRY army is not to change its attitude towards the institution of the Yugoslav president </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The spokesman of the FRY army the colonel Svetozar Radisic said last night that YA respected the will of the people expressed at the free and democratic elections.<br>On the occasion of DOS representatives asking for permission to be received by the YA, he said that FRY army had no functional relations with parties and that, since not being part of the political system, there would be no receptions in commands and staffs nor would there be any contacts with the representatives of the parties.<br>“The FRY army members will consistently act in line with all the regulations of the Constitution and law that regulate the matter of the military defense of FRY and it will not change its relations towards the institution of the Yugoslav president as the supreme commander niether towards all the competent institutions of the state authority”, he added.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem970226945,48729,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>We are not going to accept anti-Montenegrin policies from Belgrade, irrespective of whether they are set in a dictatorial or democratic framework</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Interview with president Djukanovic for Vijesti<br>“I honestly welcome the victory of democracy in Serbia, and especially the courage of citizens, who have, in practically impossible conditions, gathered the strength to resist new manipulations, to defeat Milosevic and send him into the past and to remove the dictatorial chains from their being. I hope the democratic public in Serbia shall persevere in its courage to defend the real will of the people, and that it shall not agree to a political compromise. If my hopes are realistic, this shall mean a true U-turn in Serbia in the democratic and European direction. This creates a chance both for Serbia and for the beginning of improving the relations between Montenegro and Serbia, as well as for the stability of the region”, said president of Montenegro, Milo Djukanovic. <br>In an interview with Vijesti, Djukanovic said that both Montenegro and Serbia as well as our neighbors in the region can be satisfied with the election result. <br>“The percentage of those who participated in the illegitimate elections on Sunday have fully confirmed the correctness of our decision to boycott them. … We understood why Serbia had to participate in such elections, even though we had to boycott them. I believe the democratic public of Serbia, after the initial emotional reactions, understands the choice made by Montenegro’s democratic majority on 24th September. The most important thing is that today, we are fully convinced of the soundness of that move and the electorate of Montenegro agreed with us. For us, there was no, and could be no dilemmas given that constitutional violence was used to question the state identity, the honor and equality of Montenegro. It is clear that the responsible government in our state needed to take moves, which present resistance to undermining those values most important for Montenegro. These priorities cannot be compared to any other responsibilities, not even the clear wish which exists in this moment as in the previous three years, which relates to wanting to help the democratic opposition of Serbia. <br>The SNP is also pleased with the results, and the SNP was the party which voted for the constitutional changes and organized the elections for 24th September. What do you think about this?<br>The reality is harsh, and this reality confirms that the leadership of the SNP is the greatest loser of the elections, together with Milosevic. They supported the dictator until the very end, and it is politically inevitable that they share his future. They are still trying to cook up a new deceit over night with their loved ones SPS and JUL and form a federal government. And this shows that the leading people in the SNP have for too long got used to deceit and violent threats and that they do not understand that the minority in Montenegro and minority in Serbia who have created some kind of federal government cannot survive. … We saw on 24th September how the elections would look like organized by the SNP. With this farce they have forever lost the moral right to talk about annulling (elections), about alleged election fraud at their expense, and to undermine the citizens of Montenegro with the use of spray and other forms of protecting the regularity of the election process. … Now these same people would like to find partners in Serbia and to represent our country in a possible joint state with 20% support. I am certain that this shall not be possible, because I do not wish to believe that there shall be partners for such plans in the new democratic structure of Serbia. If they do find them, then it is definitely clear what the 80% majority of Montenegrins shall do, as they shall never accept such state, national and civic humiliation, nor the antidemocratic policies from Belgrade, irrespective of whether they are set a dictatorial or democratic framework”. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem970226844,55343,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Useful information for investors</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Center for enterpreneurship from Podgorica in cooperation with the Washington International Center for enterpreneurship (SAJP) have recently made a web site “A business guide through Montenegro” or “Montenegro Business online service”. The address of the site is www.mnboss.com and at the moment what you can find there is the general data on making business in Montenegro, Montenegrin stock market and the stock market agents, the Government and ministries, the conditions of for making business in Montenegro, as well as data on the legal regulative which regulates the business working, and on the associations which gather certain businessmen.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem970136747,65639,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Kostunica is cross with Montenegro because it turned its back on him </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“We have won, despite the lies and the violence of Slobodan Milosevic, we have won despite the sanctions with which we have lived for years, we have won despite the Nato bombs which were falling on us last year, despite some democrats in Serbia and Montenegro who turned their back on us”, said the Presidential candidate of the Democratic Opposition of Serbia, Vojislav Kostunica, in front of a few hundred thousand people gathered at the central Belgrade Square of the Republic at the celebration of the election victory of the Democratic Opposition of Serbia. <br>Kostunica has stated that there is “no second election round” and that “DOS shall do everything, but without resorting to violence, to ensure the truth surfaces”. <br>He accused the governing parties that they have “once again dared to challenge the will of the people, they attempted once again to steel our elections, to bargain out a second election round”. <br>“We shall do everything to safeguard our state, to prevent the loss of a single drop of blood, and prevent a single stone from being thrown”, said Kostunica. <br>The residents of Belgrade blocked the traffic last night in nearly all the central streets of Belgrade, and crowds of people were arriving from all the different parts of the city. <br>The central town squares were swarmed with people celebrating the victory of DOS including Novi Sad, Nis, Uzice, Cacak, Gornji Milanovac, Mladenovac, Kraljevo, Leskovac, Kragujevac and many other towns across Serbia. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem970136709,20889,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Official Belgrade</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Federal Election Commission has determined the final results of the elections for the president of FRY, it was reported by the Office for media activities of the Federal Parliament. On the basis of all the data from 10.673 polling stations, of the total 7.249.831 of registered voters, 5.053.428 voted or 69.7% of the electorate. There were 2,68% of invalid ballot papers. The presidential candidates got the following number of votes: <br>- Miodrag Vidojkovic 46.421 or 0,92% <br>- Vojislav Kostunica 2.474.392 or 48,96% <br>- Slobodan Milosevic 1.951.761 or 38.62 % <br>- Vojislav Mihajlovic 146.585 or 2.90% <br>- Tomislav Nikolic, 292.759 or 5,79%. <br>On the basis of these results the Election Commission has determined that no candidate has received the majority of votes to obtain victory in the first round and that a second round shall be held as outlined by Law. The second round shall include the two candidates who obtained the highest number of votes Dr. Vojislav Kostunica and Slobodan Milosevic. The Federal Election Commission has scheduled the second round of presidential elections for Sunday, 8th October, 2000. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem970049621,81401,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Minister Lukovac meets with EU representatives</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Montenegrin Foreign Minister, Branko Lukovac met with the coordinator of the Stability Pact, Bodo Hombah, the chair of the Group for Southeast Europe of the European Parliament, Doris Puck and with the President of the Crisis Group, Gareth Evans in Brussels, yesterday. <br>In the meeting with Hombah it was agreed that cooperation should be established to contribute to Montenegro obtaining support for the establishment of institutional cooperation with the European Union… It was agreed with the European Parliament that a delegation from the Montenegrin parliament shall visit this institution”, said Lukovac for Vijesti. <br>Lukovac said that the issues around the federal elections were discussed at the meetings. “In the light of the elections, the representatives of the EU positively assessed the results in Montenegro which demonstrated that the citizens do not accept constitutional violence. The election result is the best assessment of the trust the citizens have in the Montenegrin leadership, and reduces the fear that the government in Serbia shall resort to violence in an effort to discredit the results. Montenegro once again received confirmation in Brussels that the international community would energetically respond to an outbreak of violence”, said Lukovac. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem970049590,53731,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Momir Bulatovic had to answer to General Obradovic</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“The Socialist People’s party (SNP), in collaboration with the Federal Election Commission attempted to steel an additional 100 000 votes. … They did not expect DOS to control the elections, and this is why they did not succeed in their intentions”, said the coordinator of the DOS Election center, Goran Vesic.<br>Vesic said that the planned election fraud was prevented because of the presence of DOS observers in 80% of the polling stations and given thatt the planned 100 000 votes would not have been enough to make up for the difference between Kostunica and Milosevic. <br>The DOS coordinator, Dragoslav Bozovic said that he has obtained confirmed information that Momir Bulatovic was called to a meeting to answer to the Commander of the Second Division of the YA Milorad Obradovic, but that he does not have details on the topic of the meeting. He stated that 25% of the electorate, that is 110.475 voters in Montenegro voted in the election, which includes those who voted by letter. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem969964444,83110,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Yugoslavia no longer exists in Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Yugoslavia no longer exists in Montenegro, and this political image can no longer be used to intimidate the general public not even by the antagonistic Milosevic generals and their angered battalions of the military police. Yugoslavia has gone, together with the dictatorship within which the surrogate of the former union of south Slavs was founded eight years ago. <br>This is the main conclusion of Sunday’s elections conducted in Montenegro under the absolute control of the SNP with the assistance of the military.<br>Not even the obvious election fraud and manipulations could help to ensure the greater Serbian project hiding behind the slogan “for Yugoslavia” is legitimized in Montenegro. <br>Apart from the absolute defeat of the political party which built its self upon the silent obedience to the Belgrade regime, the election results are imposing the need on the Montenegrin state leadership to re-assess and change their political strategy and embark more decisively on finishing off the process of obtaining an independent state status for Montenegro. <br>It is no longer true that there exists a “respectable minority” inclined to inciting a conflict, if the majority decides Montenegro should be an independent state. The number of such people has obviously been inflated and this argument can no longer be an alibi to obstructing the initiatives directed at achieving state independence. <br>The time of playing cat and dog with Milosevic and his generals is also over. <br>Contrary to the statements made by Montenegrin political party leaders that they are ready for a negotiation process with a new democratic government in Belgrade about the future to the joint state, the victory of the Serbian opposition should really be the motive for Montenegro to embark more decisively and more swiftly in finalizing the process around its independent state status. <br>The victory of the opposition is not a valid argument in terms of waiting for the consolidation of Serbia, because Montenegro cannot gain anything in this period, but it can lose a lot. When the government of DOS becomes a reality, the international community shall turn to Belgrade and Serbia and its ten million population, with all its political and financial instruments, which is completely understandable given the depth of the abyss from which Serbia needs to be pulled out of. <br>If Montenegro waits, it shall not longer be mentioned as “an example of a starting democracy” in the Balkans. By imposing the question of its state status it may even be labeled as a disruptive factor in terms of stability in the region. This is why Montenegro has no reason to travel via Belgrade into European integrations, international financial institutions and finally the UN, because it can only count of achieving its vital national interests as an independent state. Montenegro can be a respected partner of the international community in the region as an independent state whose contribution to the general stability and progress can still be recognized and respected. <br>This government needs to state the thesis that the problem between Montenegro and Serbia is not within the personal realm and that not everything will be resolved with Milosevic’s departure and the arrival of someone who respects the law. <br>This of course doesn’t mean that it makes no difference who governs in Belgrade. Kostunica’s victory is desirable, because the departure of Milosevic represents a guarantee that Montenegro can peacefully continue to define its state status without that fear that someone from Belgrade shall turn on his war machine and transform Podgorica and Cetinje into a Vukovar or Srebrenica. Without the Guru of evil, his followers in Montenegro are not going to incite conflict and the whole region can breath a sigh of relief. <br>The results of the Sunday elections shall certainly have an impact on the Socialist People’s party and its leader Momir Bulatovic. After the shame on Sunday, how shall this party be able to participate in setting the standards of control for future elections, as it shall have no democratic legacy to refer to.<br>Short-term maneuvers of the SNP and its tragicomic leader can still be expected, through the activity in some kind of parliament which can go along dreaming for a short time that it’s a federal one, that its legal and that it has anything to do with Montenegro. But this shall not have an impact on the final resolution. The citizens of Montenegro gave a clear message on Sunday: No other state, apart from Montenegro itself, can remain in Montenegro. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem969881325,64486,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Momir Bulatovic withdraws his resignation </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Podgorica, 25th September (Montena-fax)Following pressure from the military leadership, the president of the Socialist People’s party (SNP), Momir Bulatovic has withdrawn his resignation for the position of federal prime minister and president of the SNP announced during the night. According to the Montena-fax source, in the meantime the special election ballot papers for conducting election fraud have been transported by military plane to Montenegro, and Momir Bulatovic is still in the offices of the YA’s Second Division Commandment in Podgorica where agreements on conducting election fraud are being carried out. The Montena-fax agency source claims that the Commander of the Second Division has ordered the SNP leadership not to give any public statements on the results of the elections without his previous consent. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem969881281,71276,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Momir Bulatovic resigns because he could not fulfill Milosevic’s request to ensure another 100 000 votes</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Podgorica, 25th September (Montena-fax)According to a trusted source from the leadership of the Socialist People’s Party (SNP), Slobodan Milosevic has, after realizing the catastrophic election results, demanded from Momir Bulatovic that he secures another 100 000 votes from Montenegro through the military leadership and General Pavkovic. Assistance in securing the votes was also requested from Predrag Bulatovic (deputy president of the SNP) that he uses his authority to contribute to the realization of Milosevic’s demands, but he refused, even after pressure imposed by the Commander of the Second Division of the YA, Milorad Obradovic. <br>According to the same source, Momir Bulatovic has, having been unable to fulfill the demand, resigned as federal prime minister and president of the SNP. <br>According to the source from the SNP leadership, the falsified election ballot papers, as ordered by General Pavkovic, were to be transported by a military airplane to Podgorica and then distributed for the election commission for “verification”.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem969878170,40261,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>If Milosevic’s dictatorship continues, the chances for the survival of Yugoslavia are minimal</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="/images/miloint.jpg" align=left>The Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic said yesterday for the independent Russian TV channel NTV that the Yugoslav President, by performing the act of the constitutional violence, clearly showed that he was not any more interested in the future of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and that he was ready to stay in power at any price. <br>“If Slobodan Milosevic stays in power and if his dictatorship continues the chances for the FRY to survive are to be minimal”, said Djukanovic.<br>“In that case”, emphasized Djukanovic, “the striving of the Montenegrin people towards holding the referendum for the Montenegrin independence are to strengthen”, concluded President Djukanovic. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem969878093,39565,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>If Milosevic wins, we shall schedule the referendum</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="/images/filip1.jpg" align=left>“I expect Slobodan Milsoevic not to accept the results of the elections and by different manipulations he is to try to deceive the will of the Serbian citizens. My prognosis are that we are to witness the repetition of what had happened in 1996 when Milosevic was defeated at the local elections. Montenegrin authority is to be extremely careful and we are ready for each solution. If Slobodan Milosevic, By different manipulations, stays in power, we in Montenegro, shall in the appropriate moment schedule the referendum.”<br>This is what Montenegrin Premier Filip Vujanovic said for “Slobodna Dalmacija” (daily newspaper published in Split, Croatia).<br>“What is very important is how the democratic Serbia is to react. If they show enough strength and persistence, I am convinced that Milosevic will have to go off power”, Premier Vujanovic emphasized and he estimated, “there are no risks of police or army attacks in Montenegro”, adding that it would be senseless. <br>“Besides, the international community has clearly warned Slobodan Milosevic that any destructive act in Montenegro would come upon the disapproval, both in Montenegro and in the world. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem969802935,15310,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>DOS Electoral headquarters for election monitoring in Montenegro claim : Elections started Irregularly </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Podgorica, September 24, (Montena-fax) – Representatives of Democratic Opposition of Serbia (DOS) Electoral headquarters estimate that the elections started with certain irregularities in all polling stations in Montenegro. They announced they would press criminal charges against the president of the Electoral commission for Montenegro, Neven Gosovic, for, as they pointed out, his breaching the law and founded suspicion that he had a major role in forging the elections in Montenegro. <br><br>According to Goran Vesic, DOS headquarters coordinator for election monitoring in Montenegro, SNP representatives, obeying the instructions of the Electoral commission president, did not let DOS representatives to make register and take part in electoral actions, but that afterwards they were allowed to do so in most polling stations. As the most drastic examples of breaching the law at the polling stations in Montenegro, he mentioned the following ones: in the municipality of Ulcinj, at the polling station no. 2, where there are 1,590 electors, there are 107 submitted requests for voting by letters. At the polling station no. 21 in Zelenika, the municipality of Herceg Novi, the president of Electoral board did not ask voters for their Identification Documents, and one of the Military policemen, who voted at the same polling station, threatened a DOS member of the Electoral board. The polling station no. 33 in Drenostica, the municipality of Niksic, has not been opened at all. DOS suspects that the SNP Electoral board hid in a house in order to fill in the ballots themselves. Vesic also said that in all polling stations in Montenegro 11% of overall number of electors had voted from 7 to 12 a.m. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem969704210,55809,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>At least 70% of the citizens will have beeter things to do than to paticipate in the elections</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Constitutional putsch realized by Milosevcic awakened many people in Montenegro. Therefore, the elections will be boycotted not only by the supporters of the ruling coalition, but also by many others who up to that moment had thought differently. I am convinced that not more than 25 – 30% maximum will participate in the elections. I think that at least 70% will have better things to do. I think they will think it over and decide not to take part in the electoral farce and Milosevic efforts to destroy Montenegrin statehood and its future. That will be a convincing message not only to Milosevic but also to the supporters of this kind of Yugoslavia and the SNP leadership, as well as it will be a great encouragment to the supporters of the pro-European and reform policy, said the President of Montenegro, Milo Djukanovic in his interview for the National TV station of Montenegro. <br><br>Djukanovic also said the outcome of the Sunday elections should not have direct negative consequences affecting Montenegro. According to him, it is undisputable that Vojislav Kostunica is in advantage compared to other candidates, but he also thinks that Milosevic will proclaim the victory. <br><br>- If Milosevic remains in power, he will keep provoking peace and stability of Montenegro. There will be further security risks in Montenegro and FRY. We have been living with those for some time, and we have been handling them pretty successfully. We have not been cought in Milosevic’s traps. Montenegro will keep going its way after the elections. The peace is our best ally. Still, if the conflict starts, for only side is enough to provoke a conflict, than it is up to Montenegro to show its determination in defending its statehood. Not only the state bodies, but also the citizens who care about their pride and name must be ready to defend it, said Djukanovic. <br><br>He also said the time for the referendum had not arrived yet, although most of the citizens would opt for independent Montenegro. Opposed to them, there is a respectable minority, ready to defend their political stands by unpolitical means. He stressed he was a strong referendum supporter although prof. Mijat Sukovic said the referendum was not necessary. <br><br>"I know prof. Sukovic based his statement on the thesis that the position of Montenegro, the way it was defined in the FRY Constitution, has been pratically denied and that we should change the Constitution of Montenegro now. Still, I think it would not be a good solution in Montenegro politically divided as it is. I am not afraid of the referendum. On the contrary, I would be afraid for us to accept some other solution in some other procedure, the solution for which we would not be sure that it is supported by the majority of the citizens. With necessary responsibility I will consider prof. Sukovic’s and other constitutional science authorities’ suggestions, said Djukanovic. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem969621469,9811,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro is not to allow it to disappear or its name to vanish</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“Historical duty of Montenegro is not to allow its disappearance or its name to vanish nor the perspective and chance of the people living in Montenegro to be destroyed, since Montenegro belongs to the future generations”<br>“Those who are to vote for the non democratic authorities that caused isolation of this country the president of which is accused of war crimes, the authority that arrests or is not conscious of the fact that its former presidents are disappearing, and the authority that do not guarantee freedom for people, shall not vote in favor of the future of Yugoslavia but in favor of its past.”<br>“I am afraid of each country that depends upon only one man, since countries like that do not last for too long. All Yugoslavias in this century were depending whether on a family or on the individuals. Our country is to be fragile, its perspective uncertain, and the relations between its members burdened with problems until the moment we become conscious of the fact that future of Montenegro and Serbia does not depend neither on Slobodan Milosevic nor on any other individual but on the people”. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem969537982,87279,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Djukanovic: Montenegro will defend itself if Milosevic incites conflicts</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic accused yesterday the FRY president Slobodan Milosevic of trying to intimidate the FRY citizens before the elections on Sunday since he is conscious of the fact that his chance of winning the elections are small.<br>“Milosevic is every day more conscious of the fact that the chances for legally winning the elections are small or none”, said Djukanovic for the Russian television channel ORT.<br>“That is why Milosevic is trying to intimidate the citizens of Yugoslavia by speculating on announcing the state of emergency”, said Djukanovic.<br>He also said that Montenegro would defend itself if Milosevic incited a military conflict.<br>“In case Milosevic decides upon provoking the military conflict in Montenegro, we shall have no choice but defending our state and our freedom”, said Djukanovic and he added that Montenegro interceded in favor of peaceful resolving the political problems. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem969450497,16558,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>“It is irresponsible to think about the future of Montenegro on the basis of whether the elections in Serbia are to be won by Milosevic or Kostunica" </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“Social-Democratic party wants a good relations and cooperation with neighbors, especially with Serbia. This joint living is only possible with internationally acknowledged state of Montenegro and internationally acknowledged state of Serbia. This federal community form 1992, just like the one form 1918, has brought nothing good for Montenegro. We have lost four wars, we experienced evil and dying, sanctions, unprecedented hyperinflation, bombing, economy disaster, the abrupt decrease of the standard of living. Montenegro as the independent and democratic state has real chances for quick recovery, development and good standard of the citizens. It is not true that it can not be politically, economically and securely alone. There are 40 even smaller countries then Montenegro among 189 UN members. Small countries with responsible governments successfully use the advantages of integrating into the economical, political and safety communities”, said yesterday in the interview for Vijesti the president of the Social-Democratic Party Zarko Rakcevic. <br><br><b>Your coalition partners have announced they are to schedule the referendum in case Milosevic wins the elections, and it means they are not to do the same in case Kostunica wins the elections?</b><br><br>“I do not think that Milosevic can loose the presidential elections, since it is more about his biological then political survival. That is why these so-called elections are the games without frontiers. <br>And it is irresponsible to think about the state-legal status and the future of Montenegro on the basis of whether the elections in Serbia are to be won by Milosevic or Kostunica. Montenegro and its independence at this moment are not the reserve possibility, nor the extorted solution. I am of opinion that at this moment at democratic referendum those who support the independent Montenegro and confederation with Serbia would obtain two-third majority of votes.<br><br><b>In case of Serbian opposition wins the elections, is your party ready to participate the negotiations on new organization of relations between Montenegro and Serbia?</b><br><br>“Yes, but on the basis of the Social-Democratic party platform. Therefore, on the basis of internationally acknowledged states of Montenegro and Serbia.”<br><br><b>Milosevic, as you have said, will not loose the elections. Do you think then that scheduling the referendum can provoke some military intervention, initiation of the internal conflicts? What if Democratic Party of Socialist (governing party) again decides upon “the active waiting”? </b><br><br>“After the short instability in Serbia, which is certainly going to be stabilized by him, he will try to force the will of Belgrade upon Montenegro with the help of police and army. The Socialist People’s party (Momir Bulatovic’s party) representatives at their metings these days are not trying to hide their intention of imposing the federal regulations over Montenegro. They are trying to compensate the loosing of people’s support by military-para-ilitary legitimacy. And then the position of the Democratic Party of Socialists, which you defined as “the active waiting”, under the pressure of the logic of the process, would crash. <br><br><b>For how long Socialist-Democratic party can keep ‘forgetting’ about its program principles in the interest of the higher well being, protection of the state and setting up of sovereignty? I think on the incidents in the process of privatization and about the warnings lately heard coming from the west on the level of corruption?</b><br><br>“At this moment the main dilemmas in Montenegro regard peace and war, the state of Montenegro or the widened Serbia. But we do not intercede in favor of dealing only with state issues to the detriment of democratic procedure and institutions. There are some people who are trying to use this situation in order to earn something and by doing so they endanger the democratic and reform processes. What some individuals do has nothing to do neither with democracy nor with reforms. It is only about taking the social property or its careless squandering. Pretending not to see the irregularities and affairs caused one number of people voting not for coalition “For Yugoslavia” but against this authority. They did not vote in favor of but against the corruption. Fortunately, Socialist-Democratic Party has not participated in any of these affairs so far, but as a part of governing coalition we are also responsible. That is why the Main Board asked from our members working in state structures to disavow publicly and clearly from this kind of acts.”<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem969360563,13378,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro was threatened even by a bigger and stronger then Pavkovic, but it could not be intimidated</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“Claim of General Pavkovic, the chief of the general staff of the FRY army, that on 24 of September the army is to be in the front lines of combat is just one more irresponsible political statement given by him or his closest associates, with the attempt to disturb the political public in FRY and to realize the function of intimidating with the aim of providing the election fraud and prolonging of Milosevic’s dictatorship. The FRY army, in accordance with the FRY Constitution, should not be in front combat lines on 24 of September but in their barracks”, said Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic in the interview for RTV Niksic, on the occasion of the latest threats of the army top.<br>He informed the Montenegrin citizens that they should not be afraid of Pavkovic’s statements, pointing out that even great part of the honorable FRY army structure would ignore the elections if there were not intimidating inside the army. <br>“We were threatened by politically stronger and more important people then General Pavkovic. But we could not be intimidated through our history. We shall not be intimidated neither by Pavkovic nor by anyone else. I am absolutely convinced that Montenegro is strong enough to resist that violence. If we want to talk about D-day for the FRY army I am afraid it has already passed. The irresponsibility of the army top endangered the authority of the Yugoslav army in Montenegro as well as its Yugoslav character. This should concern those who are at the top of the FRY army, those who are most responsible for the moral collapse of that institutions”, said President Djukanovic. <br>He is convinced that the crisis in FRY and in relations between Montenegro and Serbia is not to finish after the September elections since those elections are only the farce and Milosevic is to proclaim his victory after them.<br>But he added that the Montenegrin Government planned its state-political strategy regardless to who is to be the president of the FRY and Serbia. <br>“On 25 September we shall continue with our activities as nothing has happened on 24 September. We shall continue to work on that plan with or without Serbia. If Serbia is willing to go along with us we shall be pleased. If not Montenegro is to schedule the referendum and use the Constitutional right the Montenegrin citizens have. So they will decide if they want to live in the independent state of Montenegro", concluded Montenegrin president Milo Djukanovic.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem969275684,40182,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>America is not to change its attitude towards Milosevic</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The presidential candidate of the Republican Party George Bush, if elected president, is certainly not going to cooperate with suspected of war crimes, estimate the Republican officials.<br>The associate of one of the most eminent Republican senators, on condition his name not to be mentioned, points out that American policy in Balkans in not to significantly change regardless to the results of the elections.<br>“We know that Slobodan Milosevic (FRY president) and his wife (Mirjana Markovic) are dreaming about some new administration assuming some different attitude towards them. We also know that these are only their dreams”, said that Republican official to journalists. <br>Relation between Washington and Belgrade is certainly not to depend on the November elections, this official says and he adds that both candidates – the vice president Al Gore and George Bush – promised not to have any contacts with Milosevic and his regime. <br>The other Republican official estimates that “Slobodan Milosevic is becoming a minor problem for the American Government but increasingly big problem for Serbia.”<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem968925943,75856,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>After July constitutional putsch FRY exists not even theoretically </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“I am very satisfied by Montenegrin participation at the UN millenium summit held in New York. The summit enabled the begging of the Montenegrin legitimization in the UN system”, said Milo Djukanovic. “I am primarily satisfied with Montenegro finding its place and obtaining its seat in the UN. It only shows that the world community recognizes the problems Montenegro is faced with in functioning of the federal country and that it appreciates the efforts of the Montenegrin state policy in democratizing, economical development and internationally integrating Montenegro as a state.<br>Milo Djukanovic reminded that a few months ago the Montenegrin Minister of foreign affairs directed the letter to all the relevant international factors, including the Secretary General of the United Nations by which he asked the special status for Montenegro in the UN system. He explained this by the fact that the current FRY ambassador in the UN could not be treated as the one who represented the interests of Yugoslavia but only as the one who represented the interests of Milosevic’s dictatorship. <br>“If the United Nations allowed the presence of the ambassador who represents one dictatorship then we think that Montenegro has at least so much right to have the possibility of having the same status of existence in the UN. Not to have the place as a full member (since that place can be obtained only as an independent state) but to be given the possibility of having the same rights as the FRY mission”, said Djukanovic.<br>President Djukanovic emphasized that this visit to New York was also used for establishing number of bilateral contacts. The meeting in New York announced more generous economical support of the international community. <br>When answering one of the questions Milo Djukanovic said that the international community tried to convince the leadership of Montenegro to participate at the federal elections. The Montenegrin president said that he understood such approach of the international community since its interest is to remove Milosevic’s dictatorship policy form the power through any kind of elections.<br>“From the very first day I started to explain to the relevant representatives of the international community that such an approach is unacceptable for Montenegro because of our conviction that by participating at these elections we would only legitimize the constitutional violence imposed over Montenegro by Milosevic. I am absolutely convinced that by these constitutional amendments, illegally prepared by Milosevic and then rapidly adopted by the so-called Federal Parliament, FRY, as a federal community of two equal republics, was completely destroyed. I want to emphasize that it was also theoretically destroyed since Mr. Milosevic, by different acts, was endangering the equality of Montenegro in factual functioning of the Yugoslav federation. But by this act it was also destroyed on paper and beginning from that day, as far as I am concerned, FRY does not exist. Beginning from that day we have existence of a unitary state which is considered Yugoslavia by some and I consider it the widened Serbia”, said President Djuaknovic.<br>“Our participation at the elections based on this constitutional violence would only mean legitimizing of the constitutional violence and agreeing to giving up our statehood in favor of Mr. Milosveic’s dictatorship project. That is why I think that all the relevant representatives of the international community have understood our argumentation and soon they gave up exerting pressure over Montenegro to participate at the so-called federal elections”, concluded president Djukanovic.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem968843594,61449,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Those who care about Montenegro and their family name, shall not participate in the election farce</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/miloint.jpg" align=left>President Milo Djukanovic has stated that he believes the citizens of Montenegro shall boycott the upcoming federal elections, and by doing so shall demonstrate their determination to protect Montenegro, its statehood, its freedom, and defend its right to democratic and economic development. <br>"I believe the citizens shall boycott the elections despite the fact that Montenegro has had no experience in boycotting elections so far and despite the fact that there is concern to what extent it is part of the Montenegrin mentality to boycott elections", said President Djukanovic in an interview for Montena television, to be broadcast at 8pm tonight. <br>"I believe that the citizens of Montenegro would like to participate in the elections, but we should not undermine their political consciousness. I believe the citizens of Montenegro recognize very clearly the trap imposed in the pre-election rhetoric of Momir Bulatovic and his party. They recognize that they are not defending Yugoslavia at these elections, and that they are not making a choice between an independent Montenegro and Yugoslavia, but that these elections are a decision between a Montenegro and an extended Serbia, in which Montenegro would be melted into it, without retaining its state identity. I am therefore certain, that, whoever cares about Montenegro, the Montenegrin people, who ever cares about himself, his name and surname, shall not participate in this election farce because, by doing so, they would provide support to Milosevic's intentions to strip Montenegro of its statehood and destroy the state of Montenegro", said the Montenegrin president. <br>"I therefore believe that everyone should be aware that it is not enough to participate in these elections and vote against Milosevic. The very participation at the elections goes in the hand with Milosevic's constitutional violence imposed on Montenegro. This is why I am certain that the majority of responsible, politically aware, and serious citizens of Montenegro are aware of the danger around the elections on 24th September, that they shall not utilize this opportunity to participate in the elections, that they shall remain at home on this day, boycott the elections and in this way demonstrate their clear determination to defend Montenegro, its statehood, freedom and to defend its right to democratic and economic development", said President Djukanovic in the interview with Montena. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem968843472,29394,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Drunken members of the 7th battalion create chaos in Danilovgrad</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">A group of about 15 members of the 7th battalion of the YA, the majority of which were visibly drunk disturbed peace and order in Danilovgrad and disturbed the citizens until late at night by singing Serbian nationalist songs. According to Vijesti MUP sources, these were officers from the 7th Battalion who were transferred from Podgorica to Danilovgrad. <br>The night before last, the officers departed from the army barracks in small groups and were all armed. Around 9pm they all met up in the Feniks café where they continued to drink. Some of the officers bullied some of the guests and threatened them with their weapons. Witnesses claim that one of the officers took out his pistol and directed it at the TV, whilst loudly cursing while president Djukanovic was being broadcast. <br>Having received complaints from citizens, the MUP patrol visited the Feniks café upon which the officers started jumping around the tables and shouting "This is Serbia!".<br>The police patrol then withdrew from the café and informed the senior officers on duty in the Danilovgrad garrison, and a few officers from the army barracks arrived. Witnesses claim that the commanding officers had a hard time trying to tell their minors to leave the café . An intense discussion lasted around half an hour, upon which the members of the 7th battalion walked back to the army barracks in a manner, which disturbed public peace and order. They sang various songs including the Serbian nationalist one "Spremte se, spremte Cetnici".<br>The behavior of the members of the 7th battalion was similar the night before this one, but no interventions by their superiors were made on that occasion. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem968759300,20492,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Strengthening of the role of Parliament</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><br>Informal meeting of working group for making the closing document opened yesterday in Zagreb a three-day conference at the top of the presidents of the parliaments of more then 50 countries founders or members of the Stability Pact for southeast Europe. Conference is also attended by the representatives of the Parliament of Europe, European Council and the OSCE assembly as well as by the representatives of the Stability Pact headed by coordinator Bodo Hombach. After the summit in Sarajevo in June last year this is, as it was estimated, the biggest meeting of the Stability Pact and the biggest international event in Croatia since gaining its independence.<br>The president of the Montenegrin Parliament Svetozar Marovic, who is to participate in the work of this international conference on the invitation of the European commission, arrived in Zagreb, too.<br>The conference is to be dedicated to the role of parliament in implementation of the Stability Pact and strengthening of the European parliamentary integration. The goal is to strengthen the role of the parliament in the countries founders of the Stability Pact, since it is estimated that national governments and local coordinators can easier achieve the expected efficiency in realizing the main goals of the Pact if the programs and measures proposed by the government have parliamentary support, that is if they are supported by democratic will of the citizens.<br>Zlatko Tomcic, the president of the Croatian State parliament is to open the conference and the Croatian Premier Ivica Racan as well as Bodo Hombach, the coordinator of the stability Pact, Adria Severin, the president of the OSCE parliamentary assembly and Lord Russell Johnston, the president of the Parliamentary assembly of the Council of Europe are to have the opening speeches. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem968673656,12454,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The holding of a referendum is unavoidable</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Extracts of interview with Srdjan Darmanovic, Director of CEDEM<br>"The opposition in Serbia is most likely to win the election, but I do not believe that we shall be able to find out the real election result after 24th December. That is I believe we shall be given a result which does not match the election will of the people. I believe the Serbian opposition shall be aware of this, and that it shall attempt to fight against such a situation in any way possible. The regime shall, if necessary, respond with violence in the defense of their allegedly fair victory. In terms of Montenegro, the number of people participating in the elections shall be the same or slightly smaller than the number of people who voted for the SNP at the previous elections, according to assessments made by CEDEM. This means the maximum shall be around 35% of citizens, which means that the government decision to boycott the elections shall have quite a powerful political impact", said the Political Director of CEDEM (Center for Democracy and Human Rights), Srdja Darmanovic. <br>If Kostunica wins the election, and if, by any chance, his victory is acknowledged, can he be the legitimate president of FRY for official Montenegro, which is boycotting the elections?<br>If Kostunica wins, but in Parliament a majority which is loyal to Milosevic wins, he shall be a president without real power, but his victory would symbolically show that Serbia's majority has turned against the current government. Montenegro, however, has no reason to recognize the federal structures neither in the case of Milosevic's or Kostunica's victory. In the first case the current game of constant tension and threats of a conflict continues, whilst in the second a fully new set of negotiators are obtained and the possibility of a violent resolution of Serbian-Montenegrin relations is excluded. <br>Does the possibility of holding a referendum then become doubtful?<br>No, but the space for serious negotiation is obtained. In that case the Platform would be put on the negotiating table in a serious way, and then it would be seen whether the Serbian opposition can accept some kind of lose union with Montenegro or not. A referendum remains an option in both states. But if all the power remains with SPS and JUL and the opposition obtains only the presidential elections, the situation is drastically different. <br>Can the clashes in the DPS leadership around the agreement between the Government and the French company Akor escalate into deeper divisions within the governing party? <br>In societies such as Montenegro, where there is a combination of real reform efforts and semi-legal economic transition, a conflict of interests are unavoidable, especially in the leaderships where the transition cake is being divided up. In DPS at the center of government there are powerful conflict around the division of these interests. But I believe the people who are in conflict around these interests are aware that they have a joint opponent and the revelation of their weaknesses is very dangerous in terms of political survival, not only of individuals, but of the whole governing structure, and therefore of any reform project. Such possible conflicts shall be controlled and suppressed as long as the governing coalition stands in opposition to Milosevic's regime. In the DPS you have more or less capable people, but you have experienced political functionaries who know quite well what the political stakes are. I believe they shall find ways of resolution in terms of these interests, and that there shall be no spectacular political departure. Later, if Montenegro becomes a country without such high political and security risks, the re-structuring of the whole political scene shall take place. And this shall not only apply to the DPS. <br>Does Serbia have the strength to overthrow the regime, if there is evidence that the regime has remained in power through election fraud?<br>In Serbia, society has been destroyed, and the issue of importance is not only whether there is a political opposition, but whether there are active segments of society which is not going to allow the seizing [of their interests]. This does not exist in Serbia, there are no powerful business structures apart from the regime ones, the economy of the country is destroyed, there is no powerful middle class, therefore there are no actors in society who are ready to defend their interests which are being jeopardized by the regime. Dissatisfaction and apathy exists at a high level, but from this to having the energy to blow away the regime, there are many steps. Additionally, the situation is made more complicated by the fact that Milosevic is indicted for war crimes. He shall fight with all means possible in order to remain in power. He has demonstrated that he knows how to use force. It is true that a regime dependable on weapons has to go sooner or later. But when? The question is whether the opposition can defend the possible victory at these elections. For now, I cannot see this possibility happening, apart from tragic events taking place with unclear resolutions. They can finish, like in Rumania, in a way fatal for the dictator, but they can also turn into a massacre of citizens.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem968492955,74871,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>President Djukanovic after three days staying in New York as a participant of the Millenium summit estimated:A chance for legitimizing of Montenegro in United Nations has been provided</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“The International community and its key factors have been so far supporting the reform democratic course of Montenegro. The result of this support is providing a seat in the United Nations for Montenegro. By this we will gradually provide legitimization of Montenegro in the Organization of United Nations”, said Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic at the end of three day Millenium summit in New York which he attended as a guest if the United States of America. The other members of the Montenegrin delegation were Minister of foreign affairs Branko Lukovac, the president’s adviser for foreign affairs Milan Rocen and the chief of the Montenegrin mission in New York Zeljko Perovic. <br>During his staying in New York president Djukanovic had number of important meetings like for example with the president of the USA Bill Clinton, the American state secretary Madeleine Albright, with the British Premier Tony Blair and with the French president Jacques Shiraque.<br>“These dialogues we had with the representatives of the host country are very important. Beside the opportunity I had to shortly talk to President Clinton I also had a very long conversation with Madeleine Albright and with the Governor of the state of New York George Pataki. I can tell that the American support to Montenegro is unhesitating and that they have full understanding for our policy, it means also for the policy regarding the actual problems in functioning of the Yugoslav federation. America is ready to provide a further economical and political support to Montenegro and to watch very closely, together with the European partners, on the eventual endangering of its safety”, said Djukanovic.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem968409260,2456,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Western allies provided security guarantees for Montenegro and her democracy</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><br>The USA are, together with its NATO allies carefully monitoring the situation in Montenegro, Serbia and the region and it shall certainly demonstrate its interest in securing the Montenegrin democratic project and prevent the possibility of a conflict”, said US State Secretary Madeline Albright, in talks with President Milo Djukanovic who is heading the Montenegrin state delegation at the Millenium Summit of heads of state at which he is US’s guest. <br>Security guarantees were, according to a member of the delegation, the theme which dominated this one hour meeting between the Montenegrin state delegation with senior representatives of the American State Administration, but neither side was ready to say anything in more detail, apart from to confirm that “western allies are not going to leave Montenegro deserted”. <br>“Once again we expressed our strong support for the integrity of Montenegro and its rights and capabilities to conducting its own policies. We talked about the fact that Montenegro is not going to participate in the elections because it is clear that they can be manipulated. We acknowledged that the opposition in Belgrade is quite strong, that it is in the lead and we concluded on the importance of its unity”, said Richard Holbrook after the meeting. <br>Whilst repeating the well known position of the American Administration that Montenegro’s security is in America’s interests, Albright said that the US particularly supports the Montenegrin policies of restraint relating to the provocations from Belgrade which is extremely important for securing stability in Montenegro and the region. <br>She stated that the US has regular consultations with key European partners, who are also looking into the modalities of providing more extensive and efficient assistance to Montenegro. In this context, it was assessed that the situation is increasingly favorable in terms of enabling Montenegro to have access to international financial institutions. <br>Djukanovic and Albright agreed that it is necessary to provide support to the democratic forces active against Milosevic. Exceptions have been posed that the democratic forces in line with the opinion poll results shall defeat Milosevic’s regime which would significantly influence the security situation in the region. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem968320263,42126,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>A seat for Montenegro in the assembly room of the organization of sovereign states </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/grbmali1.gif" align=left>The historical summit of world leaders in New York started yesterday with a keynote speech by the General Secretary of the UN, Kofi Anan and messages expressed by Bill Clinton and was attended by President of Montenegro, Milo Djukanovic who headed the state delegation. Djukanovic is participating as a guest of the USA at this three day Millenium Summit of more than 150 heads of state and governments dedicated to a more secure future and a better quality of life for humanity in the 21st century. <br>The seat for Montenegro in the plenary session of the international organization of sovereign states, the three colored red, blue and white flag with the red star of the non-existent Tito’s SFRY in front of the UN palace, the prohibition imposed on Belgrade preventing them from participating in this and other UN conferences in any way, and Bill Clinton’s assessment expressed at the opening of the Summit that Slobodan Milosevic wanted to end the 20th century with ethnic slaughter, is a demonstration of the views of the international community towards the crisis in the relations between Belgrade and Podgorica. <br>The latest and concerned increase of tension in these relations before the up coming federal elections on 24th September, which are not recognized by official Montenegro, as well as the efforts made by Montenegrin state authorities to combat the provocation from Belgrade and to safeguard stability in the Republic, were the main themes of the meeting between Djukanovic and British Prime Minister Tony Blair, which was the start of a series of bilateral contacts the President of Montenegro had with the most important actors of the international community. <img src="images/un.jpg" align=right border=1><br>“Great Britain and its allies continue to carefully monitor the situation in Montenegro, as well as the moves made by Belgrade. We shall continue to provide support to Montenegro and look into other possibilities if Belgrade jeopardizes the Montenegrin democratic project”, said Prime Minister Blair to President Djukanovic, in a meeting considered useful, friendly and open by the Montenegrin delegation. <br>President Djukanovic explained why Montenegro is not participating in the federal elections. The constitutional changes directed by Milosevic, which happened before the elections were announced, was referred to as constitutional and legal violence which Montenegro is unable to accept. <br>Blair said that he fully understands the position and views of Montenegro, even though in part of the international community there is a lack of this understanding. <br>President Djukanovic had a range of short meetings in the Palace of the UN: with UN’s General Secretary Kofi Anan, the co-chair of the Millenium Summit, the Finish Prime Minister Taira Halonen, President of Namibia Sam Nuyom, French president Jauque Chirac, Dutch Prime Minister, Wim de Cock, President of Austria Tomas Clestile, the General Secretary of the Organization of Arab Unity Salim Ahmed Salim, King of Jordan Abdulah, the presidents of Gruzia Eduard Severnadze, Croatia Stjepan Mesic, The Czech Republic Vaclav Havel, Bulgaria Petar Stoyanov, Poland Alexander Kvasnevski...<br>President Djukanovic also met with the German Foreign Minister Joshka Fischer. Apart from exchanging views on the crisis in the region and about the possible developments of the situation in Serbia and Montenegro after 24th September, Djukanovic and Fischer discussed extending the bilateral cooperation between Berlin and Podgorica, especially in terms of the implementation of the decision of the German government to approve 40 million DMs of guaranteed capital for building a regional water system. <br>Milo Djukanovic’s stay in the headquarters of this international organization drew media attention. <br><br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem968236981,64772,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>President Djukanovic arrived in New York</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic arrived in New York where he is to attend the Millenium summit of state or government chiefs. The other members of the Montenegrin delegation are branko Lukovac, Minister of foreign affairs and Milan Rocen, the president’s adviser for foreign policy.<br>Montenegrin president is expected to inform the present on the estimations of the Montenegrin leadership on the political situation in the region as well as on the results of the economic and democratic reforms in Montenegro. By participating at this meeting Montenegro is, in best, way realizing its intention Montenegrin representatives to be present in the United Nations and all the other significant world institution. <br>Coffi Annan, secretary general of the UN and then Bill Clinton, the president of the United States of America, are to speak at the opening of this summit dedicated to the role of the United Nations in 21st century.<br>The presence of Montenegro at the palace in East River draws the attention of numerous world observers. The Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic is to use the opportunity to meet with the very important world officials. Montenegrin president is expected to have meeting with Tony Blair, the British Premier, and Joscha Fisher, the German Minister of foreign affairs. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem968064829,47701,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Why is it that the SNP is not demanding election monitoring?</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“I thought that the SNP, which fought for election equality with such passion and elan in Montenegro, would at least invest some efforts at the federal level. However, nothing happened. Then [local elections in Montenegro] they fully protected themselves from electoral theft and now when it is the votes of others which may be stolen, it doesn’t cross their mind to engage. I know that politicians are not always consistent, but I always expect them to be more than politicians and to be statesmen. May be I overestimated their capabilities”, said Vladimir Goati, an expert for the election process and a member of G17 plus group. <br>He concluded that the upcoming federal, presidential and local elections shall be conducted in an illegitimate way because the election process, prescribed by the federal laws, prevents those who are outside the government to monitor and react to all the possible electoral misuses “which have appeared at all the elections in Serbia from 1990 to today”. These federal laws, according to Goati, are very different from the Montenegrin election laws in which the participant in the election process can, in a number of different ways, control the moves of the other side. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem968064766,67354,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Germany afraid of the conflicts in the Balkans</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The German Government is afraid of the possible escalation of the violence after the elections in the FRY, which are to be held in three weeks, writes the magazine “Spiegel” in the last number. <br>According to the writing of the magazine, the chancellors’ advisers and the state secretaries of the foreign affairs and the ministry of defense talked last Saturday on the way they should prepare in case of the eventual events, which may happen in the Balkans.<br>“Since, on the one hand, the Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic, is probably not going to accept the expected defeat at the elections, and since, on the other hand, the president of the other republic, Milo Djukanovic, called upon the boycott of the elections, it only means, at worst, the threat of the military confrontation between the FRY army and the Montenegrin police”, writes “Spiegel”.<br>“Since NATO is afraid of the military intervention this time, the West wants to provide a significant financial help to Montenegro. The official Berlin has already concluded an agreement worth 40 million DM with the Government of the president Djukanovic, and the competent ministry of Germany asks for additional 100 million DM for Montenegro”, informs “Spiegel”. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem967892617,94606,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>We ask for Montenegro to have the same status in the United Nations as Serbia</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/un.jpg" align=left border=1> “The status of Montenegro in the UN is currently not clearly defined: we are trying to define our position in the UN at the moment. If we consider it form the formal aspect Montenegro, as a part of the FRY is not the member of the UN. The aspiration of its leaders, the FRY to be the inheritance of the former SFRY, has not been and we believe will not be satisfied. This former state disintegrated as we know and all newly formed states have equal right on its inheritance. On the other hand, FRY, that is its leaders did not accept the advice on submitting the application for UN membership as all the others. And they are still insisting upon it although it is obvious to the detriment of its citizens and two federal units.<br>One thing is certain, it is to the detriment of Montenegro. However form the essential point of view, Montenegro is and will be more and more present in the United Nations, as a part of the biggest problem and crisis in Europe. That problem, as well as relations between Montenegro and Serbia, which are so worsened that they are threatening to the European and international peace and safety, can not be hidden any more. They are completely internationalized and they are more and more to become the matter of the UN”, said Montenegrin Minister of foreign affairs Branko Lukovac in the interview for ‘NIN’ (Belgrade weekly magazine), just before the UN Millenium summit, where the Montenegrin delegation is to continue with the activities on obtaining the special status of Montenegro in this world organization. <br>According to Minister Lukovac the problem of the status of the Montenegrin representatives in the UN has still not been resolved since it has been recently established.<br>The policies of the actual authorities and developing of two sates are going, according to Mr. Lukovac, irretrievably towards the opposite directions “so it would be a complete absurd we to represent and articulate the inter-political or foreign-policy interest of Serbia, or the other way round”. <br>When asked if the independent presentation of Montenegro before the Security Council meant the definite end of FRY, the chief of the diplomatic mission answered:<br>“The Security Council is just one, although very important, place of affirmation or de-legitimization of the state, ant that includes the FRY, too. The main place is the one at home. And at home the FRY is almost ‘dead’. And this is not happening by the will of Montenegro but by the will of those who are governing the FRY. We are going from conflict to conflict, from isolation to isolation, from neighbor to neighbor. Finally, inside the FRY, inside on of two federal states up to the frightening possibility of the mutual conflicts.<br>Therefore, the independent presentation of Montenegro in the UN, or in the European forums, does not mean the end of the FRY but it certainly removes the veil, the mask, and the illusion that we have a united and good state, without conflicts, and that those who work in the name of that state are doing it with the agreement of both federal members.”<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem967807952,4513,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The DPS and SNP announce possible compromise solutions after second round of talks</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Democratic Party of Socialists is ready to allow for the federal elections to be held at its regular polling stations and that the state media follow the election campaign, and in return they request that the SNP enables control of the elections on 24th September. <br>This is one of the issues discussed at the second round of talks between the delegations of the DPS and SNP which was attended by deputy presidents of the DPS, Svetozar Marovic and Filip Vujanovic and the deputy presidents of the SNP, Predrag Bulatovic, Zoran Zizic and Srdja Bozovic. <br>“We confirmed the necessity that the federal elections have to be completed in peace and freely, without disruptions or a damaging effect on anyone. We expressed our good will to invest party efforts in ensuring the elections are conducted in places which are determined and usually used for this activity, in ensuring the use of up-dated voter registration lists and the acquired media rights of parliamentary parties, but also at the same time an acceptable model for monitoring the elections and their results would have to be secured”, said deputy president of the SNP, Zoran Zizic. <br>Filip Vujanovic, the DPS deputy president emphasized that the SNP is expecting that the elections be held in the commonly used polling stations; He stated that the DPS anticipates that the number of people who participate in the election is calculated, that the validity of the elections is assessed and that the existence of voting rights of those participating in the elections is determined. Vujanovic stated that these issues remain open. “We shall continue with talks in this direction either between the same individuals or by establishing an expert team which would reach a final agreement”, explained Vujanovic. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem967722482,28341,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>America supports the decision of Montenegro on boycotting the so-called federal elections</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The former American senator and the presiding of the International commission for missing persons (ICMP) on the territory of the former Yugoslavia Bob Doll, when talking yesterday to Montenegrin Premier Filip Vujanovic, expressed his understanding of decision of the Republic of Montenegro to boycott the elections in FRY scheduled for 24 September. <br>After coming to Dubrovnik Mr. Doll said he came in order to meet with the Montenegrin officials and to discuss with them on the situation in Montenegro just before the elections, the boycott of which was announced by the Montenegrin leadership after the federal Constitution changes.<br>The Montenegrin Premier Filip Vujanovic said that he had informed Mr. Doll on the reasons of Montenegrin boycotting the elections since “these elections, as far as Montenegro is concerned, are illegal and illegitimate”.<br>Bob Doll thanked Vujanovic for accepting the invitation for this meeting. He also confirmed the support of the USA to the democratic processes in Montenegro.<br>“WE believe the they have made a right decision on boycotting the elections, since there is no sense in ratifying of Milosevic’s “deeds”. We shall keep on supporting the democracy in Montenegro.<br>When asked what is according to the international community the solution of the problem with Milsoveic Doll said:<br>“There is a strong need of protecting the human rights and the innocent people. We had 25000people and children killed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, millions of the refugees and we have 30.000 of missing people. And on Kosovo we have 5.000 to 10.000 of killed and missing.<br>The cause of all of this is just one man – Milosevic! We have lots of sympathies for Serbia and Serbs but they have a terrible leader.”<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem967722423,17431,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Delegations of the DPS and SNP are to meet again</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Delegation of Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) and the Socialist People’s Party are to meet today in villa Gorica where they will continue the conversation initiated on 17 August. <br>The members of the delegations will be the same as at the previous meeting. It means members of DPS will be the vice presidents Svetozar Marovic and Filip Vujanovic, then the president of the executive board Miodrag Vukovic and the chief of the representatives’ club Dragan Djurovic. The members of the SNP delegation are the vice presidents Predrag Bulatovic, Zoran Zizic, Srdja Bozovic and the Member of Parliament Vuksan Simonovic. It is expected that on this occasion they are to talk on some more concrete political issues, first of all on the September elections and their organization. These two political parties have the opposite attitudes and interests regarding this issue, as well as regarding the special session of the Montenegrin parliament called for 12 September, which is, according to the estimations of many political analysts, also in function of the so called federal elections. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem967547573,82143,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro cannot be kept by force</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The presidential candidate of the Serbain renewal Movement Vojislav Mihailovic said that “those who are think that Montenegro can be kept by force in the scope of the federal state are calling upon some new troubles and repeating of very expensively paid mistakes”.<br>“slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina were not kept by force neither will be Montenegro. The force in policy always ends by a complete disaster of policy which relays on force”, said Mihailovic in Sabac in the scope of his electoral campaign. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem967547552,26287,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Villagers living close to border with Republika Srpska protest against barricades installed by the army</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The residents of the Sula village in the Pljevlje municipality and the residents of Celebici from Republika Srpska protested against the barricades imposed by the YA on the local roads connecting Montenegro with Republika Srpska. Around 130 protestors demanded the barricades be lifted as soon as possible to enable the free passage on these roads.<br>The president of the local community, Sreten Ristanovic who participated in organizing the protest, proposed that a request is sent to the Montenegrin government, the commandment of the Second Division of the YA and the Pljevlje mayor, demanding the barricades are removed as this represents the condition for survival for the people living in these areas. <br>The participants of the protest said they have “nothing against the YA, but that this road had not been blocked by a single government so far, and thus that the behavior of the YA is even more incomprehensible”.<br>The locals now have to travel 200kms to get to an official border crossing, whereas it would not take them more than half an hour if they used the local roads. <br>The locals requested a compromise be made which would allow the YA to control the border and the alleged smuggling, as this would enable them to lead normal lives. <br>Members of the YA arrested the Pobjeda photographer Mara Babovic and her driver, kept them detained for longer than 6 hours and confiscated their equipment. Babovic had been photographing the protest and the stone barricades put up by the army. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem967547514,60155,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>One thousand workers support their governing board in refusing the government’s agreement with Akor</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">One thousand workers have signed a petition supporting their governing board in rejecting the management agreement with Akor and/or demanding changes to the agreement. <br>The president of the Budvanska Rivijera union, Radomir Milic, criticized the agreement, which does not provide security for the workers and jeopardizes the business prospects of the company. <br>With the hand-over the job security of 2000 workers becomes questionable, according to Milic. <br>“The workers laid off by Akor become the burden of Budvanska Rivijera which already has a surplus workforce. The loans which require paying 5 million DMs a year shall slowly melt away our property. The managers are to be paid by Budvanska Rivijera and they shall be able to bring anyone they want for free to Sveti Stefan”, said Milic. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem967462176,44808,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Fires across Montenegro: Assistance from Croatia prevented by federal administration</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The federal administration prevented the arrival of Croatian fire extinguishing planes, expected to help in extinguishing fires which broke out in a number of places at the Montenegrin coast. <br>The fire in the Budva municipality in Pastrovici has finally been localized after the continual engagement of the fire brigades, members of MUP, the army and ordinary citizens. <br>A number of houses in Rezevici have burnt down, and significant damage caused in Perazica Do, Tudorovici and Skocidjevojac. Olive groves over one hundred years old have been completely destroyed. <br> Despite terrible fires in its own country, Croatia was ready to sent a special fire extinguishing plane but this was prevented by the federal authorities, because the permission for fly-over was only received today, when the use of the special plane is no longer a necessity. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem967459750,66317,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The army is conducting Dedinje’s punishment policy towards Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><br>The municipality of Pjevlja is almost hermetically closed from two sides. On the border with Serbia there are ramps towards Prijepolje and Priboj and the customs officials are on call there and consequently the flow of goods is impossible. On the roads from Pljevlja towards the Republika Srpska the FRY army has placed the barricades of stone and logs. All of this has been intensified since the illegitimate changes of the FRY Constitution harmful for the statehood of Montenegro and for the interest of its citizens. It is just the indivisible part of the Belgrade regime strategy intended for economical destroying and humiliation of Montenegro.<br>The intensified economical pressure of the official Belgrade over Montenegro is taking the enormous dimensions. According to the estimations of the Monetary Council of Montenegro direct damages of the total economical pressure are exceeding 100 million dollars, and the indirect damages are far bigger. The checkpoints on Jabuka and Cemerno are getting the appearance of the inter-state border crossings. The control of goods flow is rigorous.<br>The biggest problems because of the ramps and barricades placed by the FRY army on the roads from Pljevlja towards Republika Srpska have the inhabitants of Bobovo, Bukovica, Sula and Poblace. According to the president of the local community of Sula Sreten Ristanovic, the federal authorities have more important business to do then placing the borders where they have never been. <br>For the local management in Pljevlja, where the Socialist people’s party is in power, these are just the minor problems. The blockade of the goods flow with Serbia and the ramps on the roads towards the Republika Srpska were not the issues to be discussed about at the session of the municipal assembly. The mayor Radoman Gotic claims that the army is only performing its duty, in line with the law and Constitution, and that there are no difficulties in communication with the neighboring country, since there is the inter-state border crossing on the road Pljevlja-Cajinice, via Metaljka which functions without problems. <br>There are no problems for those who are preparing themselves for the so-called federal elections, who humiliate Montenegro as a state and who are annulling its equality in the federation. However, majority of the citizens has a completely different opinion as well as the representatives of the parties from the coalition “To live a better life”. According to them the Socialist People’s party is occupied with some unimportant politicizing instead of resolving the numerous problems and their only task seems to be flattering to the Belgrade regime. By the will of the Belgrade regime Pljevlja are between two walls: a complete blockade of goods flow on the border towards Serbia and the stone ramps on the roads towards the Republika Srpska. Those who ordered both are probably the same people and their goal is demonstration of power(lessness) and intimidation of the citizens. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem967289949,7781,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Clear message to Milosevic</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Two American ships, with 3,500 soldiers specialized for urgent interventions, stationed in Dubrovnik and Split, send clear message to Slobodan Milosevic to stay away from Montenegro, says Zagreb "Globus".<br><br>The weekly points out that around thirty kilometres from Yugoslav border there is a force capable of direct strikes over Bay of Kotor, Bar, Podgorica or any other place in Montenegro. It also states that another American carrier is expected to arive at Croat ports.<br><br>By sending elite American units for urgent interventions, the NATO and the American administration are sending a clear signal to Belgrade regime, what could happen if they try to provoke a coup in Podgorica and start the fifth war in former Yugoslavia, states the weekly. <br><br>It also states that strong presence of the American forces is providing good position for Montenegrin political leadership before one more potential crisis – the elections. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem967289934,92238,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>"Timor" offers a 50-million DEM credit</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">A meeting with a potential creditor, Israeli company "Timor" was held in Podgorica. The meeting was held within negotiations on management contracts for six hotels on Montenegrin coast.<br><br>Apart from negotiation team appointed by the Privatization Council, headed by tourism minister, Vladimir Mitrovic, the meeting was also attended by deputy finance minister, Ratko Jovicevic, director of the Agency for Economy Reconstruction and Foreign Investments, Branko Vujovic, director of Development Fund, Zoran Milicevic, director of Employment Institute, Branimir Bojanic, assistant of Republic Pension Fund director, Miodrag Radulovic, legal advisors, as well as strategic advisors for privatization in tourism, the representatives of the American "Flag" company.<br><br>They talked about conditions whih could be good basis for further negotiations ragarding this financial credit, which would mean an over 50 million DEM investment in Montenegro tourism. <br><br>It was confirmed that the credit would be paid back from the hotels profit, and that the Government of Montenegro would be a guarantee of the whole business. <br><br>The technical details are yet to be agreed on. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem967289907,44155,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro is to be the first non-EU country to have the euro as its currency </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The president of the monetary council of Montenegro Momcilo Cerovic said that Montenegro was to be the first state, which is not member of the EU, to have euro as its currency, at the same time as the other countries, members of the EU. Cemovic announced that Montenegro was getting closer to the moment when it would have the one currency system, since from the beginning of the next year DM is to be gradually replaced by euro, just like it is done by “Doutche Bundes Bank”, the central bank of the country whose currency Montenegro is using at the moment.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem967198575,40563,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Representatives of the FLAG government advisory company support agreement with Akor</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“The clause on guaranteeing profitability does not exist in the agreement made with Akor, but it is not used in other contracts on managing hotels. The only exceptions are hotels in extremely commercial places such as New York, which is different from the situation in Montenegro”, said Lawrence Ryan, a representative of the FLAG organization which is advising the government on tourism in response to the criticisms made by Budvanska Rivijera that Akor does not guarantee it shall generate any profits. <br>Ryan explained that guarantees of job security cannot be given because the management shall have new staff rotas. <br>“Nevertheless, the employees shall be better trained for the work, and the salaries are most likely to increase significantly. In terms of the possibility to sell the agreement reached with the Government, which is what Budvanska Rivijera complained about, the legal team which looked into the agreement concluded this is common practice. Akor is a hotel company, and as any other buys and sells things and rights, which is the norm in modern business”, said Ryan emphasizing that FLAG believes the agreement would be excellent for Montenegro and that it shall lead to the advancement of tourist offers. <br>The problems which exist and why foreign management is necessary are the derelict state of the buildings, the lack of a management system, the service which is lower than European standards and the emphasis on mass tourism.<br>“Montenegro does not have enough money to develop its tourism alone, and this is why the credit is welcome. International chains, and Akor is amongst the most famous, secures a good image, powerful marketing, local staff training and a higher chance of the return of the loan”, said Ryan.<br>According to Ryan, obtaining higher profit in the hotels shall secure a higher profit for Akor, which is why no one should doubt that the new management shall do its best to maximize its business success. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem967198559,60115,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Unprecedented heat wave in Podgorica, Danilovgrad and Niksic</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The temperatures in the whole of Montenegro apart from the coast are characterized as dangerous, which means that they can cause great harm in the affected regions”, warned the meteorologists from the Republican Hydro-meteorological Institute. <br>Podgorica, Danilovgrad and Niksic have been especially affected. “Extreme temperatures have been registered on 23rd August in Podgorica, 41.6, Niksic 42 degrees and represent the highest temperatures ever recorded since systematic records exist which is in the last half century. Danilovgrad has broken the absolute Montenegrin record held by Igalo since 1981. <br>The continuity in high temperatures is also something which has not been recorded in the past. It has not been recorded so far that Podgorica has reached over 40 degrees three days running as has been the case this Summer. Not counting this Summer, in Podgorica the temperatures were over 40 degrees only 11 times. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem967029439,11791,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Pilots thrown out of the army because they were wondering about what to do if ordered to attack Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Three pilots from the Podgorica military airport, mayor Dragan Brinic, captain Miroljub Anastasijevic and captain Slobodan Grujic have been sentenced with the loss of their professional military service by the military disciplinary courts attached to the air-defense commandment.<br>This is the epilogue of a procedure initiated against seven pilots from Golubovci, who were indicted with preparing a sabotage of the Montenegrin airport and its takeover and transfer to the Montenegrin police as well as indicted with intending to use weapons against their colleagues who are also pilots. <br>The commander of the air defense general-colonel Spasoje Smiljanic accused this group of officers of alleged treason in front of the full cadre in Golubovci, upon which one of them, Brinic has submitted libel charges against Smiljanic. <br>In his defense Brinic said that he did not participate in any kind of conspiracy. He said that the officers shall be punished for their views. He thought it completely normal, that in the intensified political situation between the leadership of Montenegro and Serbia, pilots are concerned about themselves and their families, and that there are objective reasons they having views different from Belgrade, and thus this cannot be interpreted as destructive action. Brinic also stated that he believes “that any order on the use of this unit directed at anyone in Montenegro would be illegal and that it can be rejected”. He added that he did not hear anyone from his unit talking about rejecting orders, and that they expressed concern on the development of the political situations and talked about this informally outside work and that these discussions referred to the possible use and misuse of the army. <br>Miroljub Anastasijevic said that there was resentment in the unit before and during the war and that the commander of the escadrille mayor Brinic was informed of this.<br>Captain Slobodan Grujic said that he signed the minutes of the hearing because he was so tired after being questioned for 20 hours, but that the text from the hearing is incorrect. <br>The witnesses all confirmed that there was resentment among the pilots mainly because of their financial situation and because of the general political problems, and that none of them participated in any kind of conspiracy. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem967029415,48864,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>OSCE unwanted at the elections in September</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">OSCE has severely criticized the decision of the Yugoslav authorities for not approving the visas for the experts of this organization for democratization and human rights to come and analyze the situation in FRY just before the elections in September. <br>This was announced by the director of the Office for the democratic institutions and human rights Gerard Stoudman.<br>It is said in the announcement that this office submitted the applications for issuing the visas for the group of the experts who would estimate the situation in Belgrade just before the elections. It was pointed out that without such estimation the OSCE could not consider the possibility of sending the eventual monitoring mission for the elections.<br>OSCE claims that so far the Belgrade authorities gave no official answer to this application, however, they add that number of the FRY officials stated that monitoring mission of this organization would be unwanted during the forthcoming elections. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem966945828,86324,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>75% of the population supports either an independent Montenegro or loose relations with Serbia </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/anketa.jpg" align=left>President of the Executive Board of the DPS Miodrag Vukovic has stated that, according to the latest opinion polls, nearly 70% of citizens disapproves of Montenegro’s current status, and that only 20% support Slobodan Milosevic. <br>He repeated the recent statement made by Filip Vujanovic the deputy president of the DPS and the Montenegrin prime minister, that, if Slobodan Milosevic wins at the September elections, Montenegro shall take a separate road, in other words, that a referendum on independence shall be held. Whilst putting emphasis on the fact that this is the view of the DPS and Montenegro’s state leadership, Vukanovic stated that this equally applies if the Serbian opposition wins, if it refuses to accept Montenegro as a state. <br>“We support integrations, but our experiences from the previous three integrations, in the previous three Yugoslavia’s has taught us that these integrations have to be between states, and this also applies to Serbia. This proposal of ours has been rejected by Milosevic and those who support him, and their response has been aggression and centralization of the joint state”, said Vukovic, further clarifying the view of his party.<br>“If Milosevic remains at the head of FRY, the citizens of Montenegro shall decide whether they shall live with the dictator and under the dictator. Our position is equal in relation to the Serbian opposition, if it rejects the concept of Montenegro as a state”, said Vukovic and added that the holding of a referendum is an inevitable consequence of this, rather than the aim of Montenegro’s state policies, and that the referendum can only take place through procedures outlined by the constitution and the laws. <br>In the interview with Montena TV, Vukovic stated the details around the latest opinion poll, which shows that close to 70% of citizens are “decisively against what is being done to Montenegro”. Around 35% of citizens are for an independent Montenegro and around 40% support loose relations with Serbia which includes full equality between the two states and “20% believe that what Milosevic is doing is Yugoslavianism”, said Vukovic.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem966945785,15453,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Burzan: we are not going to allow for the state owned buildings to be used as polling stations</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Deputy president of the Montenegrin government and high level official of the SDP, Dragisa Burzan, stated yesterday, that the government in Montenegro shall not allow for space in state owned buildings to be used as polling stations. <br>He stated to the Beta agency that for the Montenegrin government, the federal elections do not exist and that “nothing which is in the domain of the state apparatus shall be put in the service” of these elections. <br>Burzan said that the SNP has, until recently, claimed that it would prevent any holding of a referendum on independence, but said that he believes that Predrag Bulatovic, the SNP’s deputy president stands behind what he has recently claimed – that he would support a referendum if it were democratically conducted. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem966854437,8471,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Members of the YA smuggled Chinese citizens from Belgrade via Montenegro to Italy</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Montenegrin police broke a chain of smuggling Chinese citizens for Italy, which involved the participation of two officers from the Moraca army barracks in Podgorica. <br>The Montenegrin MUP found 25 Chinese citizens who were to be illegally transported to Italy, being transported in a van with YA number plates which was stopped at the police check-point close to Budva on Saturday afternoon. <br>Zeljko Modosan and Aleksandar Todorovic who were serving in the Moraca army barracks were handed over to the military police. <br>When they were stopped by the police sergeant Modosan and captain Todorovic were showing their ID to the police when sounds were heard from the back of the van because the illegal passengers had practically no oxygen left in the practically hermetically closed space. <br>The officers were against the police opening the delivery truck, and so the whole van was taken to the Budva police station. Even though, by this stage, screams of agony were heard, the officers continued to provide resistance and grasped their weapons warning that the vehicle can only be opened in the presence of the military police. An order was then received and the policemen restrained the sergeant Modosan and captain Todorovic and then opened the door of the van of which the handle had been removed. <br>A few heads desperate for air appeared from the inside of the vehicle. There were a few Chinese, unconscious lying on the floor of the van. The ambulance quickly arrived. A few people were taken to hospital. The doctors concluded that some of the passengers could have died from suffocation only 15 minutes later. <br>Modosan and Todorovic said that they were to deliver the Chinese to the coast where a speedboat would await them and take them to Italy. The members of the YA claim that they were to receive 500DMs each for this job. <br>According to the information compiled by MUP the Chinese citizens arrived in Belgrade where they paid 2000 DMs each to be transported to Italy. <br>The Second Division of the YA has admitted that two members of the army were involved in smuggling Chinese citizens.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem966677719,59520,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Darmanovic: If DPS supports any of the election lists, it would be a political self-destruction</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">After the dialogue of Democratic party of Socialists (DPS, Milo Djuknovic’s party) and Socialist People’s party (SNP, Momir bulatovic’s party) held in villa “Gorica” nothing concrete was actually said about holding the federal elections in Montenegro. Besides talks on keeping the readiness of both parties to keep the peace and to resolve all the problems by political means, the vice presidents Filip Vujanovic and Zoran Zizic after the meeting only said that they agreed upon not distracting holding of these elections in Montenegro. And just the sudden changes of the federal constitutions, which preceded scheduling the referendum and their holding in Montenegro, were the cause of the meeting between DPS and SNP in villa “Gorica” and lately indication on possible conflicts.<br>According to what was heard on the course of the meeting, DPS obliged itself not to obstruct the federal administration to conduct the elections and the SNP representatives expressed their expectations that they would be given the technical support, up-to-dated electoral lists and organization of the polling places. <br>However, it is still not clear how DPS is to control number of voters, which are to participate at the federal elections. Both DPS and the SNP count on these data as on a very significant argument in proving the legality of the elections in September but also proving of their power and influence in Montenegro. The DPS has clearly called upon its supporters to boycott the elections and the SNP, on the contrary, on participation in as bigger number as possible. <br>Vuksan Simonovic, political director of the SNP, claims that he has nothing against DPS controlling the elections on condition that, let say, they support one of the electoral lists and in that way make their presence at polling places official. But what with the boycott then? It would be possible to realize this control through some of organizations or by providing the technical support, for example, for the election list of the Serbian opposition in Montenegro. <br>The Serbian opposition has some different signals regarding forming of the list for Montenegro; they mention the first candidates on lists but the announced continuation of conversation with the top of the DPS and People’s party has not been held yet. <br>Savo Djurdjevac, the vice president and one of two participants of negotiations of the People’s party with the opposition leaders of Serbia is of opinion that this continuation is to happen very soon. But, he emphasizes that The People’s party is not at all interested in results of the federal elections, since they are invalid. The Socialist Democratic Party is of the same opinion, the other party in the Montenegrin government, which have not participated in the talks with the Serbian opposition, considering it completely unnecessary.<br>Srdja Darmanovic, political analyzer, says he does not believe that DPS is to support one of the lists officially, including the one, which would be under some other name candidate by the Serbian opposition in Montenegro.<br>“If DPS supports one of the lists in Montenegro it would be a political self-destruction. The official support is the actually inviting of the voters to participate at the elections, and if more then a half of voters in Montenegro would participate at the elections, there would be no sense in boycott. The essence of the political attitude of the DPS is as less voters as possible to participate at the elections and that would be a clear signal on how big support Milosevic can get from Montenegro. <br>He said it would be a completely different thing if they would find the way to logistically support one of the lists in Montenegro, which would be politically corresponding.<br>In that case DPS would be able to control the elections and to enable possible with number of voters. According to one of the latest statements of Premeir Vujanovic it was possible to guess that DPS was to technically support the Serbian opposition, Darmanovic supposed and he concluded that such an attitude of the DPS would have no repercussions on relations between Montenegro and the Serbian opposition, since no opposition list can expect anything else from them but the technical support.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem966594647,3204,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Milosevic can count on the loyalty of the commandment, but not on the lower ranks of the YA </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">As the presidential elections in Yugoslavia are approaching, western diplomats and analysts claim that there is a realistic danger of a conflict developing in Montenegro.<br>The tension between the police which is faithful to the pro-western government of this small republic and the YA which is loyal to the president of FRY, Slobodan Milosevic is continually growing, it is assessed by the analysis of the Reuters agency. <br>This agency concludes that if Milosevic assesses that he may be defeated at the elections in Serbia, he could incite a crisis in Montenegro as an excuse for suspending the second round of elections, but if he wins and feels strong enough he could terminate Montenegro’s flirting with the West. <br>“Throughout last year, we could see how Milosevic was gathering everything he would need to create problems if he so wishes”, said a diplomat to Reuters, alluding to the arming of Milosevic’s supporters in Montenegro and to the broadcasting of the newly opened television channel. <br>“It would be easy to engulf Montenegro”, said another diplomat and added that “what would have to be done is simply the taking over of the television station, the government buildings and the parliament”. <br>The agency quotes army chief Nebojsa Pavkovic who stated last week that these stories are “complete rubbish”, because, if the YA had wanted to take over Montenegro, they would have done so, a while back. <br>“Why would someone from the federal state attempt to carry out a coup against Montenegro now, if this had not been done before, when it is well know that this republic has been ignoring federal laws and is practically functioning as independent, for quite some time”, said Pavkovic. <br>This argument is believed by some analysts who believe that if the antagonism between Milosevic and Montenegrin president Milo Djukanovic increases, neither of them wants to go too far. They fear that the situation could lose control.<br>Djukanovic has been the thorn in Milosevic’s eye since he was elected president in 1997 when he started to ignore the leftist and isolationist policies of the Belgrade regime and started promoting more open relationships with the West and with neighboring countries. <br>Belgrade’s response was to block trade and, as from recently, to use the army in order to discourage westerners from investing in Montenegro.<br>The army has arrested two Canadians and two British citizens as well as two Slovenians. They were arrested around the same time the condemnations were heard by Belgrade following the decision of the Council of Europe to send its Slovenian representative to Montenegro. <br>The European Initiative for Stability has concluded in a recent report, that a conflict in Montenegro would present a great risk to Milosevic who can count on the loyalty of the military commandment but not on the lower ranks of the YA. <br>“The key question is whether he is aware of the risk and what kind of information he receives”, said the Director of the Initiative Gerald Knaus. <br>The agency states that in Montenegro there are around 7000 members of the YA, which could be increased, through drafting, to 40 000, but that the 10 to 15 thousand members of the police are far more motivated that the recruits. <br>“Even though it seems that neither side has interests in inciting conflicts, a series of provocations by the YA could lead to a violent response of the Montenegrin security forces and the violence could lose control”, it is stated in the report by the European Initiative for Stability. <br>The report states that the special unit of the YA which is loyal to Milosevic, the Seventh Battalion has about the same numbers as the Montenegrin special police, around 1.100 persons, but that this unit may have increased in size over the last few weeks. <br>“One thing is certain. In this game of cat and dog, the army has become much more aggressive”, said Knaus alluding to the recent incidents which took place between the YA and the police. <br>NATO persistently warns Milosevic to leave Montenegro alone, but has avoided any direct warnings like those which preceded last years bombing of Yugoslavia. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem966592697,56820,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>To preserve the peace and democratic principles </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“Preserving the peace in Montenegro as the most valuable thing, loyalty to democracy and decisiveness in resolving all the disputable matters by political means, are the main conclusions of today’s meeting of Democratic Party of Socialists (Milo Djukanovic’s party) and Socialist People’s Party (Momir Bulatovic’s party) delegations, held in villa “Gorica”. The members of DPS delegation were vice presidents Filip Vujanovic a and Svetozar Marovic , the president of the Executive board Miodrag Vukovic and the member of the presidency and the chief of the representatives’ club Dragan Djurovic. The members of the SNP delegation ver vice presidents Zoran Zizic, Predrag Bulatovic, Srdja Bozovic and the political director of the party Vuksan Simonovic. <br>Filip Vujanovi and Zoran Zizic informed the journalist on the result of their talks after the meeting. “The talks were very open, “ Mr. Vujanovic said and he pointed out that they agreed that preserving the peace in Montenegro as the most valuable thing is a necessity.<br>“We have stated loyalty towards democracy and decisiveness in all the disputable matters to be resolved by political means. We have concluded the differences regarding the forthcoming elections and we have also agreed that these differences must not be the cause of any conflicts in Montenegro and that the elections have to be held in peace. We have also talked about some other concrete issues, estimating that the talks on this issues should be continued”, Mr. Vujanovic said.<br>“This was an opportunity for talking. It seems to be very efficient and the talks between these two parties are to continue”, Zoran Zizic pointed out. “Besides talking about these issues, which are in a way of common character, we have also started talking on number of concrete issues significant both for functioning of the federal state and for position of Montenegro and the general political situation in Montenegro. First of all we have started talking on functioning of the mutual state, then on federal elections and holding of the elections under the conditions which would provide peaceful and democratic atmosphere and making impossible the disturbance of these elections. We have also started talking on the position of the Montenegrin-coastal Diocese of the Metropolitan in Montenegro and we have concluded that this matter should be talked about”, said Zizic. He mentioned that they talked on the position of the FRY army and its functioning in Montenegro and media presentation pointing out once again that these issues are to be further talked about.<br>“Who in Montenegro endangers the peace so that this kind of meetings have to be held and could all of this be resolved in the Parliament” was the first question of the journalists directed to the vice presidents of the DPS and the SNP. <br>“This meeting of the DPS and the SNP could be considered as the parliamentary. It is not a state of emergency nor is this any extraordinary meeting. This was the meeting of two most powerful parties in Montenegro, which are majority in the Montenegrin parliament. So, this meeting was not the result of any endangering of peace or impossibility it to be held in the parliament”, said Zizic and he added that it was good for parliamentary parties, besides talking in the parliament, to have some mutual meetings, what is according to him the essence of today’s meeting. <br>The vice president of the DPS Filip Vujanovic agreed to what Mr. Zizic said saying that two most powerful parties, where one is part of the authority and the other part of the opposition, estimated as useful to meet and exchange their opinions and to calm down the existing tensions. “I think that the meeting was useful and efficient. We agreed upon some issues and we started talking about the others. We have estimated that these talks should be continued.”<br>Filip Vujnaovic also said that this meeting was a contribution to the efficient work of the Parliament. The very fact that two most powerful parties had a meeting should mean a new quality in the work of the parliament. ”We have, in the name of DPS, expressed our readiness to talk to the other opposition parties in Montenegro and we are to suggest this meting to happen”, said Filip Vujanovic. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem966426132,13476,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The Montenegrin state has to build its political identity through legislation</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“The main problem Montenegro is facing in the process of promoting its state sovereignty is related to the exceptional difficulties in organizing the Yugoslav federation as a union of legally equal independent nation states”, says Dragutin Lalovic a lecturer in the History of modern political thought. Lalovic identifies himself as a Croatian political analyst of Montenegrin origin. <br>Professor Lalovic said that the problem can best be explained through the experiences of disintegration of SFRY between 1988-1991. He believes the basic reasons for the break up of this state are to be sought in the Serbian political strategies at the time”.<br>“The Serbian united political and intellectual elites persistently denounced the legitimacy of the eight member federation constituted by the 1974 SFRY Constitution and saw it as an anti-Serbian institutional arrangement, as a systemic expression of distrust towards the Serbs and as Serbian national humiliation. The politically most influential part of that elite refused to recognize the state territories and borders of the adjacent Yugoslav state-republics. The aim of these state policies was the establishment of the Serbian national state, which not only rejects the demand for independence of the citizens of other states, but ideologically legitimizes this. <br>Responding to the question of how Montenegro can get out of this vicious circle of wars, Professor Lalovic says this is not possible only through its defense potentials, but rather with its clear choice to be constituted as a sovereign legal state, limiting its governance to the people who live on its territory. <br>“The Montenegrin state has to build its political identity through legislation, by establishing itself as a single political body. I believe the official Montenegrin policies are doing this, in quite a difficult context”, said Dr. Dragutin Lalovic. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem966331149,43175,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>DPS calls upon its supporters to boycott federal elections</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The extended board of the DPS has decided that this party shall not participate in the federal parliamentary and presidential elections on 24th September and has called upon all its members and supporters to boycott the elections. <br>Miodrag Vukovic, the president of the Executive board of the party said that for the board “the starting point is the loyalty to securing the principle of equality and the state-legal authority of Montenegro, and it concluded that these principles have been severely undermined with the changes made to the constitution”. <br>Vukovic added that DPS’s main board has called upon the Serbian opposition, given that it has decided to participate in the elections, to unite “so that democratic Serbia and democratic Montenegro can become a factor of peace and stability in the region”. <br>Vukovic said that a meeting is not expected with the Serbian opposition in the nearest future, because “it is clear that both sides have other political priorities than to discuss the future relations in a future possible joint state”. <br>Vukovic said that the DPS shall assist the Serbian opposition in all ways possible, but that one should keep in mind that “we cannot replace the Serbian opposition and finish off the job instead of them”. <br>“… The DPS and Montenegro, can influence positive change in Serbia by providing a good example”, said Vukovic. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem966331126,65239,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Golubovci airport closed for over an hour after a hoax call</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Following a hoax call which was received at the Golubovci airport in which the caller said that a bomb was placed in a Montenegro Airlines plane, all passengers travelling to Rome were evacuated from the airport and the police carried out a search which lasted an hour and a half. <br>The caller said the bomb would explode 3 minutes after the plane departs. The detailed search determined the call was a hoax. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem966249248,27258,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>A referendum shall be held for an independent and free Montenegro, if proves necessary</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“The Second Congress of the Montenegrin Diaspora expressed its position that Montenegro should be an independent, democratic country and a member of the United Nations . The participants of the congress said they shall establish permanent links with Montenegro and shall fully contribute to the establishing of a sovereign and independent Montenegro”, were the conclusions of the congress of the Montenegrin Diaspora held in Cetinje which was attended by Montenegrins living in five different continents around the world. <br>The diaspora emphasized that they base their work on the principles of liberal democracy, respect for the Montenegrin nation and state individuality and the development of Montenegro as a multi-ethnic culture and community. They emphasized that they refuse to cooperate with diaspora societies which deny Montenegro its right to sovereignty, its own culture and language. <br>The representatives from the diaspora pledged they would help Montenegro integrate into the international community and that maximum efforts shall be made to reduce internal and external pressure on Montenegro in order to protect its economic interests and its national cultural institutions. <br>Whilst emphasizing that, given the current state status of Montenegro, they cannot do enough to attract foreign capital, the diaspora pledged it would enable student exchange programs which calls for the establishment of a separate fund.<br>Prince Nikola Petrovic said that the common platform of all the diaspora associations needs to be cooperation irrespective of ethnic origins and political convictions. <br>Branko Aleksic the Montenegrin from Toronto said that his greatest wish is an independent Montenegro. “Ever since our association has condemned the war and genocide all our Serbian friends have abandoned us, but we have intensified links with Slovenes, Croats, Bosnians and Macedonians. Today, a Montenegrin can finish nothing via the official consulates of FRY and it is high time Montenegro started opening up its own diplomatic centers”, said Aleksic. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem966074423,17077,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Future of Montenegro depends only on its citizens</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/grbmali1.gif" align=left >The Montenegrin Premier Filip Vujanovic declared that it is clear that the Montenegrin citizens would decide upon the independent Montenegro if Slobodan Milosevic won the elections in September or even if Serbian opposition won the elections but refused to accept the idea on new relations between Montenegro and Serbia. Premier Vujanovic, in an interview for today’s weekly magazine “Onogost”, estimated that leaving together with Serbia, especially regarding the economical reasons, represented the undoubted need both of Serbia and Montenegro – Montena-fax agency reports. “The future of Montenegro depends only on its citizens! If we can not make an agreement with Serbia, the Montenegrin citizens are to decide on the future of their republic.”<br>Premier Vujanovic said he was satisfied with the mutual conclusions from the meeting with Serbian opposition. Expressing his belief that Serbian opposition, by coming in power, would accept the Montenegrin offer on new relations between Montenegro and Serbia, Vujanovic added that Montenegro had no reasons to be impatient. <br>“The Montenegrin citizens are assured that the actual FRY authority is destabilizing Montenegro and that it imposes the distance from Montenegro and through this distance and blockade it causes damages to Montenegro. What the opposition offers is the second model, which I can tell, is not harmful for Montenegro. On the contrary, the joint living with Serbia, regarding many reasons, especially the economical ones, is the undoubted need both of Serbia and Montenegro”, Filip Vuanovic pointed out.<br>He also pointed out that the Serbian opposition would have to participate at the elections with one candidate, since two candidates would create confusion among the voters and it would hinder the Serbian opposition. Premier Vujanovic added that the Serbian opposition still had a chance to make an agreement and he expressed his belief they would use it.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem965986132,41768,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Maras meets with ten generals to discuss the lowering of tensions in Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><br>The Minister of Internal Affairs of Montenegro, Vukasin Maras together with his assistants for public and state security Vuk Boskovic and Dusko Markovic, met with a twelve member delegation of the YA headquarters in Budva last night, to discuss the lowering of tensions in Montenegro. <br>The military delegation was comprised of ten generals and two colonels and was headed by assistant to the army chief, general-colonel Simic. <br>The meeting was organized after a range of heavy incidents which took place across Montenegro and were incited by members of the YA.<br>The meeting was still ongoing in the Budva Gorica Villa at midnight last night, and according to Vijesti sources it was being held in the “spirit of cooperation”. <br>Official statements on the results of the meeting are to be released today. <br>The Army Chief Nebojsa Pavkovic arrived in Montenegro yesterday and addressed the professional soldiers in Bar, emphasizing the priceless importance of unity of the people and the army in the heroic defense of the country, and emphasized that the YA shall continue to be a trustworthy guarantor of defense and security of FRY.<br>General Pavkovic stated that the YA shall not attempt to carry out a coup and added that the speculations on the possible conflict between the two republics are ridiculous. <br>Pavkovic said that the fabrications about a possible coup are spread “by foreign factors whose aim it is to break up FRY”.<br>Pavkovic asked the question of “why would someone from the federal government attempt a coup in Montenegro now when this was not attempted before, when it is known that this Republic has not been respecting the federal laws for quite some time, that is that it is practically living independently”. <br>Pavkovic said that the YA “shall not allow for someone to install terrorists and foreign mercenaries on the territory of FRY, who are to incite conflict between the army and MUP in FRY in order to create chaos to break up the state”. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem965898979,35784,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The world guarantees that Milosevic cannot realize his intentions</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><br>The chief of the Montenegrin diplomatic mission New York Zeljko Perovic said: “Judging on the every day contacts I have with the world diplomats, especially with the members of the UN Security Council, we have confirmations that Montenegro does not have to be too much concerned because of the Belgrade regime behavior since they are following the happenings in Montenegro and the region. They are not only concerned about Montenegro but truly believe in what the Montenegrin government is doing.”<br>He reminded that three weeks ago George Pataki, the governor of the state of New York, who was staying in the region as a special delegate of George Bush (three days ago announced as the official candidate of the Republican party for the new USA president) visited Montenegro. After returning to USA, in a number of public appearances, he clearly emphasized that he supported what the Montenegrin Government and the president Djukanovic are doing.<br>“That is why I am of opinion that if there are changes regarding the presidential function, there will be no changes in the attitude or foreign policy of the USA. So, it is certain that the Montenegrin democratic, pro-European processes and policy of the Montenegrin Government are going to be recognized also by the new American administration”, concluded Zelko Perovic.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem965819874,14413,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>NATO headquarters discuss possible YA military action in Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><br>At the NATO headquarters the possibilities of YA action in Montenegro were discussed but no political decisions were reached nor were instructions received on the possible development of a response plan of the alliance, it was reported by Associated Press (AP).<br>AP writes that NATO’s general secretary George Robertson rarely misses the opportunity to warn president Slobodan Milosevic of the “the danger he would have to face if he starts creating trouble in Montenegro”. The agency adds that it is less clear what Robertson would actually do, if Milosevic does not respond to these warnings.<br>“Last year he made an enormous mistake and underestimated the level unity and decisiveness existing in NATO. It would be better if he had remembered that shame and stooped inciting trouble”, said Robertson at a press conference.<br>AP, however, points out that NATO’s reaction to possible military action by Milosevic in Montenegro, would be a “different issue”. <br>The NATO headquarters discussed the possibility of an armed conflict in Montenegro, but so far no political advice nor any orders to start up a plan of military action were received. <br>NATO supports Montenegro and its pro-western president Milo Djukanovic. One un-named NATO official said that Montenegro is “a hot potato, with which no one wants to engage in, and because there is no outright crisis, nobody has to”.<br>“There is concern in NATO that Milosevic’s efforts to withhold Djukanovic could de-stabilizie the region”, is it stated in AP and added that “Milosevic has 20 000 armed federal soldiers in Montenegro, whilst Djukanovic relies on 15 000 members of the paramilitary police”. <br>Robertson never makes more concrete threats in the warnings he makes to Milosevic. Uncertainty is the core of intimidation, says NATO. However, the reality is that Roberston does not hold another tool in this hand”, writes AP and adds that “Milosevic is aware of this”.<br>Milosevic is aware of the dilemmas the alliance faces. He also knows that elections are to be held in the US on 7th November, and that what the administration and its candidate Al Gore least need is a new crisis in the Balkans. <br>The Agency adds that the lack of a legal basis for an intervention in Montenegro would present a problem and that the justification for last years bombing was a humanitarian crisis. <br>“The legal justification for an intervention in Montenegro would be more misty”, says the agency.<br>NATO also has to keep Russia in mind. The relations between the alliance and Moscow have improved slightly over the last few weeks, following months of discord following the bombing of FRY. AP states that there are no signs of Russia’s readiness to assist NATO in putting pressure on Milosevic. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem965728639,45968,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Kostunica criticizes Montenegro again</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The president of the Democratic Party of Serbia Vojislav Kostunica said that “if he agreed to be the presidential candidate of the joint opposition it would only be because of his personal reasons”.<br>“It is my obligation towards the opposition public in Serbia, since this is about the obligation and not about the willingness”, said Kostunica at the press conference.<br>When commenting on the attitude of the Montenegrin officials not to participate the federal elections, he said that with such policy they only act in favor of Slobodan Milosevic.<br>“If they boycott the elections they endanger the mutual state and they support Slobodan Milosevic and then the opposition do not need their support. By such a policy they directly act in favor of the Montenegrin separation from Serbia and they show that their behavior is not at all different from the behavior of the current regime”, estimated Kostunica.<br>He also added that the Serbian Renewal Movement approach (SPO, Vuk Draskovic’s party) only showed that “the regime coalition, besides its coalition partners, is also to be supported by the SPO”.<br>“So we will have four candidates at the elections but Milosevic is to be supported by the SPO and by the Official Montenegro”, Kostunica pointed out. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem965728599,26650,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Military court to decide on whether to initiate an investigation against the Brits and Canadians arrested in Cakor</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The military court in Podgorica is to decide by 6pm today whether it shall initiate an investigative procedure or whether it shall free the two Brits who were working for OSCE in Kosovo and the two Canadians. The four of them were arrested in the night between the 2nd and 3rd August on Cakor under the suspition that they are terrorists. The arrested, Adrian Michel Prendell, John Conan Bradley, Shawn Gerald Going and Liam Patrick Hall were detained on Saturday in Podgorica. On the basis of the preliminary hearing at which all four individuals negated any involvement in the activities they are accused of, the military prosecutor is to decide whether an investigation is to be initiated. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem965728574,66149,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>According to the draft bill on foreign investment domestic and foreign investors have equal status</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">According to the draft bill on foreign investment, foreign investors shall be treated as nationals. They shall not need to have a government permit to operate, apart from in particular cases when the same applies to domestic companies.<br>Potential foreign investors shall be able to have one hundred percent of the capital shares and the same percentage of control rights in practically all branches of business, if this law is adopted. The exceptions where their ownership must not be over 49% are production and distribution of military produce and the rights of ownership to underground and underwater mineral resources. Full rights to real estate ownership both commercial and non-commercial shall be enabled.<br>Veselin Vukotic, vice-president of the Privatization Council who forwarded this document to the government said that this act should create more favourable conditions for making Montenegro a more attractive investment location. “In this way we want to incite and make more attractive investments in Montenegro, and in this aim, we shall establish an agency for promoting investments. All administrative boundaries are to disappear. However, if we want to enhance the philosophy of an open Montenegro, we have to look at all the barriers not only those linked to the circulation of capital,”, concluded Vukotic. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem965642937,54943,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro should create its own state in which citizens shall live in peace</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><br>The leaders of the Social-democratic parties of Montenegro and B&H, Zarko Rakcevic and Zlatko Lagumdzija, who met in Podgorica yesterday, concluded that the future belongs to parties with such orientation, because the “nationalists have demonstrated their capabilities over the last decade”. <br>“We discussed joint regional projects, creating the conditions for the return of refugees, a united B&H and the crisis in the relations between Montenegro and Serbia”, said Rakcevic. <br>The leader of the Bosnian Social-democrats said that this was his first visit to Montenegro in the last decade and that he has come to express his support for the “choice of the Montenegrin SDP for the future of Montenegro and the right of the citizens to independence, which is the basic condition for cooperation in the region”. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem965639747,66741,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Definite ‘No’ to the federal elections</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="/images/misko.jpg" align=left>The high official of the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS, Milo Djukanovic’s party) Miodrag Vukovic said that the members of governing coalition in Montenegro are definitely not going to participate at the federal elections scheduled for 24 September.<br>“ DPS, People’s party (Soc’s party), Social-democratic party (Zarko Rakcevic’s party) and the Liberal party (pro-independence party) are definitely not going to participate at so called federal elections”, said president of the executive board of DPS in the interview for TV Montena . <br>Vukovic also said that this decision of DPS is to be confirmed by the party organs, what is only a democratic practice and not “the hesitance on whether we are to give legitimacy to the Milosevic’s elections.”<br>When asked if for Montenegro the FRY president Slobodan Milosevic was “the best solution” for the following mandate of the federal state chief then the other candidates who, according to the the journalists do not acknowledge Montenegro, Vukovic said that “any substitute” of the current FRY president is “welcome”. <br>“Anyone who would substitute Milosevic would not have such a mechanism of the political and media aggression over Montenegro the current president is using”, estimated Vukovic. “That is why any other possibility is more favorable for Montenegro. <br>Vukovic said that he completely understood the need of the Serbian opposition to participate the elections since “Belgrade regime dictatorship is their reality”. “If the opposition boycott the elections, that dictatorship is going to become a permanent solution and if it participate the elections there is a chance, even in an illegal electoral procedure, for some changes to happen.”<br>He rejected the possibility coalition “To live a better life” to invite its supporters to vote for the list of the Serbian opposition at the elections on 24 September. “It would be too much. It would be caricatural participation of Montenegro at the elections which it considers illegitimate”, said Vukovic.<br>Montenegro and the Montenegrin authorities cannot be guilty for the eventual failure of the Serbian opposition at the elections. “Montenegro is with Serbia and not in Serbia”, said Miodrag Vukovic. <br>“The attitude of the Montenegrin authorities is that the Serbian opposition is a political alternative to Slobodan Milosevic, but Montenegro is not a political party. It is a state and that is why no one can ask from us to help the Serbia opposition in that sense.”<br>Vukovic said: “Insisting of the Serbian opposition upon Montenegrin participation at the elections is a big acknowledgement for a little Montenegro, but what its, lets say, 450.000 votes would mean comparing to six million voters in Serbia.”<br>“So this is one more reason why Montenegro can not be blamed for the eventual defeat of the Serbian opposition at the federal elections. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem965467042,3619,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The talks to take place on August 17</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><br>SNP (Socialist People’s Party) suggested to one of the ruling parties - DPS - to start talks on August 17, for the sake of presrving the peace and improvement of democracy in the Republic.<br>An SNP Main Board member, Vuksan Simonovic, has sent a letter to the DPS, informing them that the SNP accepts the talks between the parties.<br>On behalf of his party, Simonovic informed that vice presidents of the party, Predrag Bulatovic, Srdja Bozovic, and Zoran Zizic are to take part in the talks. They suggested villa “Gorica” as the place where the talks might take place.<br>The SNP asked the DPS to inform them on the composition of their delegation.<br><br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem965467029,34853,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>“Akor” company to take over hotels</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><br>At a meeting of the Privatization Council, presided by Filip Vujanovic, the Council’s president, after a detailed analysis of the negotiations which had been carried out for more than half a year with the “Akor” company on taking over the hotels managements, privatization Council supported signing of a management agreement with this respectable hotel managing company. The “Akor” company will take over the management of the following hotels: “Sveti Stefan”, “Milocer”, “Kraljicina plaza”, “Fjord”, “Plaza”, and “Maestral”.<br>Before giving its approval on signing the agreement, the privatization Council consulted international adviser Denton Hola Lupizinio, international strategic advisers for tourism, “Flag” company, the Minsitry of Tourism and negotiations team, to make certain that the offered agreement with the “Akor” company provided preconditions for improvement of these hotels business. It was stated that this agrement followed the development strategy and privatization of the tourist economy. The realization of the agreement with the “Akor” company is to introduce business international standards in management of these hotels. By encourgment of hotel service, and by more succesful marketing and bigger use of the hotel capacities these hotels are to be better prepaired for the privatization. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem965378948,89855,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Socialist People’s party got the voter registration list</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><br>Secretary of the Development secretariat of Montenegro Dusan Simonovic said that the Socialist People’s party (SNP – Momir Bulatovic’s party) got the Central voter registration list the eventual abuse of which at the federal elections can not be controlled.<br>“We do not accept the federal elections, since they have been organized without consulting with the legal representatives of Montenegro. However we were obliged, according to the law on the voter registration list and the law on the election of the MPs and local assembly members, to give the voter registration list to the representatives of the Socialist People’s party” said Simonovic to the Beta agency.<br>He estimated that the Socialist People’s party would not worry about the legitimacy, since the control of the voter registration list at the polling places would not be possible and he added that “they (SNP) do not need the legitimacy since they don’t care about the international observers”.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem965301136,27285,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>If the DPS and the People’s party participate in the elections, the SDP shall abandon the government coalition immediately</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“The Social-democratic party of Montenegro shall not participate in the federal elections nor shall it be active around them. Any participation of official Montenegro in these so-called elections shall be treated as, according to my opinion, as a reason to abandon the coalition. I believe participation is counter-productive, that it is a mistake from a legal perspective and that it shall bring us into a situation, which shall be difficult to change without conflict. I believe my party shall, not only not participate in the elections, but also it shall not be ready to share responsibility for the consequences of such political maneuvering”, said Dragisa Burzan a member of the SDP’s presidency. <br>He said that these elections represent “a test of political maturity and a challenge to its readiness to defend its century long state continuity, civil peace, the future of its democracy and its economic development. <br>Burzan drew attention to the fact that the elections shall neither be democratic nor legitimate, because the Serbian opposition shall not be in a position to achieve the minimum control over the electoral process. Burzan said that there were no legal or legitimate reasons for why Montenegro should participate in the legitimization of the Milosevic government. <br>Burzan said that the leaders of the Serbian opposition have supported the Serbia’s traditional assimilation policies in relation to Montenegro and so they shall not obtain the support of those citizens who support an independent Montenegro irrespective of who sends them an invitation to do so. <br>“The Serbian opposition should avoid sending invitations to Montenegro in which the whole state is reduced to the level of an opposition party in Serbia. By accepting the elections in the atmosphere of the so-called new constitution, the opposition is verifying the illegal violence imposed on Montenegro”, concluded Burzan. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem965211460,64855,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The decision on participating at the federal elections is up to the members of the coalition</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/srj.jpg" align=left>"We shall not approve the constitutional violence Milosevic is trying to implement in Montenegro. If we had wanted to accept the dictatorship we would have done it a years ago and we would not have passed through all this political, economical and safety golgotha that we are experiencing these days thanks to the Belgrade regime destruction. The decision on participating at the federal elections is up to the legitimate organs of the parties, members of coalition. <br>This is what Milo Djukanovic, the Montenegrin president, said after the meeting with the USA State Secretary Madeline Albright in Rome. The meeting they had was dedicated to the situation in Fry just before the federal elections scheduled for 24 September.<br>The American State Secretary expressed the satisfaction with the conversation she had with the president Djukanovic emphasizing the support to the efforts Montenegrin Government is making in democratic and economical reforms and progress.<br>"We discussed the federal elections Milosevic had scheduled and the illegitimate measures he had taken in changing the Constitution", said Mrs. Albright. She added that it was necessary to strengthen the Serbian opposition positions during the electoral period.<br>At the end she pointed out that because of the current circumstances the USA is going to be in touch with the President Djukanovic during the next few weeks.<br>The meeting in Rome was also attended by Branko Lukovac, Montenegrin Foreign affairs minister, Milan Rocen, the Montenegrin president's adviser for foreign policy and Ljubisa Perovic, the chief of the Montenegrin diplomatic mission in Italy. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem965123702,88619,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>We can not sacrifice Montenegrin State</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The high official of the Democratic Party of Socialist (DPS - governing party in Montenegro) Miodrag Vukovic estimated that the Serbian opposition had nothing to loose by participating at the federal elections while the Montenegrin governing coalition would risk the state and all the democratic processes they carried out.<br>“We keep our fingers crossed for the Serbian opposition in their attempts to democratize Serbia and we understand their decision to participate the elections but we can not sacrifice our state because of that. After all, what is 450.000 of votes comparing to six million votes and how we can be blamed for the opposition failure when they can unite and participate the elections united”, said Vukovic for today’s Belgrade daily newspaper “Blic”.<br>The President of the DPS Executive Board added that participating of the Governing coalition of Montenegro at the forthcoming elections on 24 September would mean official acknowledgement of the electoral and the constitutional coup, with the possibility of crisis of Government and the Parliament of Montenegro.<br>Vukovic criticized the Serbian opposition for not showing solidarity with the legitimate representatives of Montenegro when they were chased away from the Federal Parliament, saying that only the SPO (Serbian Renewal Movement – Vuk Draskovic’s party) was supporting them.<br>Regarding the request of the Socialist Democratic Party for scheduling the referendum on the State status of Montenegro on 24 September, Vukovic said he understood that action of his coalition partners and “it is only the response to the Milosevic’s provocation. <br>“I believe we shall agree that we do not need such a risky movements now and that we have to preserve the peace by our wise policy. We do not need the sovereignty for which the people would be killed”, said Vukoic.<br>He added that the eventual victory of Milosevic at the presidential elections would only hasten the matter of Montenegro deciding which road to take. He pointed out that one thing was certain “it is not possible to continue with Milosevic any more”.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem965041169,51064,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The DPS are to meet with the SNP mid August</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Miodrag Vukovic, the president of the executive board of the DPS (Democratic party of Socialists) has forwarded a letter to the leaders of the SNP (Socialist People’s party) in which, on behalf of his party, he accepts the invitation of the SNP for meetings to be held between the representatives of the parties. The letter was sent only 8 days after the meeting of the Main board of the DPS at which it was agreed that a positive response should be given to the SNP proposal for any talks on the future of Montenegro and FRY to include the SNP.<br>It was emphasized in the letter that the “DPS shall in future, insist and give its full contribution for all key issues in Montenegro to be resolved through dialogue”. Vukovic proposed that the party delegations include deputy presidents and left SNP to propose the time and venue for the meeting. <br>As Predrag Bulatovic stated for Radio Free Europe on Saturday, the invitation has been accepted and only the time and venue need to be agreed. <br>The meeting is expected to be held between 15th and 20th August. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem965041148,5221,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Holbruck: The conflict would provoke the NATO intervention</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Washington, 30 July (SENSE) - The American administration expresses serious doubts that a current situation in Serbia would not enable holding of free and regular elections that would be internationally acknowledged. Anyway, before a concrete reaction on a situation, which is generally regarded as "destabilizing" for the wider region of the Balkans, Washington is to wait for some more time in order to see the results of the situation, provoked by the constitutional changes and scheduling the elections in Serbia and Yugoslavia on new conditions.<br>This is the estimation regarding the political happenings in the remaining Yugoslavia, given by the regular USA representative in the United Nations Richard Holbruck. "The constitutional changes, carried out by Slobodan Milsoevic's regime, represent a new and dangerous aspect of the whole situation. No one wants to see the fifth Balkans war, after four of them during the last nine years. The fifth Balkans war would be very dangerous. It would provoke positioning of the NATO forces in the region and it would directly influence the vital interests of NATO", said Holbruck when talking to the foreign reporters (correspondents) in New York and Washington. He denoted the FRY president Slobodan Milosevic as the primarily (but not the only) responsible for the problems in the former Yugoslavia beginning with the 1991 up to now.<br>How would you estimate the perspectives of the FRY federation after the announced Montenegrin boycott of the federal elections scheduled for 24 September? <br>"The USA government is to wait to see how the situation is to resolve before assuming the attitude regarding this issue. Anyway, we are as much worried as the Montenegrin president Milo Djukanovic that this whole situation with scheduling the referendum after adopting the constitutional changes, can hardly result in regular election results."<br>When talking about the relations between Montenegro and Serbia, the USA representative in the UN expressed his concern about the position of Montenegro after the recent changes of the FRY Constitution. "These constitutional changes have significantly endangered the already fragile balance in the Yugoslav federation. We have the constant contact with the Montenegrin leadership and the whole international community is very engaged in supporting Montenegro" said Richard Holbruck. <br>Richard Holbruck was quiet reserved regarding the announcement of the possible USA reactions on the current dilemmas on the (non)participating of the Serbian opposition parties at the elections on September 24. "I would not be surprised if Milosevic won these elections too by corruption and deceit."<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem964864344,66964,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Navy command wants to provoke an incident in the sea and to accuse the Montenegrin police department for it</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Ministry of internal affairs of Montenegro rejected the accusations of the Navy on participating at cigarette smuggling via the Adriatic see and accused the Navy of almost provoking the armed conflict at the sea, occupying the ship the police had already taken. <br>The members of the police department patrol boat “Dominata 2” captivated the Italian motor boat “Gionatoni” and they were escorting it towards the port of Bar for further interrogation. Two members of the Montenegrin police department were at the captivated boat. On two miles from the coast they were intercepted by the war ship of the Navy “Topovnjaca 405” demanding form the patrol boat crew to hand the Italian boat to them. <br>The patrol boat crew warned the captain of the navy ship, where number of armed soldiers with rifles aimed towards the patrol boat were, that the boat had already been taken over by them. But the navy ship had been persistently asking form the police patrol boat to hand them over the Italian ship.<br>The conflict was intensifying and it was threatening to overgrow in an armed conflict since the navy was threatening with rifles all the time.<br>“In order to avoid the armed conflict we allowed the Navy crew to take the captured Italian ship, even though they were not authorized to do that” was reported form the Police department.<br>“It is completely clear that the navy wants to provoke an incident at the sea and they want to accuse the Montenegrin police department for it and at the same time they are depriving the passengers of their worthies with the aim of personal enrichment.”<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem964780456,50036,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>24th September: federal elections for Serbia and a referendum for Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Extracts of interview with deputy president of the SDP, Ranko Krivokapic:<br>The elections for the president of FRY, the parliamentary elections for both the representatives in the Citizens’ and Republican Assemblies and councilors for the municipal assemblies have been scheduled for 24th September. <br>“Montenegro has to have an answer to the holding of federal elections which are evidence that Montenegro has no choices to make if it wants to survive. There is only one way. Before, or at the latest on 24th September some kind of form of assessing the will of citizens has to be implemented. This does not have to be a referendum on independence but I do believe that events are leading us swiftly into that direction. After the last constitutional changes, there are no delusions left. It is now clear who wants to invalidate Montenegro. Yugoslavia can be created by anyone who wants to, but the state of Montenegro cannot be invalidated by anyone”, said the deputy president of the Social-democrats, Ranko Krivokapic. <br>The leader of the Liberal Alliance says that he would rather live in a democratic Yugoslavia than in an autocratic independent Montenegro, and that independence is not worth the loss of a single drop of blood. Do you agree with him?<br>It is not possible to make a democratic Yugoslavia. That was clear to the Liberal Alliance, yet now they say they would live in democratic Yugoslavia. I think it is time the Liberal Alliance joined the mainstream struggle for a free Montenegro. Once we have our own home, we shall look at what furniture we shall put in it. We have to protect Montenegro’s freedom. On the other issue, seas of blood have been lost for Montenegro. Montenegro shall not attack anyone, but she is attacked we shall defend her and we are ready to shed tears and shed blood. There is no other way for her freedom to be defended. We need to do everything our ancestors did in order to protect Montenegro’s freedom. This is our duty. <br>Do you think an independent Montenegro would go down an autocratic road? <br>On the contrary. Montenegro would be an even more democratic state if it were independent. I need a sovereign Montenegro as much for its freedom as for its democracy. When Montenegro renews its independence it shall become part of international systems and international controls. I would never accept a sovereign Montenegro if this would mean less democracy. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem964780425,97969,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Berlin and Paris did not request that Montenegro participate in the elections</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Montenegrin foreign minister, Branko Lukovac said that Belgrade would have to “retract all which brought Montenegro into a degrading position, for Podgorica to agree on participating in the federal elections”. <br>“Under the present conditions there are no practical changes for our participation in the elections”, said Lukovac for a German daily. <br>Lukovac said that the government in Podgorica cannot allow for Montenegro to be de-stabilized, for their voters to be marginalized and for Montenegro to be allocated as one of the electoral districts, and for the governing coalition to then fall apart”. <br>“The Social-democrats would immediately abandon the coalition, and we would have to hold early elections’, said the Montenegrin foreign minister.<br>Lukovac emphasized that the changes to the government in Serbia have to be conducted by the Serbian opposition, and not by Montenegro, because who shall rule in Belgrade should depend on the Serbs. <br>“The Serbian opposition is not united, they do not even agree on who would be the joint counter-candidate to Milosevic, and apart from that, the largest opposition party, the SPO does not wish to participate in the elections”, said Lukovac. <br>Lukovac said that, during the recent visits to Berlin and Paris no requests were made and it was left to Montenegro alone to decide whether it shall participate in the federal elections or not. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem964698041,7778,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro will not participate at the federal elections</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/filip.jpg" align=left border=1>(Montenegrin Premier Filip Vujanovic specially for “Pobjeda”)<br>Premier Vujanovic was staying in Niksic yesterday and he answered a few questions for the journalists.<br>Is the governing coalition of Montenegro to talk to the Serbian opposition on participating at the federal elections?<br>“We have to act in line with our resolution by which we decided not to put into effect the laws passed by the illegal and illegitimate Federal Parliament. Certainly, all the parties in Montenegro will be allowed to have their own attitude regarding those elections. It is certain that the governing coalition in Montenegro has no reasons to participate at these elections since it would be in the function of strengthening and keeping Mr. Milosevic in power. <br>How would you describe the behavior of the FRY army in Montenegro lately?<br>“I believe that the FRY army recognized the attitude of the Montenegrin officials as need everyone to act in line with the Constitution. The army is expected not to participate at the political conflicts and in that way not to overtake the role of the political decision-maker. I expect army to act in line with its constitutional rights.<br>Which of the projects submitted to the International community is the most important and which is to be first financed by the international community?<br>“It is completely certain that the project on the regional water supply system is to be financed”, said Vujanovic. <br>“This project was already submitted to the international tender and the contractors are to be selected. The complete investment is to be supported by the Stability Pact for the southeast Europe. The projects of the “quick start”, mainly related to the road and rail infrastructure, are to be supported by the Stability Pact and the European Union. Their realization should start soon. The other medium-term and long-term projects are to be realized only after the final decision of the Stability Pact with the real hope that some of them will be approved”.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem964601740,8346,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The world shall not accept the elections on Milosevic’s conditions</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The president of the republic of Montenegro Milo Djukanovic talked today in Berlin and Paris to the chancellor Gerhard Shredder, the German diplomacy chief Joscha Fisher and his French colleagues Iber Wedrin. They talked on the actual issues in the region, especially after the recent constitutional changes. <br>All the participants of the meeting expressed their concern about the last actions of the Belgrade regime, which strengthed the pressure over Montenegro every day more, provoking that way a new conflict in the Balkans. <br>The conversationalists of the Montenegrin president emphasized that the state policy of Montenegro may count with the further support of the European allies. They expressed their understanding of the Montenegrin position regarding the constitutional changes, which they estimated to be unacceptable and illegitimate.<br>The German chancellor Shredder informed the president Djukanovic on the main points of the G-8 meeting on Okinawa and on the message that the world would not accept the elections implemented on the basis of the recent constitutional changes directed by Milkosevic. But Mr. Shredder also informed on the attitude of Germany that they would not try to suggest to anyone in Yugoslavia to participate or to boycott the elections. <br><br>Montenegro shall be the democratic state with or without Serbia<br><br>Before the meeting with the German chancellor, the Montenegrin president had a one-hour meeting with the minister of foreign affairs Joscha Fisher. After the meeting he said:<br>“Montenegro will do nothing to instigate a new war crisis in the Balkans. But on the other hand I want to point out that we have no intention of giving up our policy nor making any bad compromises regarding the democracy, the economic reforms and opening of Montenegro towards the European and transatlantic integration. Montenegro will certainly be the democratic multiethnic, European state – with or without Serbia. The most important thing at this moment is the European structures to support the Montenegrin democracy. “<br>The president Djuaknovic estimated the latest forced constitutional changes, adopted in the illegitimate federal parliament, to be the most direct attack on the very basis of the FR of Yugoslavia. <br>“Milosevic’s motive for that is only one – his staying in power, and the price is the attempt to endanger the state subjectivity and the equality of Montenegro inside the FRY. The changes were supposed to provoke the democratic government of Montenegro to react nervously and to give to Milosevic the long expected alibi to start the aggression over Montenegro. We escaped his provocation. Instead of initiating the war in Montenegro we have passed the resolution in the parliament by which we dissociated us from the constitutional changes and we have announced that Montenegro shall accept not even one regulation adopted by the so called federal parliament on the basis of these constitutional changes. By this we shall not only show our intelligence and tolerance but also the decisiveness not to accept the humiliation imposed by the Belgrade regime." <br>We want no conflicts, but neither the concession to our detriment<br>After the visit to Berlin the Montenegrin president had a meeting with the French diplomacy chief Iber Vedrin in Paris. <br>“We do not wan to be the participants of the new war conflict in the Balkans but we want no compromises regarding realization of our democratic, reform and pro-European state-political project. This project is supported by majority of our citizens. And it is very significant that we have the appropriate support of the European Union and the international community for realization of our policy. I am sure that France will, bilaterally and as the EU presiding, provide a significant support for the project of democratization and the economic development of Montenegro”, said president Djukanovic. <br>The chief of the French diplomacy emphasized that France is supporting the democratically elected authorities in Montenegro and especially the president Djukanovic. Vedrin said that the attitude of the France, the European Union and the members of the Group 7, is that they are approving of the resistance of Montenegro towards the destabilization attempts from Belgrade. “These attempts are intensified by the constitutional changes and especially after the adoption of the electoral law in the parliament, which is nothing else but Milosevic’s trying to stay in power even after finishing of his normal mandate next year”, finished Vedrin. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem964520616,42446,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The YA can no longer be treated a legitimate authority in Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/burzan.jpg" align=left border=1>“The Yugoslav Army (YA) is attempting to establish order in the unitary stated called Serbia. Closing down the Bozaj border crossing is an irresponsible act with respect to the safeguarding of peace. It is clear that Belgrade has only one way of talking with Podgorica and this is through threatening with a war. We do not want one, and despite their intentions we shall safeguard the peace”, said deputy prime minister of the Montenegrin government, Dragisa Burzan in response to the latest provocations of the YA involving the closure of the border with Albania. By doing so, the YA has violated the agreement between Montenegro and Albania on the liberalization of the circulation of people and goods. <br>Concluding that the YA has fully entered into the sphere of the political, and by doing so revealed its intentions, Burzan said that the YA can no longer be considered a legitimate authority in Montenegro. <br>“The YA is imposing pressure on its own citizens and it is clear that its intervention can only lead to chaos, and not to a ‘successful mission in the service of the great dictator’”, argued Burzan. <br>“I appeal to all the officers to refrain from taking action with is contrary to the laws. It is their duty to reject carrying out such orders. Military controls installed at border crossings are not compatible to the law”, said Burzan. He added that the officers who reject to carry out orders, which violate the law, shall contribute to maintaining peace and shall secure their personal moral integrity.<br>Instigating tensions in Montenegro, is according to Burzan, not only opposed to their responsibility as citizens, but also to the function they are expected to carry out. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem964520570,33309,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro shall not admit the illegitimate laws</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/shoc.jpg" align=left >On the occasion of the electoral laws adoption in the illegitimate Federal Parliament the Montenegrin minister of Justice Dragan Soc announced that the official Montenegro should consider these acts non-valid and it should do nothing to apply them at the territory of Montenegro. In the statement given to the Montenegrin State radio Minister Soc said, “the act of adoption is completely non democratic, illegitimate and illegal”. Minister Soc reminded on the resolution brought by the Montenegrin parliament on non-adoption of the constitutional changes. Minister Soc also added: “Today we are faced with the first consequences of the Constitutional changes and the first appliance of the Montenegrin Parliament’s resolution, which consists in Montenegro’s non adoption of the electoral legislation, which is the consequence of the illegitimate Constitution change. We shall consider these acts illegitimate and we shall do nothing to provide their appliance at the territory of Montenegro”, finished Dragan Soc. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem964434286,83748,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>G-8 stands affirm the Resolution of the Montenegrin Parliament</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Montenegrin Foreign minister, Branko Lukovac welcomed the stands and the conclusions of the G-8 regarding the recent changes of the Yugoslav constitution and estimated they represented full internationalization of the matter.<br>Lukovac said the conclusions “meant extreme affirmation of the Resolution of the parliament of Montenegro provoked by the illegitimate changes of the FRY Constitution”, which was adopted on July 9. <br>“G-8 entered the phase of so-called preventive diplomacy”, said Lukovac, pointing out the importance of the fact that even Russia stood by the stands from Okinawa. <br>“It is a new attitude of Russia”, said Lukovac.<br>He pointed out that these conclusions meant re-defining of the sovereignty concept and “if somewhere in the world human rights and civilization values are in jeopardy, than no one can proclaim not interfering in internal matters of other countries”.<br>Lukovac expressed his hope that this stand was soon to be formalized through decisions of the UN Security Council. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem964434250,97310,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The Army shoots at a police speedboat</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The crew of a military patrol boat fired a number of shots at a police speedboat on the Skadar Lake on Saturday. Serious injuries were miraculously avoided. <br>The three member crew on the police speedboat was attacked around 9:30 during a routine round across the lake about 1.5km away from the Albanian border. The military patrol boat was around 4km away and it fired bullets of the 12.7 millimeter caliber. One shot was fired in front of the bow of the speedboat and then the police heard the second shot and stopped the speedboat. <br>The solders later justified this by saying they did not see that this was a police speedboat and that they were not informed in advance about the movements of the police speedboat. <br>The police patrol embarked on its regular round across the lake at 8:30. During their round, before the attack, the military helicopter “Gazela” flied over their speedboat a number of times. <br>The attack on the police crew was witnessed by fishermen who were fishing close the police speedboat. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem964253399,86922,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Djukanovic not invited by Milosevic</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/misko.jpg" align=left border=1>Commenting the information that Slobodan Milosevic is going to invite Milo Djukanovic for talks in Belgrade, DPS Executive Board President, Miodrag Vukovic said that no such an invitation arrived in DPS.<br>“I have no such information. I doubt Milosevic will do something like that, since for the last three years he has been neglecting legal institutions of Montenegro and the will of the citizens of Montenegro. He ruined common state for the sake of making a private one, for which he does not need Montenegro.”, said Vukovic.<br>The information that most probably Milosevic is to invite Djukanovic to come to Belgrade within the next ten days, was published by Banja Luka weekly “Nezavisne novine”. According to the weekly, Milosevic decided to make such a step in order to make himself appear a democrat before the forthcoming elections, but also to put Djukanovic in an unenviable position. <br>Allegedly, Milosevic is to propose the relations in the federation as a topic for discussions, while Djukanovic himself will also be able to propose one. <br>Beli Dvor in Dedinje or the Palace of Federation in Belgrade were mentioned as places of possible meeting. The president of Serbia, Milan Milutinovic would also participate in the meeting. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem964253363,67858,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro to call for referendum</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The adviser of the Montenegrin president, Miodrag Vukovic, said Montenegro would have no other option but to call for a referendum in case that the President of the FRY, Slobodan Milosevic wins another mandate. <br>In his interview for the “Reuters”, Vukovic said that if Milosevic “provided himself with another four to eight years of being in power… Montenegro would no longer be able to endure the pressure and will call for a referendum”.<br>“However, the referendum is not our goal, but the consequence”, said he, adding that it was the last measure that Podgorica was to use, and that the common state might be preserved if Serbian opposition won in the elections against Milosevic. <br>“When it becomes absolutely certain that there is no either short term or long term prospects for the union with Serbia, Montenegro will opt for an independence.” , said Vukovic.<br>He also said he would not be surprised if Milosevic call for the early president and parliamentary elections in Serbia at the same time with the regular federal and local elections.<br>“He will surprise the opposition and say ‘You asked for the elections, and here they are’.”, said Vukovic.<br>Vukovic did not reject the possibility of conflict in Montenegro, adding, however, that Montenegrin authorities were using all democrat means to prevent it. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem964178595,88594,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Cooperation as an example for the region</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/picula.jpg" border=1 align=left>“After talking to the Montenegrin high officials, the Croatian Minister Tonino Picula and the Montenegrin minister of foreign affairs Branko Lukovac answered number of question of journalists.<br>“I will use this opportunity to send the message of encouragement to all those in this are who support the processes of democratization and of the economic prosperity, what I think is a very significant pre-condition in strengthening the political stability in this part of Europe”, said Tonino Picula<br><br><b>Prevlaka</b><br><br>“We have mentioned Prevlaka. By ministers’ signing the notification Croatia and Montenegro have decided upon the cooperation during the following six months in the United Nations that have a mandate on Prevlaka. Our cooperation, liberalization of the visa regime is a way to create a new political reality in this part of Europe. I think it will contribute the Prevlak problem to be considered completely different even in the United Nations, what is to be confirmed by the future resolutions. We are staying open for bilateral cooperation in the region “ Toninio Picula pointed out.<br> <br><B>Branko Lukovac: A period of extremely good relations</b><br><br>“This visit has been long expected, maybe too long. However, it has a good perspective thanks to democracy and pro-European road Montenegro and Croatia are taking and on the basis of the agreement Milo Djukanovic <br>“We talked on number of different issues, and our ministers will work on realizing the agreement. I think that the visit of the Croatian Minister Picula is opening a period of extremely good cooperation. We want it to be in favor of our citizens, in favor of peace and stability in this region, in favor of our mutual orientation to be part of the prosperous Europe. We also want to realize our plans on integrating in the European and Euro-Atlantic structures as soon as possible”, said minister Lukovac.<br>“We informed our guests on the current situation and relations in federation and on what Montenegro is doing in order its constructive approach to the future relations with Serbia, expressed in the Government’s platform from last year, to be accepted. We informed them on the conversations we had last week, on the dialogue between certain political structures in Montenegro and on the situation we are in thanks to the pressures exerted by the federal institutions over Montenegro. We told them about the actions we took towards the other countries and the international forums – Montenegro to independently expresses its attitudes and its interests", said Minister Lukovac. <br>We already have the understanding of the international community regarding the attitudes of Montenegro towards the situation in the region and relations between Montenegro and Serbia. We are faced with the constant worries of the international community the situation not to worsen, or not to create a new crisis here. The policy of the Montenegrin authorities is strongly supported. <br>The measures we took are the result of the circumstances Montenegro has been deprived of the possibility to use the federal institutions. So, the international community has accepted the Montenegrin demand to represent itself in the world and to have the same rights as the other federal unit. It is not directed against anyone, not even against Serbia and I think that we have a full understanding of the international community. Regarding Montenegro gaining is independence I think it primarily depends on the democratic opposition of Serbia. If they are ready to face the expectations of Montenegro to live on equal basis with Serbia and the mutual country to be oriented towards peace and democracy, European and other integration, then we can live together. If not so, no one has right to deprive Montenegro of taking the road of independence, with hope of having a good cooperation with the other countries in the region. “<br><br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem964090076,6420,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Two thirds of the citizens would vote for independence</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“Montenegro will not haste with scheduling the referendum on independence, everything depends now on success or failure of the Serbian opposition in democratizing Serbia”, said Premier Filip Vujanovic for the Czech radio.<br>As it was stated by the special reporter of the Czech radio in Podgorica, Vujanovic emphasized that Montenegrin Government would carefully follow the political situation in Serbia. He said he hoped the Serbian opposition would finally unite and that they would defeat Slobodan Milosevic at the elections. <br>“At the last meeting on Sveti Stefan the Serbain opposition assured us they wanted to renew the federation with Montenegro democratically. We are expecting to see what is to happen and scheduling the referendum depends on it”, said Vujanovic.<br>Judging on the estimations of the Montenegrin authorities, as it was pointed out by its Premier, two thirds of the Montenegrins would vote in favor of the Montenegrin independence at the referendum. <br><br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem964090057,48394,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Clinton and Putin are to talk on the attempt of Milosevic to destabilize Montenegro </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The intensified tensions in the Balkans will be the issue of the agenda at the summit of the chiefs of the countries of ‘Group 8’ which is to be held in Japan, was announced by Jim Staiberg the deputy of the USA president State Secretary for the National security.<br>The question if the president Clinton is going to support the efforts of some European countries, specially Germany, to put the warning to Miloevic in the final communiqué, Staiberg answers:<br>“Many countries especially the USA and NATO members are worried about the attempt of Milosevic to destabilize the region, and not only Montenegro. On this occasion the President Clinton will during the conference and in the course of the bilateral meeting with Putin emphasize the importance we are giving to preserving the democratic Government in Montenegro and the President Djukanovic. How this issue is going to be treated, regarding the communiqué is not easy to predict. But it is certain that the risk of Milosevic’s actions in Montenegro is going to be discussed about.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem964008533,26507,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The decision by the end of July</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The competent institutions of the American congress have started with the preparations for adoption of the decision on realization the additional help intended for Montenegro worth 16,5 million dollars. “The USA are ready to support the legally elected and democratically oriented government of Montenegro in its striving to resist the attempts of Milosevic’s regime to create new conflict and to deprive Montenegro of its constitutional rights”, said for SENSE the representative of the Senate committee for the international relations. He added that the legal amendment on the additional help for Montenegro should be adopted by the end of this month – before the regular dismissal of the American congress.<br>By the budget plans established for the year 2000 the USA government has set aside the amount of 60,56 million dollars for supporting the democratization and economical reforms in Montenegro. With the announced additional sum of 16,5 million the total sum will be 77, 06 million dollars. <br>Besides the realization of programs regarding providing the additional help for Montenegro, State Department announced some new contacts at the highest level between Washington and Podgorica. It is going to be a meeting of the American State secretary Madeline Allbright and the Montenegrin president Milo Djukanovic. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem964008493,72444,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Colonel Radisic: The citizens of Montenegro have the right to decide whether they want to live in a joint state with Serbia</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The YA spokesman colonel Svetozar Radisic stated yesterday, that the Yugoslav Army, shall prevent a civil war in FRY, at any cost, because this is in the spirit of its constitutional responsibilities.<br>“Irrespective of how the psychological-propaganda mechanisms for destroying FRY function, the YA would never attack Montenegro. the people know this, and this is why the army has honest and widespread support”, said Colonel Radisic at a press conference. <br>The YA spokesman said that the statements such as “what will happen if the Yugoslav Army attacks Montenegro are worrying”. <br>“This represents a call to the international community to repeat the scenario of recognizing republics with marionette regimes. In the case of recognizing independence, for which “good international rationale is being sought for, the YA like the JNA, could be labeled the aggressor even in the case of it being attacked by paramilitary organizations on the territory it should be protecting”. In order to prevent this procedure which has become a cliché in achieving the ‘new world order’, the YA has stated that it shall not allow the scenario from Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and that it shall severely respond to any attacks”, said Radisic.<br>Radisic said that Montenegrin citizens have the right to decide whether they want to live in a joint state with Serbia, and that the army shall not interfere in their choice, but that the YA shall not allow its members to be attacked in any way as long as it has the constitutional right to remain on the territory of Montenegro. <br>Colonel Radisic said that the army has blocked the imports of weapons for the Montenegrin police from Albania, and that after this the army was accused o disabling the delivery of humanitarian aid. <br>The YA spokesmen denied that the army has stated it shall participate in organizing the federal elections, if the Montenegrin government refuses to. <br>Colonel Radisic said that the army cooperates with all levels of the Montenegrin government with no problems except with “certain individuals from the government, and this applies more to words than actions”. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem963917057,72625,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Djukanovic: I would talk with Milosevic if the themes of discussion were defined in advance</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“The assertion that we are not holding a referendum because we do not have a majority is untrue. Our majority is convincing. …The Montenegrin government has proposed a platform as a basis for defining a joint state on a new basis and with securing the full equality of the Republic. If Serbia is interested in such a state, good. If not Montenegro shall achieve its aims alone”, said Milo Djukanovic in an interview with the Serbian opposition paper, “Glas Javnosti”. <br>Responding to the question concerning the extent to which the Montenegrin government is ready to be flexible in terms of changes to the Platform, Djukanovic said that everything that has the aim of advancing the basic principles of equality, democracy, economic reform and international integrations, is acceptable. <br>The president of Montenegro said that Montenegro is ready to help the citizens of Serbia, democratic Serbia and the Serbian opposition. <br>“Today in Montenegro, there is a clear majority which supports reforms and the democratic and pro-European orientation, but there is also a minority that should not be underestimated, which supports Milosovic’s policies. In order to adopt decisions that shall have long term significance for Montenegro’s development, there needs to exist a certain level of maturity in the general public and this means the acceptance of all the decisions the majority supports. The view expressed by Milosevic’s spokesmen, that the Montenegrin leadership is not holding a referendum because it fears it does not have a majority is untrue. It is clear we have a majority. This was demonstrated by all the elections in the last three years. This majority is definitely growing, whilst the minority which represents the policies exposed to a series of defeats in the last decade, is continually losing. Given that we are seriously thinking about the future of our people and our state we believe it is not enough simply to count the majority and minority, but rather, reducing the tensions in resolving the most important problems which Montenegro needs to face which seriously impact on the democratic future of our state is important”, said Djukanovic. <br>Djukanovic said that he would not stand as president of FRY. “My primary responsibility is the implementation of the political program for which I was elected”, said Djukanovic. <br>Responding to the question of whether he would agree to have a meeting with Milosevic, Djukanovic said that he would, if the theme of the meeting were defined in advance. “He is still the president of FRY. Montenegro is a constitutional part of that country, irrespective of the fact that Milosevic is implementing policies which are, more and more, excluding it from FRY”, concluded Djukanovic. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem963835863,92497,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>No need for further dialogue with the SPS, JUL, and the Radicals</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/filip.jpg" align=left>Montenegrin Prime Minister, Filip Vujanovic said it was “very important to carry out a communication with the Liberal Alliance and the Socialist People’s party”, primarily “ to communicate the need for preserving the peace in Montenegro, for preserving its economic and social stability and for doing everything that is necessary so that these values would not be jeopardized”. <br>“We were and we still are willing to have a dialogue with them, and, of course, with the Albanian national parties, but I think the communication with the Albanian national parties is less important since their ministers and deputies participate in Montenegrin Government. Therefore, I think the communication with the Socialist People’s party and the Liberal Alliance is extremely important.” <br>Responding to the question if it is possible to establish a communication with Serbian ruling parties, Vujanovic said for the British radio BBC “there was no need for further dialogue with the SPS, JUL and Serb radicals”.<br>“We had a dialogue with them – we talked about the possibility of their influencing the Government of Serbia, being a constituent part of that Government, to answer our Platform. These talks had no result, and clearly showed they had no wish to talk. Therefore, it would be a dialogue with those who already showed a negative attitude towards constructive communications, and we turned to those who had understanding for the ambitions of Montenegro and its state policy. <br>It is obvious that we reached a common stand which obliges both the Serbian opposition and ourselves, in the moment when the conditions are there, and that is when Milosevic steps down from power, to implement our agreement”. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem963835748,5273,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The European Council conference in Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">By the end of September Montenegro is to be the host of the regional conference of the European Council dedicated to one of the subjects established by the priorities program. The conference is to be organized the Municipalities association of Montenegro, the Council of cities and municipalities of Republika Srpska and the Association of free cities of Serbia, said at the press conference held in Tivat the major Zoran Jankovic, the president of the Municipality association of Montenegro. <br>The European Council will provide all the necessary technical help for the Municipality association and it will assist in educating its cadres. Montenegrin Municipality association has been offered a special training center for educating the cadres of the local self-management to be organized with the help of the foreign donors.<br>The European Council was specially interested in opening the first agency for the local democracy in Montenegro. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem963659063,61229,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>New state constitution based on the Montenegrin Platform is needed</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/svetistef.jpg" align=left border=1> “The democratic forces of Montenegro and Serbia are decisive about providing for their citizens state and social order that guarantee peace, democracy, economic and social security, as well as the integration in the international community. If these goals are to be realized the system in Serbia needs to be changed completely and Serbia and Montenegro are needed to develop economically. The changes are needed also regarding the previous joint state of Serbia and Montenegro”, said Montenegrin Premier Filip Vujanovic yesterday on Sveti Stefan after seven hours long conversation of the highest officials of Democratic Party of socialists and the people’s party with the representatives of the Serbian democratic opposition.<br>In their mutual statement they presented the principles upon which the renewed and the efficient joint state of Montenegro and Serbia is possible and the basic pre-condition is joining the European integration. The mutual attitude is that this state can succeed only if it is democratic and if it is completely included in the European integration with the institutions according to the European standards and with the full understanding of the specific interests of Montenegro and Serbia that are constitutionally guaranteed and that provide the necessary level of independence for both republics. That is why the new state is needed and is should be based upon the Montenegrin Platform on redefining the relations within the Federation. The participants of this meeting criticized the Constitutional changes made in July this year implemented by the Federal Parliament in irregular and illegal way and they agreed with the resolution the Montenegrin parliament issued on that occasion. The participants of the meeting pointed out that the pre-condition for creating the new joint state were democratic changes in Serbia and the persistent appliance of the Security Council Resolution No. 1244 in order to preserve Kosovo and Metohija the integral parts of Serbia. They also concluded that hey should work together on establishing the stabile, successful and the European state of Montenegro and Serbia, regardless to the attempts of destructive political forces to stop the progress and to keep us forever in isolation in order to preserve their personal privileges. <br><br> <br>The Montenegrins were “painfully sincere” <br><br><br>The representatives of the Serbian opposition concluded that the Montenegrin representatives were “painfully sincere” when talking about the current situation and the forthcoming problem of whether to participate or not to participate the federal elections. While the Montenegrin representatives say that they are to participate the elections only if the electoral conditions change., that is if the latest Constitutional changes are not accepted, the Serbian opposition is only worried about “who is going to count the votes.”<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem963584903,82881,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Only some 20% of the Montenegrin voters would participate at the federal elections</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/misko.jpg" align=left border=1>The fear of the military operations directed towards the destabilization of Montenegro ordered by Belgrade, besides the serious divisions in the country, regarding the issue on independence, forced the leaders of this small Yugoslav republic to decide upon the careful approach.<br>Miodrag Vukovic, the high official of the Democratic Party of socialists (DPS) and the adviser of the Montenegrin president Milo Djukanovic, the decisive opponent of the FRY president Slobodan Milosevic, said that he was very much worried about the pro-Belgrade “para-military formations” at the territory of the republic. <br>“These formation consist of 1500 well trained and well paid people, ready to initiate the conflicts if it is ordered from Belgrade”, said Vukovic in his interview for the AFP agency.<br>“These people, members of ‘the famous seventh battalion’ are situated in four or five army barracks in Podgorica and in Pljevlja, Bijelo Polje, Berane and the port of Bar.”<br>However Vukovic is of opinion that these FRY formations, controlled from Belgrade and stationed in Montenegro, will not be used against the people.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem963584847,79592,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>To form an agency or to work in the scope of the Secretariat for development</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“By taking into account the foreign experience and the problems existing, and having in mind the needs of small economy, it is necessary to form the specialized institution which is to be in-charged for the development of the little and medium firms” – is written in the project “The institutional support of little and medium firms development in Montenegro” adopted by the Government at its last session.<br>The main dilemma appearing in the project is of organizational character, that is, whether to establish a new institution or to chose one among the already existing which would be in-charged for improving the little and the medium business development.<br>Two possibilities have been suggested – to form the national agency for development of little and medium firms and the other possibility is the Development Secretariat to be the institution in-charged for that. <br>Regardless to the organizational form, the main tasks of the newly-formed institutions would be based upon the realization of the projects, where the most important would be organizing the support for the little and medium firms development at the local and regional level. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem963398142,91530,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegrin, Czech, Croatian and Slovenian presidents meet in Dubrovnik</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/dubrovnik.jpg" align=left>“Montenegro has done everything it could to prevent a conflict, but what happens does not primarily depend on Montenegro. Others have tried to avoid conflicts with Milosevic, but he was far too creative. If a conflict develops we shall defend and succeed in defending ourselves, because the motives are on our side - we are defending our freedom and our statehood”, said Montenegrin president Milo Djukanovic, after a two hour meeting with the presidents of the Czech Republic, Croatia, Slovenia, - Vaclav Havel, Stjepan Mesic and Milan Kucan. <br>The host of the meeting between the four presidents was Vaclav Havel who is on vacation in Dubrovnik. <br>Djukanovic emphasized that Montenegro is, with every new move the Belgrade regime takes, closer to achieving independence, and that this decision is the constitutional right of citizens, but that both the government and the people see the importance of rationally utilizing this right. <br>“We are demonstrating a high level of patience because of the political stability within Montenegro and the efforts to create democratic awareness which shall enable the referendum decision to be respected whatever it may be. The other reason for our patience is an effort to demonstrate responsibility to the international community and to contribute to her wish that democratic changes take place in Serbia”, explained Djukanovic. <br>He did however emphasize that “Montenegro must not be alone”, if it is forced to defend its independence. <br>“The international community is, in terms of this issue, defending its dignity and its policies in the Balkans. It [the international community] has developed the Stability Pact for southeast Europe and it has too many reasons why it should ensure that the same man, does not jeopardize its policies in the Balkans for the fifth time”, concluded Djukanovic. <br>Vaclav Havel responded to the question of whether he could assist Montenegro, given that he was president when Czechoslovakia was divided. Havel said that the future constitutional organization of FRY is an issue of its citizens and that “any intelligent man would give priority to the resolution of problems through peaceful means”. <br>“I would be ready to help in the resolution of the situation in FRY. But I do have to emphasize that I do not like the view that the referendum could be a provocation. The one who is warning that he shall treat the referendum as a provocation, is really the one who is being provocative”, said Havel. <br>“Croatia has achieved its right to independence and it cannot deny this right to anyone else. Milosevic fooled the world before the beginning of the war that he was fighting for Yugoslavia and he fooled the Serbian public that all Serbs have to live in one state. The result was a war, genocide and war crimes. A new warring adventure must be prevented and the international community would have to interfere. In this case Croatia would assist as much as possible in terms of the democratization and safeguarding the peace in the region, in collaboration with the international community”, said president Stipe Mesic of Croatia. <br>The president of Slovenia, Milan Kucan said: “Djukanovic explained that Montenegro has no time left to waste and that if it is forced into such a situation it shall demand its right. This is no form of provocation, but is the utilization of ones right. From the perspective of Slovenia’s experience, the key question is whether there is enough unity amongst the population for the creation of an independent state, at this cannot be checked before a referendum is held”. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem963309836,66304,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The constitutional changes are the most drastic and the most dangerous step in destroying the FRY</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“The vitality and the strength of the Montenegrin democratic forces was specially emphasized in the situation of brutal attack on the constitutional-legal system of the Yugoslav federation, made through the illegally constructed constitutional changes, adopted by the illegal Federal Parliament. <br>Although we could expect something like this, since we are only used to Belgrade regime destructive movements, this is till the most drastic and the most dangerous step in destroying the constitutional-legal system of the country, established by the FRY Constitution from 1992. It is true that the federation established by that Constitution does not exist any more. Instead of federation of two equal republics, Montenegro and Serbia, the Yugoslav public have been presented the model of the unitary state, where the equality and the statehood of Montenegro is being denied and the system infrastructure that would enable long lasting of dictatorship in a closed system has been improved. <br>If we had by any case accepted the idea on the immediate election of the federal president it would have made Montenegro just one more Serbian region and it would have brutally destroyed its dignity, it would humiliate Montenegrins and all the citizens of Montenegro. And the proposal on the establishing of one more Citizens council by the immediate elections instead of the so-far existing Council of republics is nothing else but the obvious attempt directed towards depriving Montenegro of right to independently issue the electoral model which would be the most suitable in protecting its state interests in the mutual country. Montenegro will not allow this. We are a serious state and as long as we are part of this country we will solely, independently, as it was stated by the previous Constitution, issue the electoral models regarding election of our representatives in the upper house of the mutual Parliament. We have to take care about the democracy in our country. We do not need our democracy to be issued by Belgrade.”<br>We did not ‘fall in a trap of the war scenario<br>“The creators of this latest trick have probably been expecting Montenegro to ’fall in a trap’ of the war scenario and to react nervously and hasty and to give them reason to finally start with one more war conflict in this region, thanks to which they have been staying in power for ages now. Instead of that the Montenegrin Government and the Parliament, in a regular procedure and in tolerable atmosphere, have proposed and adopted the Resolution on the protection of rights and interests of Montenegro and its citizens. <br><br>Milosevic has no choice<br><br>“The motive of the last week’s political-legal violence is completely clear: it is only in the function of Yugoslav president staying in power. Hundreds of wrong political decisions he has been making for all this years caused this latest, the worst. Unfortunately Mr. Milosevic did not have a choice. He had a dilemma: whether to finish the destroying of the constitutional –legal FRY system or to go to Hag; governing in the collective prison or the uncertain leaving the political scene. He chose what we all expected at price of destroying the Yugoslav federation.<br><br>We will not participate at the federal elections<br><br>“Concerning the fact that the Montenegrin parliament has decided upon non accepting and non applying the constitutional changes and regulations issued by the illegitimate and illegal federal organs, it is completely clear that Montenegro will not participate at the federal elections if organized in such circumstances.” <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem963229374,62377,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Djukanovic meets with Havel, Kucan and Mesic</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Montenegrin president Milo Djukanovic is to visit Dubrovnik tomorrow where he shall meet with the Croatian president Stjepan Mesic, the Czech president Vaclav Havel and the president of Slovenia Milan Kucan. <br>The Czech president Havel is on holiday in Dubrovnik and before departing from Prague he stated, amongst other things, that he is pleased he shall be meeting with Montenegrin president Milo Djukanovic. <br>It is anticipated that the presidents, Havel, Kucan and Djukanovic shall attend the opening of the Dubrovnik Summer games, together with their host, Mesic.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem963229329,70134,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The American Administration states it has understanding for the decision of the government in Podgorica, to reject Constitutional changes</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The American Administration has shown understanding for the decision of the government in Podgorica in relation to the rejection of every legal and political decision which is adopted in the Parliament in Belgrade without the legitimate and legal representation of Montenegro.<br>With respect to this, in Washington, commitment to strong support for Montenegro is repeated once again. It was stated that the “democratic and prosperous Montenegro as part of a democratic and prosperous Yugoslavia” is what is supported and that Slobodan Milosevic is investing futile efforts to suppress the opportunity for democratic and peaceful change in FRY. <br>According to Richard Boucher, the State Department spokesman, this is why the US have supported the proposed Platform devised by the Montenegrin government on the need to build new relations between the remaining Yugo-federations. <br>“The US government supports the request of the Serbian opposition to hold early, free and fair elections at all levels, so the voters get the chance to renounce Milosevic and choose a democratic leader who could lead Yugoslavia”, is was stated at the press conference. <br>The well known request was made to Djukanovic and the Montenegrin parliament to “avoid one-sided moves” in the current context of deciding on Constitutional amendments adopted by the Belgrade parliament. <br>In Washington, instead of this, an appeal was sent to the authorities in Podgorica to intensify efforts in the search of a new agreement within the Yugoslav Federation, which would guarantee all the constitutional rights of Montenegro. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem963057911,52996,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro does not recognize a single act adopted without participation of its legal representatives</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/grbmali1.gif" align=left>Text of the Resolution on protection of rights and interests of the Republic of Montenegro and its citizens, which Parliament adopted on the government’s proposal last night goes as follows:<br>“Aware of the responsibility which, according to the Constitution of the Republic of Montenegro, has regarding the preservation of constitutional order and position of Montenegro, its state dignity and development of democracy in Montenegro;<br>Confirming its early expressed views on illegitimacy and illegality of federal bodies which were constituted against the Constitution of the FRY, constitution of the Republic of Montenegro, laws and will of the citizens of Montenegro;<br>Stating constant breaching of the constitution of the FRY to disadvantage of Montenegro and its constitutional position stated in the Articles 1 and 6 of the constitution, and that the latest changes of the federal constitution present classic constitutional destruction;<br>Resolute to fulfil its constitutional responsibility and the will of the citizens of Montenegro expressed in the elections in 1998;<br>The Parliament of the Republic of Montenegro, on the second meeting of the first regular session of the Parliament of the Republic of Montenegro, held on July 7, 2000, brought <br><br><center><b>THE RESOLUTION ON PROTECTION OF RIGHTS AND INTERESTS OF THE REPUBLIC OF MONTENEGRO AND ITS CITIZENS</b></center><br><br>1. The parliament does not recognize and does not accept a single legal and political act adopted without the participation of legitimate and legal representatives of Montenegro in legislative, executive and judicial authorities of the federal state. <br>2. The parliament does not recognize and does not accept the changes of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, since the changes have been adopted by the illegal and illegitimate Federal parliament against the major will of the citizens of Montenegro and roughly breaching the constitutional rights of the Republic of Montenegro as an equal part of the federal state. <br>3. The parliament call all bodies to, within its constitutional and legal competence, act in accordance with this resolution and do not carry out the decisions made by illegitimate and illegal federal bodies, and take all normative and other measures necessary for the protection of the interests of the citizens and the Republic of Montenegro and undisturbed functioning of its legal system.<br>4. The parliament calls the state organs of the Republic, especially the Ministry of Interior, bodies and institutions to contribute to the peace preservation by their activities, and the members of the Army of Yugoslavia not to allow to be misused against the citizens, institutions and state bodies of the Republic of Montenegro.<br>5. The parliament invites the citizens of Montenegro, the citizens and democratic public of Serbia, and international community to help solve the problems in relations between Montenegro and state bodies of Serbia and the federation in a peaceful way, respecting the will of the citizens, for it is in the interest of Montenegro and Serbia, as well as in the interest of stabilizing the situation in Southeastern Europe. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem962966075,40029,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegrin parliament to announce a moratorium on all decisions adopted in Belgrade</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/skupstina.jpg" align=left border=1>The Montenegrin parliament is to announce a moratorium on all the decisions brought by the federal parliament, federal government and all federal authorities at an emergency session to be held this evening. <br>The initial proposal for this decision is to be submitted by the Government of Montenegro, which is to hold an emergency session today, after changes have been adapted to the Constitution of FRY.<br>With the adoption of the moratorium not a single decision brought by Belgrade shall be able to be applied in Montenegro, and this includes yesterday’s decision on constitutional change. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem962960349,9374,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Three years ago everybody was against constitutional changes in Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The initiative for the president of the FRY and the federal MPs to be elected by the citizens is not a new one. The first such a step was taken three years ago. In June 1997, the constitution was not changed, but this July it did happen. <br>That idea was preceded by the SPS initiative to change certain constitutional articles regarding the election of the federal president. At that time an official delegation of SPS visited Podgorica, and met a delegation of DPS. <br>Milica Pejanovic-Djurisic, the DPS vice president at that time, informed on the preliminary stand of DPS: ”DPS representatives clearly showed that any procedure which would mean a change of the constitution would represent a political fact which would not be approved of by DPS. Although it may be, on the first sight, just a small change, our estimation is that even that kind of change could make some changes in the constitutional organization, and in the position of Montenegro in the common state.” A day later, during a protocol meeting, Svetozar Marovic confirmed that he was sure Montenegro would not accept constitutional changes. <br>Although it was a very delicate period on the political scene of Montenegro (split in the DPS and parliamentary elections), the opinion was that constitutional changes would be unacceptable. <br>People’s party president, Novak Kilibarda said the SPS proposal was to enthrone Slobodan Milosevic, and make Montenegro a simple Serbian dominion. Slavko Perovic said: “There where Milosevic is, there is the power. And that is how it is to be in the future.”<br>“With Milosevic heading the FRY, citizens of Montenegro have no perspective. It is a new robbery of our future.”, said Zarko Rakcevic. Dr Novica Stanic (People’s Party “Dr Bozidar Bojovic”), said this party was not to support that proposal in the federal parliament. <br>All 97 present members of the DPS main board were against the initiative regarding the changes of the constitution. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem962960326,71663,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Official Moscow reacts: Dangerous move of Milosevic</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The official Moscow said the session of the federal Parliament and changing the constitution was the end of the Yugoslav federalism. The official circles in Moscow said Milosevic had made a dangerous move initiating the changes of the federal constitution, and that tensions between the two republics were unavoidable.<br>According to Moscow, particularly dangerous is the fact that constitutional changes were made without the knowledge of the Montenegrin leadership and without their participation in federal parliament. <br>During the recent period Moscow made a series of efforts in order to make relations between Montenegro and Serbia normal. However, after the session of the federal parliament their expressed their worry about the future of the Yugoslav common state. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem962885402,71804,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Changes to the FRY constitution: Reactions</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The secret “Constitution of FRY”<br><br>Dragan Djurovic the chair of the parliamentary group of the DPS interrupted the Montenegrin parliament session yesterday, to inform the representatives about the latest news. “The Beta agency has just released the news that sessions in both houses of the federal parliament are to be held tomorrow. It is also stated that changes to the federal constitution are supported by the SPS, the SNP of Montenegro, SRS, JUL and SNS in both assemblies. Whilst we are obtaining criticisms from our SNP colleagues that we are allegedly violating the federal constitution, behind our backs and behind the attention of this parliament secret and urgent changes to the federal constitution are taking place without the knowledge of the Montenegrin government and without the knowledge of the Montenegrin citizens”, said Djurovic. <br>“This is a direct attack of the Slobodan Milosevic regime on the federal organization of FRY and the SNP have actively participated in this act”, concluded Djurovic. <br><br>Dragan Soc – Justice Minister: Constitutional changes are an act of political violence<br><br>“The general public knows that no one from the official Montenegro – in terms of institutions – has been asked for their opinion. This is therefore an act of political violence”, concluded Soc. We know that the only representatives from Montenegro over there in the federal parliament are illegitimate and this Parliament has to give their view in order that this government can give its view and decisions, which would follow. The SNP have to state whether it personally stands behind this. If it is behind this, then what happened to their stories about securing the equality of Montenegro. And if they are not behind this, what happened to the rhetoric that they are an autonomous party which makes decisions in Podgorica. These are major political decisions, which can have an impact on peace in Montenegro”, said Soc. <br><br>The parliamentary group of the SNP: confused and silent<br><br>Immediately after the news about the emergency sessions scheduled in both houses of the federal parliament was released, we asked the parliamentary group of the SNP to respond and confirm to this news. <br>However, we were told that they know nothing about this, but that they shall respond, if this news turns out to be correct. Unfortunately our attempts to obtain a reaction from a member of the SNP parliamentary group was unfruitful. <br><br>Miodrag Vukovic:<br><br>“The aim is to take away Montenegro’s status as a state, status as an equal federal member, for Montenegro to be jeopardized to the political ambitions of the chief of the regime in Belgrade in creating a unitary state with a presidential system which would enable him to have an unlimited number of mandates”, said Miodrag Vukovic, the president of the executive board of the DPS (Democratic party of Socialists – leading government coalition party). <br>“The SNP stated that they were for the defense of Yugoslavianism, for the federation, the equal position of Montenegro. Today it has transpired that these people are either not consulted on anything or they are the biggest manipulators in the history of Montenegrin politics”, said Vukovic. <br>He said that the chief of the Belgrade regime is preparing new constitutional changes in order to remain a permanent president and that, to make things worse, he shall be elected by only the citizens from Serbia. “This is another piece of evidence demonstrating that Montenegro is being thrown out of Yugoslavia and that the announcements by the Belgrade regime that they shall make a Yugoslavia without Montenegro were founded, because they cannot break the democratic Montenegro despite all the pressures”, said Vujovic. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem962881802,89906,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Yugo upper house approves constitution change</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/beograd.jpg" align=left>BELGRADE, July 6 (Reuters) - The upper house of the Yugoslav parliament on Thursday approved constitutional changes that could pave the way for President Slobodan Milosevic to stay in office after his term expires next year. <br>The lower house was still in session on the proposal, which needs the backing of a two-thirds majority in both chambers. The upper house -- the House of Republics -- proposed a joint parliamentary session to adopt the amendments. <br><br>The changes, put forward by deputies of the ruling coalition on Wednesday, would allow Milosevic to win a new term in office through a popular ballot, analysts say. Currently the president is elected by parliament and cannot run twice. <br><br>Serbian opposition leaders have slammed the proposal and the hasty procedure for calling the parliamentary session, with the Social Democratic Union saying Milosevic has an "irresponsible desire to preserve power". <br><br>The western-leaning leadership of Montenegro -- the smaller republic in the Yugoslav federation -- on Wednesday accused Milosevic of dealing a final blow to its troubled union with dominant Serbia. <br><br>Under the proposal not only the president but also the upper chamber of the federal parliament would be directly elected, thereby bypassing the Montenegrin parliament. <br><br>Milosevic, indicted by a U.N. tribunal last year for alleged war crimes committed by his forces in Kosovo, was Serbian president from 1989 to 1997, when he moved to the Yugoslav post. <br><br>The West blames him for the bloody breakup of the old socialist Yugoslavia during the 1990s. <br><br>Parliament is dominated by the ruling coalition made up of Milosevic's Socialist Party, the Yugoslav Left run by his wife Mira Markovic, and the ultra-nationalist Radical Party. <br><br>The influential VIP news letter said in a commentary that becoming president through a direct vote was an old dream of Milosevic's and that it would make him even stronger. "He wants to stay in power and fortify his position," it said. <br><br>VIP said Milosevic could win presidential elections as leaders of the opposition were not strong enough to beat him. <br><br>The fragmented opposition is united in wanting to see Milosevic ousted, blaming him for Balkan wars and widespread impoverishment, but remains torn by personal rivalries. <br><br>"Due to mutual rifts and contrary interests, it is highly unlikely that the opposition could find a single candidate who would receive support from all. With this in mind, Milosevic could win," VIP said. <br><br>It also carried an opinion poll which it said was conducted between June 17 and 22 among 1,491 respondents showing that Milosevic enjoyed most confidence, clearly ahead of Vuk Draskovic of the opposition Serbian Renewal Movement (SPO).</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem962796491,13223,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>We shall defend Montenegro so it continues to be a good example in the Balkans</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="/images/euro.jpg" align=left>“The relations between Montenegro and Serbia are a delicate issue which mainly needs to be resolved between the two parts of the federation. I believe everything should be done to avoid any new kind of violence, and this is why I said to president Djukanovic that we highly respect his courage and commitment to democratic reforms. We also highly respect his wisdom and patience, because there should be no excuses for more bloodshed”, said the Director for Coordination in the Directorate for Political Issues in the European Council, Jan Lui Loran, who is currently in Montenegro as this institution is opening offices in Podgorica. <br>“One of our aims is for Montenegro to be protected, and also it is the creation of security so that it can continue to be a good example for the rest of the Balkans, which is not yet part of the Council of Europe”, said Loran. <br>Loran explained the presence of the European Council in Montenegro in connection with strengthening democratic processes, the building of a network of prevention and trust in the aim of preventing new crisis. <br>“The main role of our office and the special representative will be to promote the cooperation between European Council and Montenegro, including the government and civil society in the process of democratic reforms, in the fields of activity of the European Council. Cooperation shall take place in the field of legislative reform, law, local governance, the question of minorities, human rights and education”, said Jan Lui Loran for Vijesti. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem962796420,73448,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Parliament appoints deputy prime minister and environment minister</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The parliamentary representatives adopted the proposals to appoint Savo Djurdjevac as the deputy prime minister for the political system and Miodrag Gomilanovic as minister for the protection of the environment. The SNP representatives were against, the representatives of the Albanian national parties were not present during the voting and the Liberal Alliance representatives are not attending parliamentary sessions. <br>The SNP criticized this decision and said that the ‘evident’ incapability of Vujanovic’s cabinet shall have consequences, which shall last for decades. <br>Novo Vujosevic of the SNP said that the government is giving priority to unproductive rather than productive investments, that there is no free market and no true competition, that the development of the underdeveloped regions is not being encouraged. Vujosevic concluded that the “government development policies boil down to walking around in the mist which will lead to an abyss”.<br>The government was accused by the SNP of being anti-Yugoslav, anti-Serbian and separatist in terms of internal policy and behaving like a minion in terms of foreign policy. <br>The government was also accused of driving stolen cars. “This government is unique in Europe. It is the only government, apart from the Albanain, whose officials drive cars which have been claimed on insurance and in which they are unable to travel anywhere outside Montenegro”, said Dusko Jovanovic of the SNP. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem962707259,31869,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>We should not be surprised that if after participating in such elections, the prisons become full of Montenegrin patriots</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="/images/rakcevic.jpg" align=left>“With the survival of Montenegro in FRY the illusion of a Greater Serbia is prolonged, and with participation in the Federal Elections we would give legitimacy to this phantom creation. After that, we should not be surprised if the Act on Terrorism started being applied here and if people, who experience Montenegro as their own state and who are fighting for its elementary rights and freedoms, are treated as terrorists. Then we should not be surprised if the prisons are full of Montenegrin patriots”, said the president of the Social Democrats for Vijesti. <br>Rakcevic stated that, irrespective of how anti-European and anti-American the SNP is, it is clear that, at this point in time the interests of a part of the international community, official Belgrade, and Milosevic’s supporters in Montenegro, are identical in terms of putting pressure on the democratic forces of Montenegro so that they participate in the federal elections. <br>Rakcevic warned that in this way Montenegro would nail down its position and open the door for the constitutional re-structuring and the inauguration of Montenegro as a region in FRY and said that even if the governing parties won at the federal elections their 30 seats in comparison to the 130 from Serbia have no influence and do not have the realistic possibility to secure equality for Montenegro.<br>Rakcevic participated in an international conference on the Balkans held in Berlin, at which the German foreign minister, Joschka Ficher implied that Montenegro should participate in the federal elections. “I stated that FRY practically no longer exists, that it has no internal or international legitimacy, that Montenegro cannot take over the responsibility for democratizing Serbia and become an instrument of pressure for overthrowing Milosevic. The interests of the international community in terms of participating in the federal elections are understanding. They do not know what they shall do with the regime in Serbia, or with Kosovo and there is often an attempt to resolve the problem of Kosovo over Montenegro’s back. The argument that as soon as Montenegro announces its independence, Kosovo would do the same, is often used. But no one even thinks about including Kosovo in the federal elections”, said Rakcevic. <br>The thesis that the international community shall lose interest in Montenegro when the situation in Serbia is stabilized is, according to Rakcevic, close to the truth. “We are not a regional power, and it is certain that attention and assistance shall be directed at a post-Milosevic Serbia. Montenegro is either going to be a state or a region and there is nothing in between. There is no equality in a federation. Equality and the protection of elementary interests for Montenegro is possible, but only in a union of independent states or in some integrations which would take place later. But we would have to start with clear accounts”, said Rakcevic. <br>Rakcevic said that the Serbian opposition, deep down, works within the greater Serbian imperialist project. “During the coffee-breaks at the Berlin conference, there were a few passionate discussions between the Montenegrin representatives and the so-called Serbian opposition. None of them want to even think about accepting Montenegro as an independent state. In essence they have not abandoned the greater Serbian imperialist project. Even today, they ignore the existence of the Montenegrin nation, state, church and the Montenegrin right to independence”, said Rakcevic. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem962696471,59655,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The offer is still there</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/misko.jpg" align=left>We intend to talk and exchange views with the opposition in Serbia about future relations between Serbia and Montenegro, and other current political matters. These are talks of political parties, which do not and cannot suspend legal right of state bodies to finally decide on matters within their competence. This is what Miodrag Vukovic, president of the DPS Executive Board said commenting the forthcoming talks of DPS and Serbian opposition.<br>“DPS is the most important party in Montenegro and the party which said FRY to be in serious crisis. State bodies of Montenegro accepted the opinion that the constitution had been suspended, and that it was necessary to re-define relations between Montenegro and Serbia. A year ago, we reached an agreement with the coalition partners in Montenegro and proposed to the government the basis for new relations within the common state. The government accepted the idea and sent the document to the government of Serbia. In the meantime we made some inquiries in order to find out what the stand towards our proposal was. Neither state bodies nor ruling parties in Serbia accept political stand of coalition parties from Montenegro or the proposal of the Montenegrin government. Since this crisis within the FRY must be resolved, DPS wants to talk with Serbian opposition in order to find out what the stand of political alternative in Serbia is, regarding future relations between Montenegro and Serbia. We need to know that so that we can properly participate in making final decisions on the future status of Montenegro. We want to do our best to see if the common state is possible or not. Of course, we do not have right to make final agreements about the common state. A party cannot do that. In democratic countries there are competent bodies in charge of that matter; in Montenegro it cannot be done without previous finding out the citizens’ will. DPS vice-president, Filip Vujanovic said several times that priority for DPS and, I dare say, even for Montenegro, is to continue carrying out democratic reforms and getting definite response to the offer to redefine relations within common state. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem962626915,20138,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>If we do not participate in the federal elections, this does not mean that a referendum shall be held immediately</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“The Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS – leading government coalition party) has not yet developed an official position in relation to the federal elections. Once these elections are scheduled we shall decide whether we shall participate in them or not. We shall not participate in these elections if they are illegal, if there is possibility for fraud, if they become an instrument for strengthening Milosevic. Our decision not to accept participation in these elections does not automatically lead to the decision on holding a referendum on the state status of Montenegro. This is an issue, which is separate from the issue of the federal elections. For us, the question of re-defining our relations with Serbia on the basis of the Platform which we have proposed which would secure the safeguarding of national and civil equality is much more important”, said Prime Minister Filip Vujanovic in an interview with Vijesti. <br>Vujanovic stated that the DPS, during the congress of the People’s party, initiated talks and meetings with the most important representatives of the Serbia opposition and that agreements about continuing talks on the integration of this region into the European and international family and on the redefining of relations between Serbia and Montenegro were discussed. <br>“All the representatives [at the meeting] supported further discussions on the Platform, supported the idea of establishing a new basis for the relations [between the Republics], through establishing full agreement on both sides. We concluded that the current constitutional system is not functioning and that it should be revised with establishing new relations between Serbia and Montenegro. We shall continue with these discussions and I believe that they will demonstrate that the Serbian opposition has a positive stance in relation to our platform and new relations between Serbia and Montenegro. In this way we shall demonstrate that change in the current constitutional system is necessary and that the relations between Serbia and Montenegro should be grounded on a clear and controlled basis”, said Vujanovic. <br>Vujanovic said that the problems, which Montenegro is facing, met with full understanding from the US when he met with the American ambassador to the UN, Richard Holbrook at the World Economic Forum in Cran Montana. <br>“Holbrook expressed his support for Montenegro and for its democratic and integrationist stance and stated that he has understanding for everything we have done to secure the independent managing and governing of our own economic policies”, said Prime Minister Vujanovic. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem962626871,10787,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Serbia extends and modernizes the check-points installed at the border with Serbia</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">At the border between Serbia and Montenegro, in Jabuka on the Prijepolje – Pljevlje road, the Serbian authorities have overnight installed a check-point with full electrical signaling equipment.<br>The new check-point has been extended to include an area intended for parking, and so this area looks very much like check-points at truly international borders. <br>In Jabuka, there are customs officials, trade inspectors and financial police working, which is the same as the check-point in Brodarevo. <br>Members of the Serbian police are, as from yesterday, using new identification, including an official badge with a Serbian flag in the background, and next to the policeman’s name, his rank is noted. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem962527254,36962,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Holbruck: Montenegro will be supported by the USA in preserving the independence in governing</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“The United States of America do accept the fact that Montenegro is part of the FRY, but they support the Montenegrin courage and their persistence in trying to preserve the independence in governing” said Richard Holbruck, the ambassador of the USA in the United Nations, after the meeting with the Montenegrin premier Filip Vujanovic. <br>The Montenegrin Premier talked to Mr. Holbruck at the session of the economic forum in Cran Montana yesterday. <br>According to ‘Vijesti’ information, they discussed about the actual situation in the region and especially in Montenegro. The ambassador Holbruck supported efforts of Montenegro and the democratic and the economic reforms conveyed by the Montenegrin Government.They agreed upon continuing that way.<br>After the meeting Holbruck explained his recent initiative presented in the residence of the world organization that FRY mandate in UN should be terminated. The American ambassador said it was not demand for expelling the FRY from the UN, but it was about the unsustainable claim of the current Belgrade authorities on being the only successor of the former SFRY.<br>“The United Nations, by their attitude from 1992 and 1993, confirmed their decisiveness in claiming that the old Tito’s Yugoslavia do not exist any more and that all the countries successors, Croatia, Slovenia, Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, may ask for permission to become members of this organization. And they did it only Belgrade refused to do it, claiming that it is the only successor of the SFRY”, said Holbruck.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem962527172,69136,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The Belgrade police delivered “Japanac” to the Higher Court in Podgorica</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“On the demand of the judge of the higher court in Podgorica, the inspectors of the Belgrade police arrested yesterday Vladimir Jovanovic called “Japanac” (32). The investigative judge of the Higher Court in Podgorica Zoran Zivkovic searched for Jovanovic since he was under suspicion that he was involved in an attempted Murder to Mr. Draskovic. After the arrestment, the Belgrade police inspectors delivered Jovanovic to the competent persons of the Higher court in Podgorica” was announced by the informative service of the Belgrade police department.<br>The Belgrade police department is still searching for two unidentified young men suspected to have helped in an attempted murder on Vuk Draskovic. Dusan Spasojevic, who has surrendered to the Belgrade police, but health problems stopped him from leaving for Podgorica, is expected to be delivered to the Montenegrin police.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem962362866,42315,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro will decide till the end of the summer</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Montenegro must decide about the way of resolving its state status till the end of the summer at latest, that is, before Slobodan Milsoevic schedules the federal elections. And if Montenegro accepts the participation at these elections it can forever say goodbye to its own statehood and the national individuality, was suggested by the experts for the constitutional law in the Montenegrin ruling circles. <br><br>According to ‘Vijesti’, this elaboration predicts that Milosevic is going to schedule the federal elections regardless to the will of the competent Montenegrin institutions. That act will be “red line” that Montenegro must not cross without clearly defined political decision on resolving of its state status which would mean the successfully finishing of the initiated work on renewing the Montenegrin state independence and the national emancipation.<br>The experts are giving three main arguments in favor of defining state status of Montenegro before scheduling the referendum. <br>1. Participation at Milosevic’s elections would mean returning to the previous state, what , in the new circumstances, created during the last few years, would cause the bigger conflicts at the Montenegirn political scene then the current ones. <br>2. If Montenegro is slow I making decision on its defining the state status, the international community will exert the pressure over Montenegro to accept the federal elections as the democratic mechanism of the further weakening of the Milosevic’s position. But that way, Montenegro is giving the legitimacy to the Milosevic’s regime, and the epilogue would be destroying of the Montenegrin State infrastructure created during the last few years. <br>3. The international community is slowly leaving the radical concept of isolating Serbia and they will gradually lose their interest in Montenegro if it stays in the scope of the existing state borders. <br><br>The experts also claim that the Platform of the Montenegrin Government on redefining the relations between Montenegro and Serbia is not actual any more and that Montenegro has two alternatives: unitary Yugoslavia or the independent state. <br>According to the latest statements of the highest Montenegrin officials, the Montenegrin attitude on this has already been defined: referendum on the independence is closer then participation at the local elections.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem962278908,41140,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro closer to the referendum and the independence</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/miloint.jpg" align=left border=1>“We do not want and we will not be the accomplices in that farce of the FRY foreign policy”, estimates the Montenegrin president Milo Djukanovic in the interview which is to be published in tomorrow’s NIN (Serbian weekly magazine) and regarding the recent Montenegrin initiative in the UN Security Council. <br>He said that the UN were pointed out to the fact that “they have to take into consideration that the non-resolved relations between Montenegro and Serbia can create new conflicts in the region”. <br>“Besides we informed the international community on our soon appealing to international public and the foreign countries governments with the information that the Yugoslav diplomacy, as it is today, can not represent the authentic state and the total interests of Montenegro, as of part of the Yugoslav federation. The Yugoslav diplomacy is only ‘the extended hand’ of the regime whose policy brought this country to where it is now and as such it openly, or objectively, works against the modern, democratic Montenegro”, Djukanovic pointed out. <br>Scheduling the federal elections in FRY at this moment, according to him, would only cause deeper constitutional-legal chaos. <br>“We, in Montenegro, have not still be informed by anyone from the top of this federal state on the intention of scheduling the federal elections this year. When it becomes official, the Montenegrin authorities will give their opinion it. At the moment we only have the individual political attitudes regarding this issue”, said Djukanovic. <br>According to Milo Djukanovic almost no federal institutions have been functioning for three years already, and the FRY exists only as a temporary situation. <br>“Participation in such elections in unchanged circumstances would be politically naïve and irresponsible. It would only contribute to preserving a dictatorship regime that would, after forging the elections in Serbia, draw a conclusion that all the political structures participated in the elections and that, again, the results, forged of course, are confirmation of its legitimacy”, said Djukanovic. He added that the political public, apart from the opposition, which has already done it, would first have to give its opinion on the offer of Montenegro on rearranging the relations between Serbia and Montenegro.<br>Djukanovic pointed out that Montenegro is every day closer to scheduling the referendum. Even if we, according to the latest local elections in Podgorica and Herceg-Novi, conclude that there were no changes comparing to before, Djukanovic says that it is the fact the Montenegrin people, unsatisfied with the functioning of the Yugoslav state, have started thinking about changing their constitutional-legal status through the referendum.<br>“Since nothing has changed in functioning of our joint federal state, it is logical that in the meantime even more people in Montenegro are abandoning the idea of the Yugoslavia. This can be confirmed by all the surveys conducted by the independent research initiatives from Belgrade and Podgorica. Two or three years ago the independence of Montenegro was only supported by the Liberal Party (pro independent Montenegro party) supporters. Today much more people would vote for the independence of Montenegro. If we add those who support the confederation, as they understand the offer of the Montenegrin government to Belgrade, and who would in case of clearing up the relations between Montenegro and Serbia certainly vote for independence, then it is clear that with every day of prolonging this desperate situation in FRY, Montenegro is closer to the referendum and to its independence.”<br>The Montenegrin president repeated his estimations that the murder of his national adviser Goran Zugic, and the assassination attempt to Vuk Drakovic (leader of the Serbian renewal movement) are political matters.<br>“No matter how hard the Belgrade ‘factory of lies’ is trying to hide the real motives of these crimes, we can conclude, according to the political roles of these two men, that these are the acts of the political terrorism. Those were obviously shoots at the different opinion and democracy. “<br><br><br>I have no contacts with Obradovic and Zec<br><br>What kind of relations you, as the president of Montenegro and the member of the Supreme Defense Council, have with the local commander of the second battalion and the marine commander? <br><br>“Precisely and shortly – I have no contacts neither with the commander of the second battalion nor with the marine commander.<br>The last time I met with the Mr. Obradovic and Mr. Zec was during the NATO intervention, that is, immediately after the general Obradovic was appointed the general instead of Mr. Martinovic. I considered it my chancre to inform them on my attitudes and the attitudes of the constitutional organs of Montenegro regarding the role of the FRY army in the political life of Montenegro and FRY. I clearly pointed out that the army would be respected factor of the social life in Montenegro depending on its capability to protect itself from being abused and its readiness to act in line with the Constitution. But the time showed that the army leaders did not act as expected. The army did not act in line with the Constitution, it only showed its readiness to blindly follow its supreme commander and his dictatorship and it showed that it could be used against democracy and the citizens’ will in Montenegro. That is why I have never again wanted any dialogues with such high officials of the FRY army.”<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem962193854,18316,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The Security Council was informed that Serbs and the Montenegrin do not have the same country any more</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="/images/un.jpg" align=left>The Moscow press claims that Russia remained the minority at the recent session of the UN Security Council when the FRY ambassador was not allowed to participate and the Russian ambassador Sergei Lavrov demonstratively left the meeting. The Russian daily magazines “Izvetia” and “Komersnat” writ that only the Chinese ambassador supported the attitude of Lavrov.<br>According to “Izvestia” it was perfectly clear that the attitude of Russia was in minority since besides Americans Frenchmen, Germans or Croats not even the Montenegrins wanted to have anything with the FRY president Slobodan Milosevic. <br>The daily added that the statement of the Montenegrin minister of foreign affairs Branko Lukovac that the Belgrade regime had no rights to represent Montenegro in UN was not only the shock for Belgrade but for Russia, too since the Russian diplomacy was the main lobbyist of the Yugoslav leadership in the Security Council. <br>“For the skae of Milosevic The Russians are ready to come into conflict with the West”, ‘Izvestia” concluded.<br>The daily also writes that the statement of Branko Lukovac means that Belgrade and Podgorica do not have the united foreign policy any more and that the Yugoslav diplomats in the international organizations “are now representing only the interests of the Slobodan Milosevic’s Serbia. <br>The “Izvestia” daily says that the Montenegrins and Serbs are getting used to the fact that they are not having the same country any more and that the Security Council is now officially informed about that. <br>The “Comersant” writes that the present participants at the session agreed with the Lukovac’s statement that the Milosevic’s regime could not represent Montenegro any more. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem962193655,9005,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The law made for destabilization of Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“The governing regime in Serbia is passing the laws against the terrorism on the federal and not on the republic level in order to destabilize the legally elected authorities in Montenegro as much as possible. One can get an impression that this dark law is brought because of Montenegro and its democratic authorities and in order to create new crisis centers in the country”, said member of the main board of the Vojvodina Reformists Djordje Subotic. He called the law on terrorism the law against the civil freedoms used to spread fear and to award the informing on. Hence, as Subotic said, “after the first reading of the draft of the law it is clear that the dark period of even bigger terrorism of the governing regime is coming”.<br>The spokesman of the League of the social democrats of Vojvodina Robert Kolar said that the governing regime would use this law on terrorism for removing of a certain opposition political parties in Serbia.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem962107092,2630,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>I would more like to hear from my coalition partners what were their activities in gaining the trust of our voters</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Do you feel personal guilt about the events regarding Dubrovnik in 1991 and concerning your staying in Cavtat and the excuse you directed to the Croatian people for the pain caused by any citizen of Montenegro?<br><br>“I said today the same thing I said in 1991. I am absolutely true to my words. If someone thinks that what I said today is not in accordance with what I said in 1991, and I said that it was about the time to finally decide upon the borders towards Croatia, is wrong. We were not the one to decide about borders with Croatia but the Croats decided to start with that” said president Djukanovic. <br>By estimating that we respected their will he added that it is solely the matter of Montenegrin people to decide if they would like to live in FRY together with Serbia or they would make borders between.<br>“What I said in Cavtat I said as a president of today’s democratic Montenegro in order to show my sincere regret to all who were hurt by any Montenegrin citizen. It is good for Montenegro, its citizens and establishing of good relations between Montenegro and Croatia. Evey responsible president of the Republic has to open the perspective for good relations with neighbors and not to support the policy that would still keep us in cage. I was of opinion that if there was something considered as trauma, then it was my responsibility as of president of the Republic to eliminate it.”<br>The claim of the president of the Social democratic party Zarko Rakcevic that the president Djukanovic should also apologize to all the citizens of Montenegro who were stigmatized as traitors, since they were against the attack on Dubrovnik in 1991,was considered the nonsense by Milo Djukanovic.<br>“I would more like to hear from my coalition partners what were their activities in gaining the trust of our voters, in establishing our democratic reform policy, and not to apologize to each others. I don’t think that digging in the past would take us very far. Now I should ask from someone to apologize to me for some bad political estimation from recent past. That is nonsense and it will not take us far. It only shows that there is still lots of ‘shortsightedness’ in our political life and it would be better if we pay more attention to the essential national and state interests of Montenegro.”<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem962107049,99226,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The elections and appointments today</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/skupstina.jpg" align=left border=1>The Montenegrin Parliament will continue tomorrow its firs session, of the first this year’s regular session, interrupted on 17 May because of the local elections in Podgorica and Herceg-Novi. Only one item from the agenda has remained – the elections, appointments and dismissals – but it is expected that even during the continuation of the session the Parliament members will talk more on some current political issues. The Socialists People’s Party has already announced the discussion on the Montenegrin foreign policy, especially on the participation of the Montenegrin minister of foreign affairs at the UN Security Council session. However the Liberal Party has announced the complete abstention of its members.<br>Just before the interruption of the previous session the MPs were discussing the suggestion of the Premier Vujanovic on the appointment of Savo Djurdjevac, the MP and the vice president of the People’s Party, the vice president of the Government instead of Novak Kilibarda, and the Miodrag Gomilanovic is expected to be appointed the Minister for the environment protection instead of the early deceased Miladin Vukotic. Nikola Vujanovic is expected to be appointed the new president of the Constitutional Court since the second mandate of Dr. Blagot Mitric has expired. The MPs should also discuss on the election of judges in number of Montenegrin courts.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem962019516,98842,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>One more success of foreign affairs policy</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="/images/burzan-cei.jpg" align=left>The Montenegrin policy is recognized as a very constructive every day more since it intercedes in favor of democracy and deep social and economic reforms” said the vice president of the Montenegrin Government Dragisa Burzan who headed the Montenegrin delegation at the two-days conference of the chiefs of the diplomacies of 16 countries of the central-east Europe initiative in Segedin.<br>Burzan greeted the determination of the present to support Montenegrin participation at this association and he suggested the Montenegrin participation in number of working tables in the scope of this initiative.<br>At the end of this meeting Burzan said that Montenegro accomplished one more significant success regarding the foreign affair policy by becoming member of this important association of the Central European countries. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem962019468,45376,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>A brave step of a politician who wants to make past a history</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="/images/milo-11.jpg" align=left>The representatives of number of the opposition parties in Serbia had a different reactions to the excuse of the Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic to the Croatian people because of the participation of the Montenegrin people in attacks of the Yugoslav army on Dubrovnik in 1991 and 1992. <br>Serbian Renewal Movement president’s adviser Predrag Simic gave a statement where he said that it was a brave step and that it had a deeper meaning then only the actual improving of relations between Montenegro and Croatia. <br>“It is not only the act of a politician but of a statesman who obviously wants to make past part of a history.” <br>Leader of the Demo-Christian party of Serbia Vladan Batic said that the excuse of the president Djukanovic to the Croatian people was his legitimate right as of the president of the state.<br>“If Djukanovic thought he was supposed to apologize then it was his right and no one else was supposed to interfere with that.”<br>The vice president of New Democracy Radivoje Lazarevic said that both Serbia and Montenegro had to think about the normalization of relations with the former Yugoslav republics as about priority.<br>The president of the Democratic Party of Serbia Vojislav Kostunica estimated that Djukanovic was washing his hands and he was trying to present himself in some totally different light.<br>He said that Djukanovic was not only the man who conducted but was literally involved in creation of the Montenegrin and the Yugoslav policy at the time. “And now he is trying to present himself as someone else as if it was not him then but his twin brother.”<br>“The man who came to power by manipulating the deepest national and patriot feelings, the consciousness on the offended human dignity at Zuta greda, today renounces all of it and starts with new manipulations”, estimated Kostunica. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem961755411,48723,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Lukovac to inform ambassadors of the US, France, Great Britain and China of the dangers which threaten Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="/images/zastave.gif" align=left>Foreign minister Branko Lukovac is to attend the session of Security Council in New York at which the situation in the Balkans shall be discussed. <br>Lukovac is the first Montenegrin foreign minister, to attend a session of the world governments on the East River, albeit as a guest of the Slovenian mission in the United Nations. Lukovic is to have separate meetings with four out of five representatives of the permanent members of the Security Council, and with numerous officials of the United Nations, at which he shall inform them about the dangers Montenegro is facing. <br>Before the Security Council session, minister Lukovic is to meet with the US chief of mission for the United Nations, Richard Holbrook, and then with the Chinese ambassador in the security council Kin Huasun. Lukovac is also to meet with deputy to the permanent representative for Great Britain in the Security Council, Ambassador Elton Stuart. The chairman of the Security Council and its French representative Zan David Levit is also to meet with Lukovac. <br>In terms of the five permanent members of the Security Council and despite efforts made on the Montenegrin side, it was only the Russian ambassador Sergej Lavrov who did not wish to have a separate meeting with Lukovac. <br>The current Montenegrin diplomatic efforts are to center around the document prepared by the Montenegrin government entitled “Montenegro and the Balkan crisis” which has been distributed to members of the Security Council by the Slovenian mission. The document takes the form of a ‘non paper’. This means it does not have the status of an official document of the Security Council, but the Security Council chair, Zan David Levit shall bring attention to it at the beginning of the session. (See translation of full document below)</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem961755346,20239,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The Belgrade regime is utilizing the Yugoslav Army to de-stabilize Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Montenegrin government submitted a document entitled “Montenegro and the Balkan Crisis” to the Security Council of the United Nations. <br>The document is published in full below<br>1.The crisis in former Yugoslavia is a consequence of, on the one hand, the delay of deep rooted democratic and economic reforms in the country, and, on the other hand, the lack of an appropriate mechanism for resolving major systemic crises. The answer to new conflicts was located in nationalist projects of creating large states, which caused a lot of suffering of all the nations in the country, and had negative consequences for the whole region, for Europe and the international community as a whole. <br>2.Montenegro gathered all its power and energy to oppose such policies and to obtain majority support at the democratic elections. Montenegro has dedicated itself to democracy, the rule of law, to ethnic and religious tolerance, cooperation with the international community and integration in regional processes and institutions.<br>3.However, the politics of destruction, autocracy, conflict with the international community and self-isolation of the Belgrade government is not compatible to the democratic choice of the citizens of Montenegro. They are utilizing all methods possible in their futile efforts to de-stabilize Montenegro and to undermine the choices it has made. In order to achieve this aim, they are utilizing the Yugoslav Army, whose leaders are, in a significant number, ready to serve the achievement of such policies. This amalgamation means that it is not only Montenegro which faces a dangerous future of another crisis breaking out, but it is also the region as a whole and the international community. These warnings need to be taken seriously and we have to find ways of dealing with them. <br>4.Irrespective of the methods the Serbian leadership is using and what its aims are, Montenegro shall persevere on the road it has taken, thanks to the support it gets from a large number of citizens, and this number increases daily, as well as the support from the widest international community, especially the USA and the EU, and their neighbors with whom Montenegro has intensive cooperation, thanks to the possibilities offered by the Stability Pact for Southeast Europe. Montenegro continues to be dedicated and open for cooperation with Serbia. In this respect, in mid August 1999, Montenegro offered Serbia a basis for revising their relations under the conditions of full equality between our two states, our two nations and our citizens. And so, despite everything, Montenegro expressed its interest to, together with Serbia, create a joint framework, which would be most acceptable for citizens of our two countries and for their well being. <br>5.The government and leadership of Montenegro believe that peace, stability and prosperity of former Yugoslavia and the Balkans depends on the following factors: <br>a)The establishment of new democratic relations with Serbia as soon as possible, the holding of free and fair elections at the local level as well as at the level of Serbia, which are verified by the international organization, through agreeing and accepting the electoral conditions by all sides. <br>b)The international community needs to unite in achieving this aim as soon as possible: this is why the political-diplomatic isolation of the current policies and regime in Serbia needs to take place; the international community needs to offer even stronger support to the democratic forces in Serbia;<br>c)The UN Security Council needs to secure the requested conditions for the wide and efficient support of the international community to Montenegro in its commitment to persevere on it democratic road, in its determination for the transformation of the economy and its integration into all European and international processes. Montenegro should be offered all the possibilities to obtain access to international political and financial institutions in order that it can achieve positive change without the existing barriers. In this way, Montenegro could represent a positive model for democratic struggle and forces in Serbia, and, when the conditions are ready, for an agreement to be made with democratic Serbia on the shape and content of future relations which would be most acceptable for the peoples of these two countries, for peace, stability and prosperity of the region and the whole of Europe. <br>6.Finally, the Montenegrin government does not accept that the Serbian leadership and its political and diplomatic representatives and offices, which misuse the administration of FRY, represent the policies and interests of Montenegro. This they cannot do in the name of the state of Montenegro in the future, but only in the name of Serbia, to the extent to which Serbia’s citizens and democratically elected authorities accept this. Montenegro shall independently express, accept and protect its policies and interests and inform other countries and international organizations about these, either directly or through its authorized representatives. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem961500564,31731,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Those suspected for participated in assassination attempt on Draskovic to be taken to court today </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The police are to bring those suspected for participating in the assassination attempt on Draskovic to the investigative judge of the High Court in Podgorica, Svetlana Vujanovic, <br>The police investigation on this case is coming to an end, according to Vijesti sources in the internal ministry. Four men have been detained, two of which are from Montenegro and are suspected of helping in the preparations of the assassination attempt and in the assassins’ escape. The police search for a number of others suspected of participating in the assassination attempt continues. Following replacements in the MUP after the assassination attempt on the leader of the SPO, instead of Bozo Lakic, Sasa Mostorkol has been appointed as the head of state security for Bar and instead of Predrag Asanin, Radovan Radovic has been appointed as head of police for Bar, which also covers the municipalities of Ulcinj and Budva. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem961500549,1348,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>We must not let Belgrade prevent the development of Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“The people of Montenegro have accepted democratic processes and we have come to express our support for this. The EU, and especially the European Parliament support this orientation not only verbally and politically, but also through significant financial assistance. We believe we should not allow Belgrade to prevent the development of Montenegro”, said Doris Peck, the head of the delegation of the European Parliament for relations with Southeast Europe which was visiting Montenegro. <br>Having assessed that Montenegro has strong economic potential, which is not exclusively tied to tourism, Peck expressed her hope that “the EU will have the opportunity to speed up democratic processes in Montenegro and that it will succeed in contributing to the consolidation of democracy”. <br>“The aim of our visit is to see what the current situation in Montenegro is like, and also to express our support to the reform policies of Milo Djukanovic, the government and the democratic forces. We have so far contributed significant financial assistance to Montenegro and we continue to do so for concrete projects in order to improve the quality of life. We are doing this as a signal to the people in Serbia, in order that they can see how they shall live if they replace Milosevic. We also support the active participation of Montenegro in the Stability Pact for southeast Europe”, said Peck. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem961412526,76345,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>If Serbia wants to continue with Milosevic’s dictatorship, we shall achieve our objective as an independent state</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/milovenecija.jpg" align=right>Montenegrin president Milo Djukanovic accused Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic of exporting violence into Montenegro.<br>“Milosevic and his regime are conducting extreme, repressive measures against our government. Terrorism from Serbia is being exported to Montenegro”, said Djukanovic at a press conference in Venice, after speaking at a conference entitled “Europe and the Balkans: the Stability Pact for Reforms and Development”, which was organized by the Italian Aspen Institute.<br>Djukanovic said that the Montenegrin security forces have arrested a number of individuals suspected to be connected with the assassination attempt of Vuk Draskovic on Friday. <br>Responding to the question of whether Djukanovic can confirm that the assassination is connected with the Belgrade regime, Djukanovic said that the police are working on this case and that this is clearly a politically motivated assassination attempt. <br>Djukanovic said that the issue of holding a referendum is postponed in order that internal conflicts over this “explosive” issue are avoided, and for reasons connected to international policies in the Balkans. An independent Montenegro would fully isolate Belgrade and could be an additional de-stabilizing factor in the region, said Djukanovic. <br>“Our main aim is to democratize Montenegro, to embark on economic development and to make it [Montenegro] part of Europe. We believe our aims can be achieved with Serbia, and we have sent them a proposal (for redefining the constitutional links between the two republics) and they have not responded”, said the Montenegrin president. <br>“If Serbia wants to continue with the conflicts with the international community and with Milosevic’s dictatorship, we shall achieve our aims as an independent state”, added Djukanovic.<br>Djukanovic said that the fact that a pro-Milosevic political approach won at the local elections in one of the two cities, shall not impact on his policies”, said Djukanovic. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem961412491,60830,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The police questions two men suspected for the assassination attempt on Draskovic</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Despite earlier announcements, the Montenegrin police have given no additional information on the assassination attempt on the leader of the Serbian Renewal Movement, Vuk Draskovic. <br>The assistant to the internal affairs minister, Vuk Boskovic said on Friday that gun-men of the Draskovic assassination attempt have been identified and arrested, but that “in the interests of the investigation” their names have remained confidential. Boskovic stated that both the gun-men and the culprits of the crime are from Belgrade and that those who attempted the assassination came to Budva one day after Draskovic and that they followed him around for days.<br>According to Vijesti sources, at least two men, suspected for the crime are in detention and despite 24 hour searches, a third man is still fleeing. <br>Draskovic was visited by Montenegrin president Milo Djukanovic and prime minister Filip Vujanovic at his home in Budva in the Pod Dubovicom suburb. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem961242440,83626,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Diplomatic pressure towards the world</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“For almost three years now Montenegro has not participated in the work of the federal administration, it does not have its representatives in the Republic Council of the Federal Parliament neither the ministers in the Federal Government. The Yugoslav diplomacy is a particular story. Montenegro has been involved neither in creating the foreign policy nor in selecting the cadres for a long time now”, said Zeljko Perovic, the chief of the Montenegrin mission in New York.<br>“The most important task of the mission in New York is following the UN actions”, said Perovic. “The UN has 188 countries today and the huge number of the specialized agencies is working through the UN system. The UN Safety Council, which is making decisions of the greatest political importance for the whole planet, is having its sessions almost daily. Six committees (for disarming, environment, debts, human rights, and political, financial and legal issues) are having their regular sessions. It is needless to say that FRY is part of many resolutions every day. “<br>The chief of the Montenegrin mission is explaining these days the specific position of Montenegro inside the Yugoslav federation. In the course of these conversation the things that are specially insisted upon are its Mediterranean position and the character of Montenegro, its decisiveness to follow the road of the market and the other reforms and they are not possible in the current Montenegrin constitutional status. “By hard and persistent work we are trying to widen the circle of, primarily, experts and then of friends and the lobbyists of the Montenegrin interests in the UN. We are trying to provide mentioning of Montenegro at least in every discussion on FRY at the sessions of a certain committees” finished Zelko Perovic. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem961242420,91615,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>SNP threatens to stop the arrival of Carla Del Ponte by mass demonstrations</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Socialist People Party said yesterday that the prosecutor of the Hag tribunal was not welcome in Montenegro and that they would organize the mass demonstration in case she still was about to come. <br>“We would like to advise her to stay in Hag and there to talk to those who invited her. In case she does not listen to us, the Socialist People party and the parties from the coalition “Yugoslavia” will invite the Montenegrin citizens to participate the mass demonstrations in order to block her coming to Montenegro and we will show her what does the real and honest Montenegro and the real and the honest Yugoslavia think about NATO crimes and its associates. At the same time the Socialist People Party appeals to the federal institutions to treat Carla Del Ponte just as any other person who participated the aggression over our country” was said in the announcement of this party.<br>They also said that they were appalled by the invitation directed to Carla Del Ponte to visit Montenegro since they believed that their reaction to the similar invitation directed to Javier Solana would be a lesson enough for the Montenegrin authorities and their ‘directors’. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem961242406,4666,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Preparations for coup d’etat in Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Serbian opposition parties have severely criticized the assassination attempt to Vuk Draskovic, the leader of the Serbs Renewal Movement.<br>The president of the Civic council of Serbia, Goran Svilanovic has estimated that the assassination attempt of Draskovic may represent the attempt of creation the hectic atmosphere in our country that Montenegro has been resisting so far inspite of two extremely opposed political blocks existing there.<br>The Democratic Party of Serbia has estimated that the assassination of Draskovic represents one more proof of violence dominating at the political scene of our country. <br>“Montenegro has been chosen as a place of the assassination in order ‘to kill two birds with one stone’: one is the leader of the Serbian opposition and the other the current Montenegrin authorities” estimated Vladan Batic, leader of Demo-Christian party of Serbia.<br>“The aim is creating of tensions in order to make army carry out coup d’etat in Montenegro and the other thing is to make the opposition not feeling safe in Montenegro since it has been acting to comfortably there and the Belgrade regime is certainly not satisfied with that” said Nenad Canak, leader of the LSV.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem961151428,4879,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>NATO has prepared an intervention plan if Milosevic instigates war in Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/nato.jpg" align=left>Charles Ingraw, a Balkanologist and history professor at the University in Indiana has concluded that there are two scenarios according to which Slobodan Milosevic president of FRY would leave from power. <br>“One scenario is if Milosevic instigates a war in Montenegro. Montenegrin president Milo Djukanovic could force such a move if he decides to go for independence, which I believe would be a mistake and would be morally wrong”, said Ingraw. <br>“If Djukanovic starts with the intensified separation from Yugoslavia, and Milosevic for this reason or any other, attacks Montenegro or attempts to take over control over it, I believe the bloodshed which would follow, could cause a war with the international community which could lead to Milosevic’s downfall”, added Ingrau. <br>He said that the international community does not wish to intervene, but he added that he is aware that NATO has prepared plans for a possible military intervention in Montenegro.<br>“The political decision on executing these plans has not been brought and I know they do not wish such a decision, but if a humanitarian catastrophe takes place, and Milosevic shows that he is capable of instigating it, this would be the reason for the re-engagement of NATO and the US”, said Ingrau and expressed his belief that the Yugoslav president shall attempt to prevent such a scenario.<br>The second scenario of Milosevic’s departure depends, according to Ingraw, on the consolidation and the stronger unity within the Serbian opposition. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem961151360,16686,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>A response to the SNP accusations of election fraud</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“At an unexpected press conference, the SNP revealed, the allegedly sensational but in real terms ridiculous finding that 4000 Niksic residents participated in the early local elections in Podgorica. By using the Matic method (Goran Matic – federal information minister) notorious in political media, the men from the SNP took the list of names of those people invited from Niksic to participate in the celebrations held following our victory in Podgorica, and by using the darkest possible political manipulations they turned the listed individuals into the organizers of the phantom Niksic voters in Podgorica”, said Radivoje Nikcevic, the president of the DPS for the Niksic municipality. <br>“I shall remind you that this time, like before, immediately after the elections, the SNP claimed that the electoral legislation is the best so far, that the voter registration lists are the best so far, and that the SNP monitors, who were located at all the polling stations made no objections or remarks, which was confirmed by statements made by the leadership of this party. If this is the case, and it is, the logical question is – how, where, at which polling stations, and with what kind of personal identity documentation could no less that 4000 Niksic residents have access to a polling stations and vote”, said Nikcevic. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem961065247,38674,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Del Ponte to visit Montenegro next week</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=0 src="images/hagtrib.jpg" align=left>The main prosecutor of the International Tribunal for war crimes in The Hague is to visit Montenegro next week.<br>Carla Del Ponte and her deputy Graham Blewitt are to visit Podgorica as part of a short visit to the region of former Yugoslavia which is to start in Macedonia, it was announced at a regular briefing for journalists.<br>Graham Blewitt said that the visit to Podgorica is coming after an invitation by the Montenegrin government and represents a continuation of good relations. He said the visit is important for on-going investigations, especially as it provides the possibility of access to Serbian victims and witnesses of crimes. <br>This will be the first visit of the newly appointed main prosecutor, Carla Del Ponte to Montenegro. The former main prosecutor Louise Arbour, visited Montenegro twice during her mandate. <br>Del Ponte and Blewitt are to visit Kosovo as well, where they will visit a number of mass graves where the exhumation of victims of last year’s conflict is taking place, said the spokesman of the prosecution, Paul Risley. <br>Following the visit to Podgorica and Kosovo, they shall visit Dubrovnik.<br>“It is known that an investigation is being carried out on the siege of Dubrovnik at the beginning of the conflict in former Yugoslavia. By going to Dubrovnik the main prosecutor wants to show the importance it gives to the investigations of crimes against the Croats”, said Blewitt. The government in Croatia is very interested in this investigation. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem961065208,30395,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Council of Europe to open office in Podgorica</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=0 src="images/euro.jpg" align=left>An office of the Council of Europe is to open in Podgorica at the beginning of July. The special representative of the General Secretary of the Council of Europe in Podgorica shall be Eva Tomic who was previously working as part of the Slovenian mission in the United Nations in New York. <br>Ms. Tomic is currently carrying out preparations and consultations in the Strasbourg office of the council of Europe before starting in Podgorica. This office is going to be operating as part of the OSCE office for democratic institutions and human rights. <br>“The consultations in Strasbourg last until 21st June, then I return to Ljubljana and I believe I shall be in Podgorica from 3rd July”, said the young Slovenian diplomat. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem960980168,73238,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The EU shall continue to support the Montenegrin government </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/euro.jpg" align=left>The foreign ministers of the European Union welcomed the holding of local elections in Podgorica and Herceg Novi, and emphasized that they are aware of the results and that their support to democratic forces in Montenegro shall continue. <br>“The ministerial council of the EU condemns the continual attempts by Belgrade to destabilize the reform process in Montenegro”, it is stated in the press release.<br>The EU foreign ministers expressed their “deep concern because of the deteriorating political situation in Serbia” and once again condemned the intensifying of the repression which the Belgrade regime is conducting against the democratic opposition and independent media. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem960980134,39809,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Predrag Bulatovic’s offer of resignation rejected</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The municipal leadership of the SNP (Socialist People’s party – pro Milosevic opposition) rejected Predrag Bulatovic’s offer of resignation to the position of president of the party for Podgorica. The claim made by Predrag Bulatovic that despite earlier agreement, the coalition parties, The Serbian Radical party and the Serbian People’s party are to obtain 3 seats in the council, was denied by the Podgorica Executive board of the party.<br>“The SNP has obtained the same level of support as in 1998. All 22 seats obtained by the Yugoslavia coalition will be allocated to the SNP, in line with the agreement signed by the coalition partners”, it was stated in a press release on behalf of the Board. <br>A member of the municipal leadership of the SNP, Vuksan Simonovic, said that the SNP and Predrag Bulatovic have obtained moral victory at the local elections. <br>“The whole state machinery was used against the Socialist People’s party and against the holder of our candidates’ list for Podgorica, Predrag Bulatovic: the power of those in power, the power of media, the power of money and the power of the police. The United States of America and the European Union provided direct financial aid. I personally believe that under such conditions, the Socialist People’s party and the holder of our candidate’s list, Predrag Bulatovic hold the moral victory at these elections”, said Vukasnovic. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem960980122,32827,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The DPS candidate for mayor of Herceg Novi offers to resign</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“As the holder of the candidate’s list of the To Live a Better Life – Milo Djukanovic coalition and given the election results, I offer my resignation to my position in the party”, said Stanko Zlokovic at a press conference held in Hotel Plaza in Herceg Novi. <br>Zlokovic is a member of the DPS main board and a member of the executive board of this party for Herceg Novi. <br>Responding to the question of how he explains the election outcome, Zlokovic said that thorough analysis have to be carried out, but that, according to his opinion, the propaganda from the political rivals and “the imposed idea that this was about our view on Yugoslavia – YES or NO – which is completely untrue, but this is how the people, or at least the majority of people, understood [the elections]”. <br>In response to the question of whether he supports the view that the refugee community had an impact on the outcome the election results, Zlokovic said: “the people who came to our town ten years ago are already integrated and I do not segregate them. In terms of how they voted, I do not know. If they voted for the political approach, which contributed to them being here and not in their own homes – this is absurd to me and practically unbelievable. But in any case they are the citizens of our city and our aim is for them to be fully integrated in all our activities and trends as soon as possible, and for all of us together to take the road of progress, development and prosperity”, said Zlokovic. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem960898362,70061,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Marovic offers his resignation to Djukanovic following defeat in Herceg Novi</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/sveto.jpg" align=left border=1>Parliamentary chairman and deputy president of the DPS (leading government coalition party) Svetozar Marovic offered his resignation in terms of his party function following the election defeat of the To Live a Better Life coalition in Herceg Novi. <br>“I was appointed to run the election headquarters of our party for the local elections in Herceg Novi. ..I honestly believed in the undoubted advantages of our party and the people on our candidates’ list, for the future and for the interests of all people in Herceg Novi. The increased support of 6% for our policies of peace and dialogue, openness and cooperation, democracy and progress, in Herceg Novi was not enough for our coalition to achieve victory in this town. … In line with my convictions and a feeling for ethical responsibility, I would like to inform you that I offer my resignation for the position of deputy president of our party”, said Marovic. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem960898323,61300,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The Center for Monitoring: Fair elections to become a habit</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/cemislicica.jpg" align=left>All voters were given the chance to choose between a number of different political parties and to become acknowledged with the programs of these political parties and to vote freely in privacy during the day of the election. This was stated at a press conference by Anto Jankovic the coordinator of the Center for Monitoring, a non-government organization which had 266 monitors following the election. <br>Despite the political polarization which exists in Montenegro the atmosphere was significantly better than at the last elections in 1998. There were a lesser number of instances of violating electoral procedure and where this did occur it did not have an impact on the election results. However, at the public meetings of the Socialist People’s party, the Serbian Radical party and the Yugoslav Left, nationalist statements could be heard in the context of violating the rights of minority groups to participate in the election. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem960898245,51610,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Elections conducted in line with the law</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/osce.gif" align=left>The local elections held in Podgorica and Herceg Novi were the main theme of the press conference held by the representatives of the OSCE office in Podgorica. Mr. Julian Peel Yates, head of the OSCE office for Montenegro stated that the local elections in Podgorica and Herceg Novi were well conducted and generally speaking in line with the OSCE principles. Mr. Yates said that a reasonably large expert team was involved in monitoring the local elections in Podgorica. Eight individuals were allocated in the field since the beginning of May and an additional 60 people from 24 different countries participated in monitoring the actual elections. <br>Mr Yates talked about preliminary conclusions, because a final assessment cannot be made until all the appeals submitted after the election are looked into. The report states that the state administration quickly adapted to the new electoral legislation. Some details including missing deadlines outlined in the legislation did not impact on the electoral process as a whole. <br>Given the significant efforts made by municipal authorities and some opposition parties, the quality of the Voter Registration List has significantly improved, and this should lead to increasing trust in the system. <br>The report also states that the electoral campaign was primarily based on national issues – with a complex, tense and uncertain political background. Basic freedoms were respected and the campaign was peaceful throughout. <br>Generally speaking, state media kept to legal regulations, despite the fact that the governing parties in their programs were in the advantage, both in terms of time dedicated and in terms of the nature of coverage. Printed media from Serbia was freely distributed in Montenegro and had a significant impact on media coverage as a whole. Private media favored the governing political parties and, at times, did not fully keep to the legislation. On the other hand, the unregistered television station YU Info which broadcasts its program from military sites, gave its clear support to the main opposition party. <br>The actual voting was carried out in a peaceful atmosphere. The electoral board and the representatives of political parties effectively conducted the voting in line with legislation. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem960807934,72420,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Political triumph in the capital</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/milo-11.jpg" align=left>“The electoral results have shown that we have done better than our expectations, we have improved according to all parameters and now we shall manage to govern alone in Podgorica. We have certainly obtained 28 seats in the council which means that we no longer have to be threatened by joining into any kind of coalition”, said president Milo Djukanovic.<br>“We have obtained a few thousand votes more than at the last elections. Our key political rivals, this time in a coalition, have lost 4,500 votes. We have won in a big way and this represents real political triumph of our policies in the capital”, said Djukanovic. <br>Djukanovic said that the election results in Herceg Novi were “below expectations”. <br>“We shall analyze the reasons for losing in Herceg Novi over the next few days, but there is no time for despair. Our victory in Podgorica is much better and brighter than our defeat in Herceg Novi”, said Djukanovic.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem960807888,52990,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Predrag Bulatovic offers his resignation</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/prbulatovic.jpg" align=left>After the announcement of the first informal results Predrag Bulatovic the deputy president of the SNP who stood for mayor of Podgorica, said: “I am the holder of the candidates’ list , and I am at your disposal. If you believe I did not do the job right, I am ready to withdraw in the interests of our future struggle”, said Predrag Bulatovic in front of the SNP members who had gathered in front of the SNP party headquarters, but they did not support this proposal. <br>In the “Media” restaurant, at a press conference, Bulatovic said that the concept of a joint country between Serbia and Montenegro won “which is the most important thing for the SNP”. <br>Party leaders and federal prime minister, Momir Bulatovic was expected to be present at this press conference, but he did not attend. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem960807848,12444,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Djukanovic’s coalition celebrates in Podgorica and Bulatovic’s celebrates in Herceg Novi</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/izbori.jpg" align=left>The coalition “To live a better life – Milo Djukanovic has obtained the absolute majority in the Podgorica municipal council and in Herceg Novi it was the coalition “For Yugoslavia – Momir Bulatovic” which won. <br>According to the unofficial results Djukanovic’s coalition shall have 28 councilors out of the total of 54 (one deputy more than was the case so far), SNP with its coalition partners will have 22 (one less than so far) and the Liberal Alliance shall have four councilors, as was the case so far. <br>In Herceg Novi, the coalition “For Yugoslavia” has obtained 19 seats in the council, which is two more than the parties which comprised this coalition had so far. The coalition “To live a better life” and the Liberal Alliance each lost one seat in the council. The Social Democrats, which were not part of the “To live a better life” coalition in Herceg Novi, did not obtain enough votes to enter into the municipal council because it obtained around 2 percent of the vote. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem960807789,59209,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>In Podgorica around 80% of the citizens participated in the local elections</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/podg.jpg" align=right>“The local elections in Podgorica took place in a tolerant and democratic atmosphere, with a high level of participation from the citizens”, said Cedo Dobrovic, the chairman of the Municipal Election Commission. <br>According to Dobrovic, around 75 to 80% of the full number of those citizens registered in the Voter Registration List, participated in the elections. <br>“All the polling stations apart from one in Sukuric - Tuzi, were closed at 9pm, as prescribed by law. In Sukuric voting was extended for an additional hour, because there was a suspension of the voting process in the morning because some voters had not signed their names in the voter records book. The Municipal election commission shall decide whether the voting shall be repeated in Sukuric”, said Dobrovic. <br>Voting in the Spuz prison was finalized by 1pm, earlier than prescribed, because all the registered voters at this polling station had voted by this time. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem960770180,26299,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Herceg Novi City hall seats Monday 12.6,2000 , 2:37 hours</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><center><img src="/images/grafikoni/rezultatihn.jpg" ></center></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem960761333,43929,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b> Unofficial results Podgorica Monday 12.06.2000 , 02:49 hours</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><center><img src="/images/grafikoni/rezultati.jpg" ></center><br><br>Broj obradenih birackih mjesta: 203<br><br>Biracko tijelo: 112366<br>Obradeno: 87300<br>Procenat obradenog birackog tijela: 77.69%<br><br>Liberalni savez Crne Gore - Miroslav Miro Vickovic 6613 4 <br><br>Srpska Sloga <3% 0 <br><br>Zajedno za Malesiju <3% 0 <br><br>Jugoslavija - Momir Bulatovic (Predrag Bulatovic) 34126 22 <br><br>Savez komunista - Komunisti Crne Gore <3% 0 <br><br>Glas za Crnu Goru - LDP <3% 0 <br><br>Da Zivimo bolje - Milo Ðukanovic 43328 28 <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem960634875,61400,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Elections to be held tomorrow</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Early local elections are to be held in Podgorica and Herceg Novi tomorrow, on Sunday, June 11.<br>According to the data of the municipality electoral commission, 112,366 electors are to participate in Podgorica, and 22,040 in Herceg Novi. Polling places are to be open from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. and many people will be engaged in bodies responsible for realization of the early local elections - 2,000 people in Podgorica and around 600 people in Herceg Novi.<br>It is expected that the first unofficial results from 207 polling places in Podgorica and 37 polling places in Herceg Novi are to be published on Monday at 12 o'clock. If there are no objections, according to the regulations, the final results of the local elections are to be published on Thursday, June 15.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem960634862,99132,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Ballots</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Ballots for the local elections were printed in the printing firm "Obod" in Cetinje. Ballots also have control coupons and ballot boxes are to be transparent. Apart from that, an invisible spray is to be used so that an elector would not vote twice or more times. It should be also said that only those electoral lists that win at least 3 % votes are to enter the municipality assemblies. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem960634850,47564,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Serbia media do not obey rules on pre election silence</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">In spite of the warning of the Republic Secretariat for information that the pre-election propaganda was to be over on Thursday, June 8, at midnight, it was found that the federal media and media from Serbia did not obey the rules on the pre-electoral silence. In breaching the rules on the pre-electoral silence, leading media were "Politika" and "Politika express".<br>"Bearing in mind that these media have considerable influence over the public opinion in Montenegro, and recognizing the fact that the regulations of the Secretariat regarding the pre-electoral silence were not obeyed, we are to inform the OSCE Monitoring mission in Podgorica, and under take other legal measures", it is said in the report of the Republic Secretariat for information. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem960634834,74346,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>418 monitors</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">June local election in Podgorica and Herceg Novi are to monitored by 418 authorized monitors -109 foreign and 309 domestic monitors. Branislav Radulovic, secretary of the Republic election commission, confirmed this. <br>According to him, OSCE is to have 80 authorized representatives, European Council - Congress of the local and regional authorities of Europe (CLRAE) 6 of them, EU Monitoring mission -11, Helsinki groups for human rights from Great Britain - 4, and "Citizens monitor voting" - 8.<br>Center for monitoring (CEMI) is to have largest number of domestic monitors - 266, Center for free elections and democracy from Belgrade - 23, and Montenegrin Helsinki committee for human rights - 20. <br><br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem960634821,17208,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The representatives of Montenegro in the Security Council for the first time</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Ranko Krivokapic, the president of the board for human rights in the Montenegrin Parliament and Zeljko Perovic, the chief of the recently opened Montenegrin branch office in New York participated yesterday at the session of the Security Council as the first representatives of Montenegro in the UN highest body. <br>The participation of the Montenegrin representatives at the session of the Security Council was enabled by the countries-friends of Montenegro that have its ambassadors in UN.<br>The presence of Montenegro caused a noticeable unrest of the Yugoslav delegation heade by Vadislav Jovanovic.<br>Krivokapic and Perovic met with the chief of the civil mission in Kosovo Beranard Couschner and with the vice presidents of the American ambassador in the UN Richard Holbruck.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem960549875,56371,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro to be one of 8 cantons; Milosevic to rule for another 20 years</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/beograd.jpg" align=left>The Moscow “Komersant” daily writes that a new FRY constitution is being prepared, according to which the federation shall be abolished, the country divided into 8 cantons, and the Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic shall be able to rule for the next 20 years. <br>The daily calls upon well informed diplomatic sources and writes that Milosevic signed a ‘secret order’ in May on the formation of a group for the preparation of the new constitution of FRY. Members of this group are his advisor Vladan Kutlesic, deputy president of the Serbian government Ratko Markovic, and, on the Montenegrin side those loyal to Momir Bulatovic – Zoran Zizic and Srdja Bozovic. <br>Komersant writes that the group met with Milosevic at the beginning of June and submitted the project of the new constitution. <br>Komrsant writes that the project prescribes the existence of one house of parliament (the Assembly of the Republics would be abolished) and the representatives would be voted in, according to the one person – one vote system. <br>The paper states, that given that in FRY there are around 7 million Serbs, 2 million Albanians, and around 500.000 Montenegrins, “the parliament would exclusively represent the interests of Serbs”. <br>The new constitution prescribes that the president of FRY is to be elected at a general election and not through parliament, as it was the case so far, and this would assume a five year mandate. The same person can cover this function four times in a row, which allows Milosevic to be in power for another 20 years, concludes Komersant. <br>The new constitution extends the existing authorities of the president – he appoints the government and the governors of the cantons. The supreme defense council would be abolished and the president would become the sole supreme commander. <br>Komerstant states that Milosevic is in a hurry to get the new constitution adopted because his mandate expires next year, and, according to the present legislation, he does not have the right to renew his presidency. <br>The paper states that the “adoption of the new constitution shall turn FRY into a very unitary state headed with a practically life-long president and adds that Milosevic can flog the constitution to be adopted through the federal parliament in which there are no legitimate Montenegrin representatives, nor are there representatives from Kosovo. <br>“One does not have to be a prophet to predict that neither Montenegro nor Kosovo will recognize such a constitution, devised for Milosevic’s interests, and they shall then announce their departure from Yugoslavia. The new constitution would be rejected by both the West and Russia, who believe Milosevic should depart from his presidential function in one year at the latest. <br>Komerstant also stated that the adoption of such a constitution could lead to a new Balkan war. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem960544385,3887,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Worries about the tensions in Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/nato.jpg" align=left>“NATO will continue to decisively improve the safety conditions, stability, peace and democracy in Balkans, and this aim will be realized through the operations being realized in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. We again want to mention the support to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all the countries in the region”, was said in the announcement at the NATO countries ministers of defense session held in Brussels. <br>When talking about Montenegro ministers said: “We are worried about the continuation of the tense situation between Belgrade regime and the democratically elected Government in Montenegro. We are still following the situation very carefully. Since the peace and the stability of the region, as well as of Montenegro, are of great importance we appeal both sides to peacefully resolve the problems they have and not to instigate anything that may destabilize the region. We expect the local elections in Podgorica and Herceg-Novi to be fair and peaceful. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem960544343,39843,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The conditions for the democratic elections provided</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/izbori.jpg" align=right>The president of the Constitutional court of Montenegro Blagota Mitric received the OSCE delegation headed by Mr. Paul O’Gradi, coordinator of the OSCE observer mission and Mr. Roumen Maleev, analyzer of the law regulations, on their personal demand.<br>The President of the Constitutional court informed guests on the role and place of the Constitutional court, its competencies and especially on the role of the Constitutional court in resolving the problems related to the elections. <br>It was estimated that by adopting the number of new electoral laws and by consensus of almost all parliamentary parties in the Montenegrin parliament, as well as by the activities of the organs in-charged for organizing the elections, all the necessary conditions for fair and democratic elections were provided.<br>The OSCE representatives were especially interested in the previous practice related to the electoral disputes and also in if there were any complaints lodged so far to the Constitutional court, beginning from the day of scheduling the elections. <br>All the participants of this meeting estimated that prejudicing of the electoral results by some of the parties and the threats on the possible non-acceptance of the elections, depending on the results, did not do any good to the peaceful and democratic electoral atmosphere, which was the condition the elections could not be fair and honest.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem960462330,17117,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Brussels is closer than Bagdad</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/milo-govor.jpg" align=left>“Who are our political opponents on the political map of Montenegro at the moment? They are Milosevic’s affiliates in Montenegro – the SNP who are covered with a cloak of the alleged concern for Yugoslavia, yet joined together with all those who led to the destruction of former Yugoslavia. The SNP has joined together with the more fierce Serbian nationalists and with the most backward communist ideologues. On the other side there are those who want to deceitfully represent themselves as the highest moralists in Montenegro and as exclusively the only Montenegrins who are trying to hide their real and strong link with Milosevic’s cadets in Montenegro. These are the leaders of the Liberal Alliance”, said the leader of the DPS, Milo Djukanovic at yesterday’s rally held by the coalition “To Live a Better Life – Milo Djukanovic”, at the main square in Herceg Novi. <br>Djukanovic said that “Brussels is closer to us than Bagdad, Rome is closer than Hanoi, and London closer that Pjongjang, and we shall continue to cooperate with our developed European surroundings”. <br>“At these elections, we are not choosing between Yugoslavia and an independent Montenegro. At these elections we are choosing between going for our future or staying chained to our past. We are choosing between the civilized development of Montenegro or being quarrelsome and obstinate with civilization”, said Djukanovic. <br>“Montenegro is no longer at a crossroads, it is on the high way leading to a secure future”, added Djukanovic. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem960461020,5374,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>EC observers will monitor the local elections in Podgorica and Herceg-Novi</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The delegation of the congress of the local and the regional authorities of the Europe – The European Council, will be staying in Montenegro from 7th till 12th of June as observers of the elections for the local authorities in Podgorica and Herceg-Novi and on the invitation of the president of the Montenegrin Parliament Svetozar Marovic. <br>The members of the EC group of observers, in Podgorica and Herceg-Novi, are: Clod Casagrande from France, the vice president of the congress and the secretary of the Association of the local democracy agencies, Silvi Afholder, the chief of the Program of the local democracy agency at the Congress secretariat, Javuz Mildon from Turkey, the vice president of the Congress, and Moreno Buci from Italy, the member of the Congress.<br>Rinalno Locatelli, the chief of the Congress secretariat is coming at the same time with the group of observers. On the suggestion of the Podgorica municipality he is supposed to finish the preparations for opening the office of the European Council, named ‘Agency for the local democracy’ in Podgorica.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem960377542,91359,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Maras: Belgrade has entered into its last phase in overthrowing the government in Montenegro </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The internal affairs minister, Vukasin Maras, denied the accusations made by the federal information minister, Goran Matic, who stated that it was the CIA and Vukasin Maras who organized the assassination of Djukanovic’s top security advisor, Goran Zugic. <br>“I have a professional, moral and human duty to most decisively deny the monstrous accusations made by the so-called federal information minister, Goran Matic”, said Maras at a press conference. “It is clear that the secret Belgrade ‘kitchens’ are stirring things up and using the filthiest instruments possible in the last phase of the scenario which is to attempt to violently overthrow the government in Montenegro”, said Maras. <br>“One does not have to be too clever to realize that it is not by chance that Momir Bulatovic and his Belgrade allies are pointing their fingers at this particular person and this particular institution in order to publicly undermine them, because they… function as a permanent barrier to overthrowing the Montenegrin government. This insolent manipulative accusation was purposefully released before the local elections in Podgorica and Herceg Novi with the already recognizable aim to raise tensions and instigate disturbance and de-stabilization of the general situation in the Republic”, added Maras. <br>“Their claims cannot bring discord amongst the highest political figures in Montenegro, who are going to continue down the path of ensuring Montenegro remains pro-reform, democratic, and a prosperous country oriented towards European and trans-atlantic integrations. We are sure that the citizens of Montenegro shall not fall for such crude deception and fraudulence”, concluded Maras. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem960377503,81944,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Six million DM for health</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Minister if health in the Montenegrin Government Dr Momir Mugosa and the director of sell of “Philips” Anton Schlender, in the presence of the KBC representatives, Fund of health and “Business Montenegro”, signed the contract on buying the latest diagnosis equipment worth six million DM and it is intended for the needs of KBC.<br>A months long negotiations between the Ministry of health and the Dutch firm “Philips” have been successfully finished and KBC of Montenegro have got the chance to be one of the most referent health institutions in the Balkans. The equipment have been arranged to start coming during June with obligation to be fully in use till December 19th, 2000, including the stuff training that are to handle this equipment.<br>Mr. Schlender was very satisfied about signing this contract and he announced the opening of the “Philips” bureau in Podgorica what was concluded to be a big step towards the connecting of Montenegro with the developed European surrounding.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem960320503,50661,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Belgrade says CIA behind Montenegro killing</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/zugic.jpg" align=right>BELGRADE, June 6 (Reuters) - A Yugoslav minister accused the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) on Tuesday of organising last week's murder of a senior official in pro-Western Montenegro with the aim of destabilising the country. <br>Information Minister Goran Matic said the murder of Goran Zugic, security adviser of Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic, was stage-managed by the CIA as a last resort to stir up conflict in the republic. <br><br>"When all promotion of conflicts failed in the territory of the republic of Montenegro there was a promotion of a terrorist act under direct control and supervision of the CIA which is directly linked to the murder of Goran Zugic," Matic told a news conference. <br><br>"With this terrorist act representatives of the CIA wanted to ascribe this act to Belgrade and Serbia." <br><br>Montenegro is the reluctant partner of the far larger Serbia in the Yugoslav federation. <br><br>Zugic, who was a close friend of Djukanovic, was killed by an unknown gunman outside his apartment block in the Montenegrin capital Podgorica last Wednesday. <br><br>Djukanovic said on Monday in Lisbon that the killing pointed to mounting pressure by the government of Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic against his pro-Western policies, but he stopped short of openly blaming Milosevic or his allies. <br><br>Montenegro faces local elections later this month widely seen as a test of strength between Djukanovic's government and backers of Milosevic in Montenegro. <br><br>Matic played a tape of what he said was a telephone conversation between two U.S. officials in the region, saying it showed CIA involvement in the killing of Zugic. <br><br>Matic has in recent months held several news conferences about alleged plots against Yugoslavia, including what he said was a plan by a group called Spider to kill Milosevic. <br><br>He said the United States had launched subversive actions against Yugoslavia after its efforts to achieve its goals through infiltration of "mercenaries and paid opposition parties" failed to produce results. <br><br>Yugoslav officials frequently blame Montenegro and the Serbian opposition of being Western lackeys plotting to destroy Serbia. <br><br>"In October, (the United States) started subversive terrorist acts in the territory of Yugoslavia with the aim of undermining the internal stability of the country and portraying to its citizens that the country was unsafe," Matic said. <br><br>Matic was apparently referring to a series of high-profile and mysterious murders of public figures in Serbia.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem960288698,71700,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>European allies to keep supporting Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The President of the Republic of Montenegro, Milo Djukanovic visited Lisbon, following the invitation of the Portuguese government, presiding of the EU. President Djukanovic talked with Portuguese Prime Minister, Antonio Guteres, and foreign minister, Jaime Gama. <br>“We will keep supporting Montenegrin reforms through the EU institutions. Our assistance is to be more efficient, since we are to realize a 50 million Euro credit for infrastructure projects”, said Portuguese foreign minister, Jaime Gama. <br>“The Portuguese government strongly supports European, democrat, and reform attempts of Montenegrin government and Montenegrin citizens. Therefore, it is very important that the EU keeps supporting it. After today’s discussions, I am certain that Portugal is to keep giving significant contribution to our policy”, said president Djukanovic. <br>During the mandate of Portugal, as presiding of the EU, the value of the programme “Obniva” for Montenegro has been doubled, from 10 to 20 million Euro, direct budget and macroeconomic assistance have been offered, and it has been announced the possibility of receiving a credit from the European investment bank. <br>They also discussed how to speed up the procedure of receiving a 50 million Euro credit of European bank dedicated to infrastructure projects in Montenegro.<br>President Djukanovic informed Portuguese foreign minister about destructive pressures from Belgrade, including complete misuse of the Army. On the other hand, Jaime Gama informed Djukanovic on the recent summit of Russia and the EU regarding the part concerning the Balkans. “Djukanovic and I discussed the relations between Montenegro and Serbia, and I promised Montenegrin president to keep supporting Montenegrin reform and pro-European way. <br>The fact that Montenegro is not a sovereign country complicates methodology of the European investment bank regarding granting credits. However, we will find a way of realizing that credit and I think the assistance is to be more efficient, said Gama and pointed out the importance of more direct and stronger participation in the Stability Pact”.<br>Responding to the question if the EU supports the referendum on independence in Montenegro, Portuguese chief of diplomacy said, “it was not the competence of the EU to support or not to support possible referendum”. “What we want to do is to develop democracy and the policy of openness”, said Jaime Gama at the end of then joint press conference. <br>Montenegrin foreign minister, Branko Lukovac, and the president’s advisor for foreign policy, Milan Rocen visited Lisbon together with Montenegrin President.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem960022427,87334,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>“We have to refuse to be infected by the violence that turned Serbia into chaos</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“The news on the killing of Goran Zugic appalled me and I sympathize with his family because of this big tragedy. Just like all the citizens of Montenegro devoted to the real values of peace and freedom, I also want to condemn this crime and cruelty of the responsible for this murder”, said Prince Nikola Petrovic.<br>“Just before the very important elections in Montenegro and in this hard and tense times, this crime can not be seen different but as political one. …We have to refuse to be infected by the organized violence that turned Serbia into chaos. The wisdom and patience which have protected Montenegro so far, may prevent some new dangers and protect the future of our children from new crimes.”<br>“After the last ten years I think that it is clearly understood that you should be heartless or crazy to believe in violence. The experience shows us that, in the end, it always returns to who carried it out.”</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem960022390,72719,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Javier Solana said: The killing of Zugic – political</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The high EU representative for the foreign and safety politics Javier Solana “has most severely criticized this, judging on all the facts, political killing of the high Montenegrin official Gorana Zugica” was announced by the Solana’s associates in Brussels.<br>Solana, as it was emphasized, supported all the leaders in Montenegro following the road of economic and democratic reforms. “That is the reason why the EU absolutely condemns all the attempts directed towards the disturbing of the Montenegrin reforms and disastrously influences the following local elections.” </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem960022373,86449,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Djukanovic is to meet Madeline Allbright today</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic will meet with Madeline Allbright in Berlin today, was announced in State Department yesterday.<br>Djukanovic and Allbright will meet during the conference of the politicians of the left center, the subject of which is “new economy” functions everywhere.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem959940356,28649,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>“The shot at Goran Zugic is a terrorist act against democracy in Montenegro”</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/miloprst.jpg" align=left border=1> The person who shot at Goran Zugic committed a terrorist act which is directed against democracy in Montenegro and against the security of its citizens”, said Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic at the commemorative service held following the death of his national security advisor. <br>Whilst emphasizing that the real motive of the crime which shed bullets in Goran in front of his home is not known at the moment, Djukanovic said that, irrespective of what the actual motives are, “the murder of Goran Zizic is perceived as a murder with political undertones”. <br>“The most unrewarding task is to find out whether this was a shot at all directed at Goran Zizic. I would like to send a message to all those who are now rejoicing, that nothing can sway us or discourage us from continuing with state policies which shall take Montenegro as a stable, democratic, open and multi-ethnic community, through the road of peace into the developed societies of European people’s and states. Goran Zugic himself, lived and unfortunately tragically died for such a Montenegro”, said Djukanovic, adding that the wound is painful and fresh, the loss terrible, especially for his family, but also for all those with whom he worked and socialized, and for his Montenegro as a whole. <br>“During a decade of difficult times for Montenegro, we managed to, with great efforts, safeguard peace and stability, to safeguard the lives of our people from mass deaths and from terrorism. Goran Zizic gave a great personal contribution to this achievement. He managed to get everywhere on time, to cool down those hot heads, to protect the innocent, to calm down the hostile. In the end, it transpired, he could not protect himself”, said Djukanovic. <br>Goran Zugic was born in 1963 in Tuzla and he studied law in Sarajevo where was an excellent student. As from 1988 he worked for the Republican Secretariat of Internal Affairs in B&H and in 1991 he became the head of the police in Tuzla. From 1992 he worked as the head of police for Herceg Novi, and then he was the head of police for Podgorica, before becoming the president’s national security advisor. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem959940305,43654,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Good programs are wanted </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/opic.jpg" align=left>The Montenegrin tradesmen and bankers are very much interested in getting the attention of the American investors. This was confirmed yesterday in the Montenegrin Chamber of commerce at the presentation of the OPIC, the American private investment corporation, attended by about 80 representatives of economy and banks. OPIC is interested in crediting, political risk insurance, presentation of the means on the basis of the reciprocity… They are especially interested in crediting the good programs of the private companies.<br>Montenegro will have, as announced, the share in the private OPIC fund of 150 million dollars. John Morgan, coordinator of the OPIC work team for Balkans, explained that this portion would be shared with Bulgaria, Albania and Macedonia, that is, with the countries of the southeast Europe. But the mentioned sum of money will not be the only thing Montenegro is going to get. If in the opinion of OPIC Montenegro have good and interesting programs then it will get even more. Certainly if there are no programs then there will be no money either. <br>After visiting the Shipyard ‘Bijela’, Moragn said that he was satisfied with what he had seen there. The only thing that should be done was finding of investors for developmental programs and rebuilding of the Shipyard and OPIC is ready to guarantee the safe investments. <br>The deadline for estimating the projects submitted to OPIC will be from one to three months, depending on the financial means needed for the project. The OPIC office will not be established in Podgorica since there is on In Zagreb, which, according to Morgan, is enough. All the information could be acquired by Internet address <br>www.opic.gov<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem959853352,63155,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Djukanovic’s national security adviser shot dead from ambush </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/zugic.jpg" align=left>Goran Zugic, advisor to president Djukanovic for national security was shot dead from ambush in front of his flat in Podgorica, at around 11pm, last night. According to unofficial sources, Zugic was shot at, a number of times in the head, from an automatic weapon when he was about to enter the building where he lived. Zugic came home in his Audi A6 car and drove his car to the car park at back of the building, as usual. Three shots were heard. The police blocked all the surrounding streets and the central part of the city, but the investigation provided no results, by the time Vijesti were going out to print. <br>Zugic’s body was transferred to the KBC, Podgorica’s general hospital accompanied by members of the special police, one hour after mid-night. <br>Zugic’s assassination follows the same scenario which has been used for a few dosen assassinations in Belgrade over the last year. The assassins of these murders have not been identified. This is the first political murder of this kind, to take place in Montenegro. <br>Goran Zugic was 39 years old. He was known as one of the closest and most faithful of president Djukanovic’s advisors. Zugic was the national security advisor since March 1998. Before that he was the head of police in Herceg Novi and Podgorica. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem959853310,95995,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>We shall hold a referendum when we feel Milosevic shall not use this to carry out a coup in Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“We shall build our future in the context of an attempt to stay with democratic Serbia. If they do not want this, we shall go move forward alone, because that shall be what you will want”, said Filip Vujanovic to citizens at a promotional meeting of the “To live a better life” coalition held Pod Goricom, in Podogrica. <br>“We shall hold a referendum when it is secure for Montenegro to do so and when it shall not cause unrest and when Slobodan Milosevic shall not use this opportunity to carry out a coup in Montenegroj”, said Vujanovic. <br>Vujanovic said that the essential differences between the DPS (leading government coalition party) and the SNP (pro-Milosevic opposition) is a conflict between democracy and dictatorship, integration and isolation. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem959776661,96993,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The OSCE delegation visiting the Secretariat for development</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/euro.jpg" align=left> Dusan Simonovic, the secretary of the Republic secretariat for development received the OSCE delegation on their demand.<br>Pal O’Grady, coordinator for the elections, James Pirouu, Roumen Maleev and Riccardo Cheueri were the members of this delegation.<br>During the meeting, which is the third of this kind, they talked about the Central electoral list, the work of the Secretariat and the other issues important for the electoral evidence in the republic. <br>Mr. Simonovic informed the OSCE delegation that the Secretariat had completely finished all the duties it had according to the Law and regulations on the electoral lists, so as far as they were concerned all the conditions for successful local elections in Podgorica and Herceg Novi were provided <br>The OSCE delegation was very satisfied with the meeting and with all the information they got. They mutually concluded that in the future the competence of the Secretariat should be expanded in the part concerned with the election evidence. <br>Mr. Simonovic expressed his great satisfaction with so-far cooperation with OSCE and he confirmed that they would continue to provide all the information needed with the purpose to enable the complete insight into the Central electoral list.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem959776599,83391,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro cannot be led from Belgrade</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“The SNP is wrong if they believe that Montenegro can be led from Belgrade and that Montenegro shall be contented with a few crumbs from the dining table. Montenegro has woken up, a new generation which believes in the resources of Montenegro and its own working potentials has matured”, said the Montenegrin president Milo Djukanovic at the promotional gathering of the coalition “To live a better life” held at the stadium in Cvijetin Brijeg. <br>Djukanovic rejected the invitation from Predrag Bulatovic to meet at a TV duel. “I would like to play basketball with Jordan, but he doesn’t want to. I shall meet with anyone at the political dueling ground, but if Predgrag Bulatovic wants to have a duel with me he has to fulfill certain conditions. First, he must stop deceiving the people that he is heading the SNP candidates’ list. He is merely the man in the parenthesis, and Momir Bulatovic is heading the candidates’ list. Then he should have a duel with Miomir Mugosa [standing for mayor as the DPS candidate] and state what he said to Milosevic’s when he asked him “what you are waiting for?”…. When he is the candidate for the president of the republic, I will accept him as equal to myself with pleasure”, said Djukanovic. <br>Djukanovic referred to Predrag Bulatovic’s meeting with Milosevic in Belgrade and stated that “his threatening forefinger turned into servile spinelessness”. <br>Djukanovic called upon all the citizens of Podgorica, especially the young to take control of their future and vote for a democratic and free Montenegro, stating they should vote for Miomir Mugosa as mayor as he is not someone else’s agent. <br>The president of the Social democrats (part of governing coalition), Zarko Rakcevic said that the European Podgorica shall win on 11th June, and the Podgorica as a village in Greater Serbian despotism shall lose. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem959690862,65548,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Concerns over Slobodan Milosevic visiting Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/slobo-mrgud.jpg" align=left>Although there have been no official reactions to the possibility of Slobodan Milosevic visiting Montenegro, following the invitation from the SNP (Socialist People’s party - pro-Milosevic opposition in Montenegro), this has caused concern according to diplomatic sources of the European Union, states the SENSE news agency. “If this is true, the circumstances under which Milosevic would go to Montenegro are similar to his famous visit to Kosovo in 1987. Then his visit and speeches in Kosovo Polje were aimed at de-stabilizing the Kosovo government, which he succeeded in, and it may be that he would use the same scenario to attempt to do the same in Montenegro”, said an unnamed Brussels official to the SENSE agency. <br>Another source from the European Union said that the situation in Montenegro is very delicate because of the upcoming local elections. Clearly the situation is complex, because president Milo Djukanovic would not arrest Milosevic, who is indicted for war crimes, because such a move would have serious consequences. <br>NATO has stated that a possible visit from Milosevic to Montenegro is an internal matter because “Serbia and Montenegro are one country”. The NATO source did emphasize that their view is clear. “We do not wish any de-stabilization of the region to take place, nor any provocation directed at Montenegro”. <br>Others believe that the announcement of Milosevic’s visit is merely part of the local campaign, because this news was not published by the Belgrade state-run Politika.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem959690814,34457,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Pavkovic is bothered only by the top people in the Montenegrin government</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/generali.jpg" align=left>The Yugoslav Army (YA) chief, General-colonel Nebojsa Pavkovic has stated that the claim that “the governing authorities do not see the YA as its own” is wrong. <br>“Our authorities have established good cooperation with the republican authorities, especially with local authorities, in the fields in which the jurisdiction falls on the YA and these authorities. We did not manage to achieve cooperation on issues which are neither our jurisdiction or the jurisdiction of the Republican authorities”, said General Pavkovic in an interview published in “Glas Javnosti”. The army chief stated that the Montenegrin leaders are “making statements about how the behavior of the army is unconstitutional and are making up lies which are devised in the propaganda centers which bombed Montenegro and killed citizens”. <br>“However, we are no longer going to stay quiet. We shall respond to every attack with arguments and with the truth. We know Montenegrin citizens see us as the people’s army and as their own army… The YA is a factor of peace and a stability factor in Montenegro”, said general Pavkovic. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem959672021,17217,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>All public and clear about vouchers</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The 22nd session of the Privatization Council, presided by the President of the Council, Filip Vujanovic was held yesterday.<br>The Council adopted a plan for educative campaign for the mass voucher privatization, which would be carried out by the Public Relations Agency, in cooperation with USAID international advisors. The goal of the campaign is to inform the citizens on the process of the mass voucher privatization and their rights during the process. The citizens will also be acquainted with the information how to transfer the vouchers, if they wish, to members of their family or how to transfer their rights to privatization funds. Educative campaign is to start four months before the auction, and it is to last during the auction, and after the auction, when the public is to be informed on who gained shares and how many of them in companies. Privatization Council holds this activity to be very important, considering the aim is the information to be available to all the citizens of Montenegro, and the model of privatization itself public and clear. Campaign foresees the use of all media - TV, Radio and press, as well as other channels of direct communication with the citizens.<br>Privatization Council was also informed on the so far talks and further plans for negotiations with the Accor Company on signing a contract regarding management of some of the hotels on the Montenegrin coast. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem959597364,65187,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The majority in the army does not support entering into a war against the citizens of Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“Milosevic is using all instruments he has to create a political environment which would de-stabilize Montenegro and would strengthen his supporters here. The army is unfortunately one of these instruments” said the president of the People’s party for Vijesti who is Justice Minister in government, Dragan Soc, following the publication of the key document of the military leadership in Montenegro in which the YA warns it shall confront those who think differently from the Belgrade regime. <br>“We are very aware of the fact that the army is not united in terms of supporting the policies of Slobodan Milosevic, especially with respect to Montenegro. They can show off with their strong iron unity and devotion to their “supreme commander” as much as they like. The majority of those in the army do not support entering into a war against the citizens of Montenegro”, said Soc. <br>Given that the army is announcing it shall confront all those who are the opponents of the policies of the Belgrade regime, do you yourself feel targeted? <br>Of course I feel like I am one of the targets but if they embark on something like that, they shall have a lot of work, because they shall have to arrest at least 70% of the Montenegrin adult population, and I am not sure whether there is enough military police for this.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem959597353,96504,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Milosevic accepts the invitation from the SNP to visit Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The deputy president of the SNP, Predrag Bulatovic has stated that the president of FRY and the president of the SPS party in Serbia, Slobodan Milosevic, has accepted the invitation from the SNP to visit Montenegro. <br>“At the recent meeting with President Milosevic in Belgrade, the members of the SNP delegation invited president Milosevic to come to Montenegro, it was an invitation which he accepted”, said Bulatovic in an interview with Elmag television. <br>Bulatovic said that the possible visit of Slobodan Milosevic to Montenegro would “create great problems” for the Montenegrin president Milo Djukanovic. <br>“Djukanovic cooperates with the Hague tribunal and then he would have to fulfill his promise to this court and arrest all those charged for war crimes, which includes the president of FRY”, said Bulatovic. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem959597289,11910,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Tonino Picula in Montenegro </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Minister of foreign affairs of Croatia Tonino Picula is to arrive in an official visit to Montenegro by the end of this week on the invitation of the Ministry of foreign affairs of Montenegro. <br>The chief of the Croatian diplomacy, as it is expected, is going to have meetings with the highest Montenegrin officials. The special attention is to be dedicated to the border and the entire cooperation between Montenegro and Croatia, taking care about the border crossing Debeli brijeg and to the other issues of the mutual interest. <br>The visit of the Minister Picula, after the recent visit of the Croatian general consul Petar Poljanic to the Montenegrin officials, will be the first meeting of the governmental officials of Croatia and Montenegro after the falling apart of the former Yugoslavia. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem959442219,21218,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>NGOs and Activation of Citizens for Democracy</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="../transfuse/images/4.jpg" align=left>"Civil society initiatives can help drag the Balkans out of its mess", said Mr Riifat Rastoder, Vice-President of the parliament of the republic of Montenegro, at an international seminar in Montenegro today. "Civil society should be seen as a key part of a healthy state, not as a threat."<br>Mr Rastoder gave the opening address at a seminar organised by members of the TRANSFUSE programme - Trans-Atlantic Network for the Future of South-eastern Europe. TRANSFUSE was later described by the project director, Sandra Breka, as an exciting experiment bringing together 35 young people from South-eastern Europe, broader Europe and the United States. <br>TRANSFUSE participants attend three workshops held over one year and must draft concrete proposals for projects to strengthen the media, civil society and security in South-eastern Europe. A concluding conference in October will choose the strongest projects and seek international funding for their implementation. 'TRANSFUSERs', as they are known, also organise events in their own countries - such as today's seminar in Sveti Stefan. <br>Ms Breka feels that the TRANSFUSE programme helps individuals from South-eastern Europe to personally take the initiative to change their countries for the better, and to learn from the experience of colleagues around the region who they might not otherwise meet.<br>In Montenegro, a new law on non-governmental organisations (NGOs) will make it easier for civil society to flourish. Srdjan Darmanovic, from Montenegrin independent think tank CEDEM, explained how NGOs and the government worked together to draft the law. Around 500 NGOs exist in Montenegro, of which 20-50 are very active.<br>Three subsequent speakers looked at the role of different actors - NGOs, parties and think tanks - in the political process. <br>Andreja Tonc gave a presentation on the work of Croatia's Glas 99, which played a major role in encouraging the public to vote in the country's January 3 general election. Participants from elsewhere in South-eastern Europe expressed a wish to learn from the Croatian experience.<br>From Sofia, Angelina Tchorbadjiyska explained how Bulgaria has adopted the American model of 'primaries' to select election candidates. In 1996, this helped opposition parties to overcome infighting and agree upon a joint candidate, who went on to win the presidential election.<br>Zoran Jacev, Executive Director of FORUM, suggested that experts in think tanks could help to raise the standard of public policy. He believes that politics in South-eastern Europe is currently dominated by 'careerist' politicians, concerned mainly with staying in power rather than addressing the public's concerns through policy-making.<br>More broadly, the seminar raised issues about the role and future of NGOs. It was noted that NGOs play different roles at different stage of transition. Both NGOs and think tanks face difficulties in winning the trust of the public and the respect of politicians, and in maintaining their very-necessary independence. NGOs currently play an important role where political parties function poorly or where the media is constrained. However, many participants argued that NGOs act most effectively as a complement to parties -- not as a substitute.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem959427697,70262,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Almost half of the young voters not interested in politics</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="/images/anketa.jpg" align=right>Around 40,4 % of young electoral college is not interested in politics. This is the result of the opinion poll research carried out by the Center for monitoring, in the period of May 13 – May 20, on 411 citizens – 311 citizens of Podgorica and 100 citizens of Herceg-Novi, aged 18 – 30. 17% said to be very interested in politics, 32,1% so-so, and 20,4% mostly interested. 15,3 % of citizens have lots of confidence in the elections, 35,8% medium confidence, 18% little confidence, 14,1% have no confidence at all, while 16,8 % do not know.<br>On forming the opinion on politics, party channels have dominant influence. 22,4% citizens believe information of parties’ representatives. Media are on the second place. 10,7 % believe non-formal information. 14,1 % are not interested in information on politics. The same number does not know how much to believe the information channels on politics. <br>54,5 % citizens are satisfied with the results of the last elections from 1998, while 11,1 % are disappointed. 12,9% doubt the regularity of the elections, and 21,5% has no definite opinion.<br>According to the results of the opinion poll, political parties or coalitions can still influence the youngest voters. 32,1% still do not know who to vote for, and 26,9% is to decide right before voting. 16,7% is to decide during the campaign, and 15,4% is to take part if see that the results of the elections are uncertain, and that their vote can have an influence on the results. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem959427434,36779,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Lukovac: The orientation towards the European Council and the United Nations</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="/images/grbmali1.gif" align=left>Montenegrin Minister of foreign affairs Branko Lukovac said that the participants of the conference on the future of Montenegro agreed upon the conclusion that “this is very important period for Montenegro” since it is accepted in number of international structures. <br>“We got a number of good advice. The general understanding is that this is a very important period for Montenegro since it is accepted by number of international structures beginning form the Stability Pact and the other activities of the European Union and the Adriatic initiative”, said Lukovac.<br>The participants of this conference talked about the different aspects of the foreign policy and the international position of Montenegro. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem959427212,84651,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The FRY army maneuvers in Montenegro put off </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="/images/izborivj.jpg" align=right>“The big joint tactical training of the YA, the host of which is supposed to be the Second army, is to be held in a month. According to our annual plan this training was supposed to be held between 5th and 12th June of this year. But, since the local elections in Podgorica and Herceg-Novi were later scheduled, we decided to put it off”, said to journalists Momcilo Radevic, the chief of the operative organ for training in the Command of the Second army when giving the statement on the occasion of tactical training of the special forces of the second Army military police. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem959342384,31103,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Djukanovic calls for the international community to support Montenegrin independence, if a joint state with Serbia is impossible</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/milo-govor.jpg" align=left border=1>The president of Montenegro, Milo Djukanovic called upon the international community to stop insisting on the survival of the Montenegrin and Serbian joint state if this country is impossible to maintain, that is if Serbia rejects the Montenegrin proposal for reform. <br>“Our primary aim is a democratic and multi-ethnic state. If we manage to implement our model in the current state, this will contribute to the stability of FRY and the region. But if, because of the stubborn Serbian policies this is not possible, I expect the international community shall not insist on the necessity of the survival of Montenegro in Yugoslavia, because I do not think anyone has the moral right to demand from Montenegro to renounce its future in order to remain in a doubtful union with no perspectives, existing only to prolong the dictatorship of one man”, said Djukanovic at the international conference on the future of Montenegro, which was organized on Sveti Stefan by the Montenegrin foreign ministry. <br>Djukanovic explained that Montenegrin independence is not the priority, but rather the priorities are economic development, multi-ethnicity, a market economy based on private ownership and wider integrations and that compromises about these basis of state policies cannot be made. <br>“In the context of a market economy, democracy and openness, we do not mind being in a joint state with Serbia, under the condition that we develop mechanisms which provide the full protection of Montenegrin equality”, said Djukanovic. <br>Djukanovic explained that Montenegro would be ready to defend itself from Milosevic, but that preventative action from the international community would be in their own interests. “If Milosevic’s regime makes aggressive moves, we are ready to defend our statehood and freedom with our own forces, the forces of the state authorities and the democratic movement. Freedom does not have a price and is a value that is not a commodity and cannot be traded. But it is not only Montenegrin freedom, which is being tested. Every critical situation incited by Milosevic is a smack in the face to the international community. <br>“I hope it [the international community] shall no allow itself to act only after the conflict and that it shall react diplomatically and in the function of preventative security. We expect the international community to have even more understanding for Montenegro as a separate state entity in southeast Europe, which it objectively is”, said Djukanovic. <br>Djukanovic said that Milosevic’s departure would not resolve all the problems because the roots of “greater Serbian nationalism which tries to deny the existence of the Montenegrins state, nation and culture”, have existed from before. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem959342342,33489,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The Montenegrin – Serbian border: Trucks full of goods pass the check-point in both directions</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/hljeb.jpg" align=left>The trade blockade at Kolovrat, the border between Montenegro and Serbia, which was introduced on 2nd February with a Serbian government decree, is gradually being lifted. Trucks transporting mineral water and milk, then furniture and raw materials for the Iron factory passed the check-point with no problems. Trucks exporting coal from Pljevlje and chip-wood from the Jakic factory in Pljevlje crossed the border into Serbia. <br>However, 6000 copies the Serbian opposition daily paper Blic, which was printed in Montenegro, was confiscated at one of the check-points by the Serbian police. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem959249020,98674,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Predrag Bulatovic: I would refuse to organize public meetings directed at de-stabilizing Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/prbulatovic.jpg" align=left>Following the broadcasting of parts of the meeting between the SNP (pro-Milosevic opposition in Montenegro) and Slobodan Milosevic, deputy president of the SNP, Predrag Bulatovic who headed the SNP delegation at the meeting claims that the filming and subsequent accusations made are untrue. “I maintain it is simply crude political deceit intended to show that Predrag Bulatovic and the SNP are a political party with no independence which accepts orders and is not working for the good of Montenegro. The tone on the tape is not only unclear but different words can be heard in the background. This is a classic political deceit”, said Predrag Bulatovic at a press conference yesterday. <br>“I have denied that I have been requested to organize public meetings to de-stabilize Montenegro. And even if I was asked to do this I would refuse to, because Montenegro’s problems are such that they only belong to Montenegro and I have always promoted and shall promote that these problems be resolved through peaceful political means, through dialogue, agreement and compromise”, said Bulatovic.<br>Predrag Bulatovic added that there are many people in Montenegro who want to present him as someone’s minion. “I am not a minion and I shall never be one. I am certainly not going to accept orders”, said Bulatovic.<br>Responding to the question of whether large public meetings will be organized by the SNP during the elections, as president Milosevic has requested, Bulatovic said: “The concept of a public meeting in the context of the political deceit I was talking about refer to demonstrations intended to overthrow the Montenegrin government, which are supposedly to be lead by Predrag Bulatovic personally. Unfortunately, there are people who would like to represent me in this light or as a man who does not speak the truth and accepts orders, but this is not the case. Such public meetings are out of the question as they are not a valid means for resolving political problems. At the moment we have a key democratic tool and these are the elections. The main focus of action around the elections is working on the voter registration lists. More than one thousand SNP supporters are working on updating the voter registration lists. A party which wants to utilize political and democratic means works on electoral policies”, said Bulatovic. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem959248958,69658,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Future of Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/svetistef.jpg" align=left>“Future of Montenegro” is a topic of a two-day international conference organized by the Montenegrin Foreign Ministry, and it is to be held in St. Stefan, on May 25-May26.<br>The conference is to be opened by the President of the Republic of Montenegro, Milo Djukanovic. Foreign minister, Branko Lukovac, and vice-president of the Privatization council, prof. dr. Veselin Vukotic are also to participate in the conference.<br>Apart from the representatives of Montenegro, managers and leading experts of European and world institutions for foreign policy, finance, and media from Great Britain, USA, Ireland, Italy and Germany also announced their participation.<br>They will exchange their views on the state and legal status of Montenegro and economic reforms, as well as Montenegrin attitude towards the region, European Union, and other international political and financial organization. <br>The conference is to be held in the Hotel “Sveti Stefan”, and it is to be opened on May 24, at 11 o’clock. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem959162323,74718,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Hombah: I am convinced that Montenegro is stable</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“The reconstruction of the breakwater for the Port of Bar, the reconstruction of the main dock at the Bijela shipbuilding company and the construction of the remaining part of the Herceg Novi Trebinje road are included in the ‘fast projects’ which are to be implemented this year. The construction of the regional water system for the coast is a large project and the implementation of this project shall start this year but it shall take longer for it to be completed. I shall stand behind all these projects personally at the conference in Thessaloniki on 8th June”, said Bodo Hombah, the Coordinator for the Stability Pact for Southeast Europe when visiting the Port of Bar. <br>For the full reconstruction of the port’s breakwater 23 million DMs, are needed and Hombah said that this is a matter which has been finalized, that the works in terms of the Stability Pact could start now and that he shall do everything to resolve the administrative barriers. <br>Stanko Zlokovic, the director of the shipbuilding company in Bijela said that the reconstruction of the main dock would need to start as soon as possible. Zlokovic said that the main dock was purchased from the GHK firm from Bleksen close to Hamburg and that contacts with them have been made as reconstruction is now needed. “Hombah said that the GHK firm is from his home town and that he shall do everything he can to make sure the best and quickest solutions are identified. Hombah also said he would encourage foreign ship owners to repair their ships in Bijela as he is “convinced that the situation in Montenegro is stable”. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem959162299,25335,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>An international conference to be held on the future of Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Montenegrin foreign affairs ministry has organized an international conference on the future of Montenegro to be held on Sveti Stefan on 25tha and 26th of this month. The opening speech shall be held by Milo Djukanovic and speeches shall also be held by foreign affairs minister Branko Lukovac and deputy chairman of the Privatization Council Veselin Vukotic. State officials and leading experts from the most respected European and international institutions from the field of foreign policy, finances and the media from Great Britain, the US, Italy, Germany and Ireland. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem959066780,7232,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro full participant of Stability Pact</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“It is very important that projects foreseen for Montenegro and its development get absolute priority, both in “quick start projects” as well as after that, since Montenegro and its development are of great significance to Stability Pact.” This is what Bodo Hombach, special coordinator of Stability Pact for Southeast Europe, said at the beginning of the press conference, after his meeting with the Montenegrin President, Milo Djukanovic.<br>The talks with the Montenegrin President were concrete, since this time we talked on concrete facts, and not plans and intentions. Montenegrin President is highly appreciated in Europe for he strongly represents Montenegrin interests, but also makes paths towards European integration, and cooperation. <br>Announcing to examine plenty of initiatives suggested by the Montenegrin leadership, Hombach emphasized encouragement to small and medium enterprises in Montenegro. <br>We are also to respond to Montenegrin wishes that Stability Pact should contribute to establishing cooperation and partnership between European and Montenegrin towns, said Hombach.<br>I suggested to your President a list of towns, which ask partnership with Montenegrin towns. Hombach said that what specially had given him pleasure was the fact that before the talks with the President and the Prime Minister he had been offered to talk with the representatives of political parties which is the first case for him of that kind in Europe, and also a good sign of democracy. <br>The purpose of Stability Pact is to minimize conflicts and deal with preventive diplomacy, and the Montenegrin policy avoided provocation and prevented the conflict. We monitored and supported that policy intensively. If that is interfering in the politics, than it is interfering with the intention to provide people democracy, preserve peace, provide social security… Hombach confirmed that Montenegrin independent media could also expect support within Stability Pact. <br>President Djukanovic estimated Hombach’s visit as the best confirmation of the attention that the EU and other important international factors are paying to the reforms and democracy development in Montenegro. <br>As the main topic of the discussion, President Djukanovic mentioned decisions of the financial conference held in Brussels late in March. Early in June, Montenegro is to participate in the Regional Table, which are to be held Solon. I believe specific projects are to be suggested, and supported through different kinds of financial support within the Stability Pact. <br>He emphasized the significance of providing financial support for the “quick start projects”, where Montenegro had candidated around twenty projects.<br>They also discussed the infrastructure projects, especially water supply infrastructure and the construction of the Sozina tunnel.<br>Djukanovic also promised that Montenegro was to continue to politically support all constructive and democratic solutions, which should lead to permanent stability and economic and democratic development of Kosovo. <br>President Djukanovic concluded that it was quite clear that starting reserves regarding full participation of Montenegro in Stability Pact because of Montenegrin special status had been removed.<br>Hombach is yet to visit Bar, Budva, Bijela, and Herceg-Novi. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem958992486,56023,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Those who committed the crime will not escape Hag</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“All members of the Tribunal are encouraged by the positive interfering and the attitude of the Montenegrin Government officials regarding the work of the Hag tribunal and the cooperation with it. The visit of the Montenegrin Premier to the Tribunal in March this year has been estimated as a very significant. We also hope to strengthen the cooperation and the good communication in order to unify the efforts and to ensure the mutual actions”, said Jim Landale, spokesman of the Tribunal, who is staying in Podgorica these days and participates at the symposium “The international tribunal in Hag for the war crimes on the territory of the former Yugoslavia – the facts and the models of cooperation”. <br>When answering the question on the possible delivering of some individuals from Montenegro to Hag tribunal, Jim Landale reminded that he was not competent to talk in the name of the prosecutor, but he said that all the signals coming from Montenegro pointed out to the good cooperation in all the areas.<br>“We are assured that if the Hag tribunal prosecutor asks for a cooperation or, in other words, for anyone’s ‘transfer’ to Hag, the Montenegrin officials will react positively”, said Jim Landale. <br>“The work of the Hag Tribunal is based upon its own Law system, which is the mixture of the Anglo-Saxon, and the continental Law system”, says Landale. “So for example there is no jury but only the judges who “weigh” the evidences and decide on the value of the evidences and the guilt of the accused which is considered non guilty until he is proved guilty, if proved guilty”, finished Landale.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem958992406,12087,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Former Yugoslav prime minister brings charges against the present Yugoslav prime minister</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Milan Panic, businessman and former Yugoslav prime minister has initiated libel charges against Momir Bulatovic, the federal prime minister and president of the SNP (Socialist People’s party – pro-Milosevic Montenegrin opposition) and submitted them to the main court in Podgorica. <br>In charges which the SNP has brought against prime minister Filip Vujanovic and ministers Predrag Drecun and Predrag Goranovic it is stated that Panic was enabled to purchase shares from the Health Institute Dr Sima Milosevic in Igalo, for 50% of their market value and that he was enabled to pay for them with medicines whose sell-by date has expired and which are delivered at a price which is ten times higher than the wholesale price. <br>“Panic has been seriously slandered, as he has not entered into any kind of agreement in his own name, he did not acquire property illegally, he did not distribute medication of a doubtful quality, nor did he sell it for ten times the wholesale price”, said Panic’s lawyer, Vladan Batic from Belgrade. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem958992370,36196,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Bodo Hombah to visit Podgorica and discuss projects with a “speedy start”</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Coordinator of the Stability Pact for Southeast Europe, Bodo Hombah, is to arrive in Podgorica today in an official visit to Montenegro where he shall meet with the Montenegrin leadership. The projects which Montenegro has submitted to the Stability Pact especially in the category of the projects with a “speedy start” are to be discussed. These include the reconstruction of the main breakwater of the Port of Bar, the construction of a regional water system for the Montenegrin coast as well as the Herceg Novi – Trebinje road and the reconstruction of the large ancorage in the shipping reconstruction company Bijela. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem958819458,31206,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The citizens must be faced with what the individual persons in the Balkans were ordering and doing</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/hagtrib.jpg" align=left>“The establishing of the Hag tribunal provokes different feelings in the region of the former Yugoslavia. The institution established by the UN security Council with the task to sanction the biggest crimes against the human kind and genocide is understood as the symbol of hope that the justice will be satisfied by ones and the others are afraid that this might happen. Some people understand the Hag tribunal as a warning for all those who plan to commit crime and the other understand it as a political mean of the international community”, said Srdja Darmanovic, the president of the CEDEM (Center for democracy and human rights) yesterday at the beginning of the two days seminar on the work of the Hag tribunal, being held in Podgorica.<br>“What the Hag tribunal really is will not be explained neither by this seminar. But at least our citizens will have an opportunity to learn something more on the work of this international institution”, estimated Darmanovic. <br>The seminar was attended by the representatives of the Supreme Court, the representatives of the Higher Courts of Podgorica and Bijelo Polje, the Constitutional Courts, representatives of the Parliament and Government, members of non-governmental organizations. After giving some basic information on some of the work of certain entities of the Hag tribunal, the members of tribunal answered the questions. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem958819417,85997,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Congratulations to Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Delegation of the Italian Ministry of domestic affairs pointed out, after the meeting with the Montenegrin colleagues headed by the assistant of the Montenegrin minister of domestic affairs Vuk Boskovic, the positive example of cooperation with Police department of Montenegro in stamping out of organized crime, especially related to trade with people, illegal drug selling, money-wash. The assistant of the Italian Ministry of internal affairs Massimo Bruti will, according got the announcements, visit Montenegro. “Two ministries also agreed upon the concrete ways of cooperation”, said for ‘Vijesti’ Branko Lukovac, Minister of foreign affairs after the first day of the meeting Adriatic-Eunian initiative.<br>The Montenegrin Minister Branko Lukovac met also the Croatian diplomacy chief Tonino Picula yesterday.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem958819381,43023,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Media monitoring in Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/cemislicica.jpg" align=right>Center for monitoring and Association of young journalists of Montenegro presented the first report on media work for the period of April 25 – May 9, 2000. Work of 13 media was monitored including three dailies from Serbia. The media are following: Montenegrin TV, Independent TV Montena, Elmag TV, Yu-Info, Radio Montenegro, Radio Antena M, Radio Free Montenegro, Vijesti, Pobjeda, Dan, Politika, Blic, and Vecernje Novosti. Monitoring of media means monitoring of political information where political subjects are mentioned, that is authorities or political parties. They paid attention to the space dedicated to political subjects, as well as the space where political subjects where mentioned I positive connotation, negative connotation, neutrally, no matter of who spoke about them. <br>Measuring the space gave to political parties to talk on themselves or to be talked on by a spokesperson or reporters, they got the following results: authorities got 90%, coalition YU-SNP-MB 5%, Liberal Alliance 2%, DPS, PP and SDP 15each of total space. In informative programmes of Independent TV Montena, the authorities got 67%, Coalition YU-SNP-MB 14%, DPS and PP 5% each, SDP 7% and Liberal Alliance 2%.<br>Elmag TV gave the authorities 80% of space. YU-SNP-MB got 16 % which is the highest percentage gave to a party, while DPS, LSCG got 2%, and PP and SDP did not get any programme space.<br>YU-Info TV mostly informed on federal authorities’ activities. In the period April 25-May9 they did not have more than one emission a day. The information always talked negatively on Montenegrin authorities and Montenegrin Orthodox Church, and from parliament discussions they reported only on the SNP MPs words. <br>“Pobjeda” gave 55% of its time to the authorities, and of all political parties PP got most of the time-11%, then DPS 10%, YU-SNP-MB 9%, SDP 7% LSCG 6%, DUA and DS 2%. “Vijesti” gave the authorities 51%, and of the political parties YU-SNP-MB got most of the space – 17%, DPS and SDP 10%, PP 6% and LSCG 4%.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem958727925,90489,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The Hague Tribunal has failed to act, but Ranisavljevic is on trial in Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/hagtrib.jpg" align=left>Nebojsa Ranisavljevic, who is charged by the high prosecutor from Bijelo Polje for war crimes against civilians committed in Strpci on 27th February is back on trial after it was temporarily suspended. The continuation of the trial is to start on 7th June, it was stated by the chairman of the Bijelo Polje high court, Dr. Vukoman Golubovic. <br>Ranisavljevic is charged for participating in an abduction of 20 passengers, mainly Muslims, from a train travelling from Belgrade to Bar when it stopped at the village of Strpci. The passengers were subsequently murdered on the territory of Bosnia and Hercegovina. <br>“The main investigation was carried out in May and June 1998 and was suspended because additional evidence was to be obtained. The most important evidence without which the trial cannot be concluded is located on the territory of Republika Srpska where the crime was carried out. As none of the evidence was made available in the previous proceeding, the court requested international legal assistance in obtaining evidence from competent authorities in Republika Srpska where the crime took place. “The information was requested three times, but no response was received. We then requested the Montenegrin Justice Minister to personally intervene and contanct the competent authorities in Republika Sprska”, said Golubovic and added that in March this year the court received an order from the municipal court in Serbian Sarajevo which permits the Main court in Visegrad to carry out investigative activities stated in the request. “This Decision was then replaced with another which permits the Bijelo Polje high court to directly carry out an investigation in Republika Srpska. <br>Ranisavljevic is only one of the 25 individuals who committed crimes at Strpci, but as the others are not accessible to Montenegrin state authorities as they are citizens of Bonsia and Hercegovina there were indications that this case would be taken over by The Hague Tribunal. <br>“This is why we waited until mid-May hoping a decision would be reached by the Hague Tribunal, but as they have been silent the conditions for continuing the proceeding have been met”, concluded Golubovic. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem958727868,65602,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Strengthening of the regional cooperation</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Italian Minister of the foreign affairs Lamberto Dini will have a conversation with Diplomacy chiefs of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia and Greece tomorrow at the two days meeting in Ankona. Minister of foreign affairs of Montenegro Branko Lukovac will also be present at this meeting as an observer. <br>The goal of this meeting is strengthening of the stability and cooperation in the region as Routers reports.<br>The meeting will be attended by the coordinator of Stability Pact for the southeast Europe Bodo Hombach and the chairman of the EU Romano Prodi and EU coordinator for safety Javier Solana.<br>Bulgaria, Macedonia and Turkey, as well as number of Fareast countries, the South Africa countries, some USA countries, Canada, Russia, Japan and the international humanitarian organizations will also be present at the meeting. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem958727779,48873,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Draskovic flees to Montenegro </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The leader of the Serbian Renewal Movement (SPO), Vuk Draskovic is in Montenegro where he has fled claiming that he is not safe in Belgrade. The last time Draskovic was seen publicly was on 15th May at a demonstration in Belgrade. He did not attend the meetings of opposition parties held in Belgrade following the regime’s persecution of independent media. Other representatives of the SPO have confirmed that Draskovic is not in Belgrade. Draskovic did not attend the protests held in Belgrade yesterday, which the police dispersed with the use of tear gas and police-bars. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem958645845,44436,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Milo Djukanovic: We have indications that the army could start a training session on the day of the local elections</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“We have indications that the army could start with a training session in Montenegro on 11th June. I hope we shall negotiate with the authorities in the YA, that more wide-spread mobilization does not take place as this could have an impact on the results of the election”, said Milo Djukanovic at a press conference in Brussels, following a meeting with the high-level representatative of the EU for foreign policy and security, Havier Solana. <br>Djukanovic said that such intentions are clearly a provocation by Milosevic and are about putting psychological pressure on the citizens of Montenegro. “This is nothing new, as Milosevic has been putting psychological pressure on Montenegrin citizens for the last three years. These pressures have backfired like a boomerang twice, at the parliamentary and presidential elections in Montenegro. With the use of such pressures Milosevic shall lose at these third elections in Montenegro”, said Djukanovic. <br>Responding to the question of whether Milosevic could, given his latest moves declare a state of emergency in Yugoslavia, Milo Djukanovic said: “There is not a single reason for declaring a state of emergency in Montenegro. A democratic process is being developed, intensive communication with the international community is taking place, human rights and media freedom are being achieved, and full multi-ethnic harmony is being secured. Milosevic has already tried to impose a state of emergency in Montenegro. This was during the NATO intervention in Yugoslavia. We opposed this idea and we managed to secure the regular functioning of civil authorities in Montenegro. If Milosevic attempted something similar again, our answer would be identical. So, a state of emergency shall not be declared in Montenegro”, said President Djukanovic. <br>President Djukanovic said that the 7th batallion of the military police is a typical paramility formation as it recruits members on a political-party basis. “Their training is quite specific as they are not trained to defend the country, but to destroy the democratic government in Montenegro. All points in the direction that Milosevic is preparing the infrastructure for a civil war and using the scenario from Bosnia and Croatia. But we are holding the situation under control and I am certain we shall safeguard the peace”, said Djukanovic. <br>“I am sure that peace in these times, is our ally. Our biggest mistake would be if we make a hasty move and fall into a Milosevic trap set up for initiating a new war. We are not sitting around with our hands crossed, we have taken over federal functions, but such a state cannot last for very long. Nevertheless, time is on our side, and we are fit enough to patiently run state policies which are carefully thought out”, said Djukanovic at the press conference. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem958558805,68032,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The generals are bothered that the Montenegrin leadership criticize them and give them no money</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/generali.jpg" align=left>The Yugoslav Army (YA) headquarters accused the high-level Montenegrin government leadership of “excelling” in more intensified verbal attacks and “unfounded accusations” directed at the YA.<br>“Certain persons from the Montenegrin leadership are more suited for the role of arbitrating than for the role of financing the YA. They have decided not to participate in the defense of the country and the YA, attempting to in this way weaken the defense capacity of FRY, which is unconstitutional and against the laws”, it is stated in the YA headquarters’ press release.<br>The headquarters claim that high-level government officials accuse the YA that it does not respect the Constitution of FRY, that it allegedly “has revolutionary intentions and that it is instrumental-ized and this is why it undermines the stability” of Montenegro.<br>“Experience so far has shown that such propaganda constructions are unfortunately similar to those made during the NATO aggression on FRY. The YA fully denies these and similar accusations, because they are untrue, biased, and directed at de-stabilizing the state and weakening the military alertness of the YA”, it is stated in the press release.<br>As stated by the headquarters, the YA fulfills its function exclusively in line with the Constitution of FRY and with the federal laws and that those “who attack her and make unfounded accusations behave in opposition to this”.<br>“The YA and the citizens know that the attacks and accusations serve certain foreign and domestic entities whose objectives were not achieved even during the NATO aggression. In this respect, the YA does not intend to be silent, but is going to, in addition to informing the general public about the truth, continue to, in line with the Constitution, consistently and fully carry out its responsibilities and duties”, it is stated in the press release. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem958558715,35042,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Slovenia is reliable friend</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The chief of the Montenegrin Diplomacy Branko Lukovac said that Slovenia respects towards Montenegro were the result of the support to the political direction of Montenegro and the continuation of good cooperation from the time SFRYU still existed.<br>“Slovenia is one of our most reliable friends” said Lukovac in the interview for the Ljubljana’s newspaper ‘Delo’.<br>He thanked Slovenia for giving Montenegro 30% of all the means intended for the Stability Pact. <br>“The property of all the Slovenian companies in Montenegro is listed and it is under the supervision of the Government. This property can immediately be accessible to all the Slovenian firms interested in working again in Montenegro”, said minister Lukovac.<br>He is of opinion that this is to be even faster resolved when the slovenian economical-informative office is opened in Montenegro.<br>“The federal Government has issued the authorization for the Slovenian Airline Company ‘Adria airways’ to establish the line between Slovenia and Montenegro. There are also some other signs that show that the renewal of the cooperation between Serbia and Slovenia is being accepted like an inevitable thing. When these relations are officially confirmed Slovenia could open its consulate in Montenegro”, added Branko Lukovac.<br>When asked if the Montenegrin Government is afraid of possible reaction of the Belgrade regime on the occasion of the Slovenian officials visiting Montenegro Lukovac answered that the invitation to the president Kucan had already been sent on the behalf of the Montenegrin Government.<br>“We would like him to visit Montenegro as soon as possible since it would be a strong support to our pro-European determination. Even though the diplomatic relations between Ljubljana and Belgrade are still not established, one should be conscious of the real situation: we exist as completely independent entity. This status is (un)officially confirmed by the international community”, concluded Branko Lukovac. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem958473412,94203,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro to get more than 100 million Euro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/eurom.jpg" align=left>Only from the EU, Montenegro is to get more than 100 million Euro of direct financial assistance during the year of 2000, said the President Djukanovic after his meeting with Commissar of the EU for external Affairs, Chris Patten. <br>At the Press Conference, held in Podgorica, President Djukanovic said the EU had already decided to assist Montenegro with 55 million Euro. He also reminded that it had been decided earlier to assist Montenegro with 20 million of Euro through the Program “Obnova”. Several days ago, European Council made a decision to give 20 million Euro for macro financial needs, while the Council for general affairs decided to support Montenegro with 15 million Euro for Food Programme.<br>European Investment Bank was clearly and directly recommended to speed up the procedure for granting 50 million Euro credit for Montenegro for achieving economic stability and infrastructure projects. <br>President Djukanovic expressed his gratitude to Chris Patten for his personal engagement in the EU system, since it is evident that after his appointment for this position Montenegro got long expected attention, and not only political but also concrete economical assistance. <br>Responding to the question if EU assistance to Montenegro would be bigger if Montenegro were an independent state, Patten has said that EU does not assist countries depending on if they are independent or not, but depending on the fact if they are democratic or not. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem958473385,13043,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The Second Army Division has been ordered by the Federal Government to terminate “Obod” exports via Bozaj</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The military check-point at the Bozaj boarder is still up and running despite the agreement between the Montenegrin and Albanian government to open up the border. In the mean time, the Second Division refers to the Federal government as the only ordering authority. <br>The General Director of the Obod factory (based in Cetinje which produces fringes, ovens etc) requested from the Commander of the Second Division of the YA, General-Colonel Milorad Obradovic, to enable smooth passage through the check-point at Bozaje, in order that the goods can be imported into Albania.<br>The request was sent to the Second Army on 5th May with an explanation of why this is needed. “Albania was for a long time an important market for us, and in some years Obod exported 15,000 fridges and washing machines to Albania. We have already agreed to send samples to two partners. The one from Tirana has requested ten samples and the partner from Skadar has requested 130 sample machines. These agreements were made over a month ago but the goods have not been sent because the trucks cannot pass the military check-point at Bozaje. For Obod, now that the factory is producing again, every potential market is of great importance, and according to estimates given, we could export 5 to 10,000 machines to Albania in this year. Mr. General we believe you understand our problems and we anticipate to receive a permit to ensure the smooth passage of our goods through the military checkpoint”, it is stated in the letter sent by Obod.<br>Following this, a letter authorized by the commander of the Second Division and sent by Major Momcilo Radevic was received. “We would like to inform you that the Commandment of the Second Army, despite good will and understanding for your problems, is not authorized to issue permits for the transfer of goods over the Bozaj border crossing. The border crossing is closed for the transport of goods on the basis of a Federal Government Decree. I propose you send your request to the ministries of the federal government”, it is stated in the letter sent by the Second Army Commandment. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem958390230,69683,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Political parties have forgotten the potentials of the internet</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Judging by the web-sites present on the internet, one would not assume that local elections are soon to be held in Podgorica and Herceg Novi. Montenegrin political parties obviously have a laid back approach towards the internet, and this shows that there is a lack of understanding in terms of the importance of the use of the global electronic network, for communication. Montenegro is, in this field, lagging behind, even in comparison to countries in Southeast Europe. For example, the propaganda war via the internet was the most attractive part of the election campaign in Greece. Politicians have obviously failed to realize the importance of this media, and some politicians do not count on obtaining support from internet consumers. <br>The number of registered internet users in the two municipalities where elections are to be held, demonstrates that the use of the internet as a media for campaigning in Montenegro has serious potential. In Podgorica there are around 4000 registered users and in Herceg Novi 757, out of the 8000 there are in Montenegro. If we assume that two to three people use one internet access, then this media should not be ignored. Especially when it is taken into consideration that the two municipalities where the elections shall be held, use the internet more than the Montenegrin average. <br>The internet site of the Social-democrats (part of government coalition) has not been updated since December last year and contains information which is out of date. The email button for contacting this party is out of use. <br>The DPS (Democratic Party of Socialists – leading government coalition party) internet site presentation is even poorer, in terms of available information. It contains a short propaganda text and an organizational scheme for the party, but only two sentences concern young people, who use the internet the most. The email addresses of the president and presidential spokesmen are not accessible, even though there is a marked place for them on the site. <br>The last time the web-site of the Liberal Democrats was updated was in 1997, whilst the SNP (Socialist People’s party) does not have an internet site.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem958390193,78548,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>EU commissioner visits Podgorica</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/euro.jpg" align=left>Chris Paten, the EU foreign policy commissioner is to meet with president Milo Djukanovic and prime minister Filip Vujanovic in Podgorica today, to discuss the implementation of urgent assistance to Montenegro in value of 40 million DMs for the continuation of democratic processes. <br>Paten is to visit the location of the reconstruction of the road to the airport and the Moraca bridge at the Sports Center, which are two projects both to be subsidized by the European Union. <br>Djukanovic is to continue discussions with the EU in Brussels on Wednesday where he is to meet with the European Commissioner for Security, Havier Solana. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem958221311,18148,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Once Milosevic’s dictatorship is over, his generals will be held responsible</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“It is not good to threaten Montenegro. Whoever made threats directed at Montenegro, did not do well for himself. Everyone should be aware of this and no one should throw their power around, in Montenegro”, said Djukanovic responding to a question posed by a Vijesti journalist at yesterday’s press conference. Djukanvic said that the Yugoslav Army can be in Montenegro and carry out its functions, only in line with the Constitution of FRY. <br>“All that is happening over the last few days is a serious warning to the most responsible officers in the YA to understand that their actions can contribute to the further spread of distrust amongst citizens towards the YA and distrust in the Yugoslav character of the Army. If they continue to behave like the private guard of one person they shall have to take most of the responsibility for destroying the Yugoslav character of the Yugoslav army and for the absolute loss of trust amongst Montenegrin citizens. The state authorities shall invest adequate energy to, in meetings with members of the YA, achieve those solutions which shall ensure that conflicts which do not suit anyone, are avoided and because of the belief that it shall be best for everyone if the representatives of the YA understand that they are only welcome in Montenegro if they behave in line with their constitutional responsibilities”, said Djukanovic. <br>He did not exclude the possibility that “when Milosevic’s dictatorship comes to an end”, the generals are held responsible, together with their supreme commander which they appointed. <br>In response to the question of whether the defense ministry shall be returned to the authority of Montenegro, Djukanovic said: “There is still time for those final moves to be made, which are needed to finalize the circle of Montenegrin infra-structure, but I believe that we should not be hasty with such moves, as there is still a chance for us to agree a joint country on a more contemporary basis with the Serbian political public.” <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem958221292,99513,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The Special units demonstrated what is awaiting those who embark on the state</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Members of the special units of the Montenegrin MUP, organized a tactical training session in the Zlatica training camp, which was managed by Commander Veselin Veljovic. <br>Veljovic said that the training has the aim of showing the level of capacity and skill of special units in carrying out given tasks and in showing the level of military motivation, security and self-confidence present. <br>During the two hour training session, the special units demonstrated an attack directed at terrorists and the freeing of a hostage in different situations. The overcoming of barriers in an anti-terrorist action, fighting skills and action with trained dogs was demonstrated. What drew most attention was a raid carried out in a building and a house, which included occupying the building, cleansing the terrain and the liquidation of terrorists. In some of the training dynamite, shock bombs, and real ammunition were used. The manifestation was attended by the MUP minister, Vukasin Maras and many other members of the MUP and other state authorities. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem958123808,86760,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro shall become independent when the minority becomes ready for this</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/filip.jpg" align=left>Prime Minister Filip Vujanovic proposed to Parliament the appointment of a new deputy prime minister and the appointment of the environment minister. However, the parliamentary discussion mainly focused on the issues of the relations between the military and the police, the Proposal for revising relations with Serbia and the international assistance to Montenegro. <br>One of the deputy presidents of the SNP (Socialist People’s party – proMilosevic opposition), Zoran Zizic accused the government for deceit. “All that this government is doing is bringing deceitfulness to its perfection. It is doing everything it can to undermine the joint state, but the citizens do not support this, neither does the parliament, as long as there are so many SNP representatives. This is not a government, it is a simulation of a government, which supports the robbery of property which belongs to the Serbian Orthodox Church and is a cruel despot towards its citizens”, said Zizic.<br>The claims made by a deputy president of the same party, Predrag Bulatovic, that the government manipulates with the possibility of obtaining foreign assistance, especially before elections, in order to imply that international loans will not be available if the SNP comes into power, were denied by Vujanovic who stated that the government gave no false promises and that there is no deceitfulness. <br>Vujanovic said that everything should be done to try and secure the joint state with Serbia on the basis of the Platform because there are historical and emotional reasons, but also joint interests for this. He, did however, also state that Montenegro can go forward, even if it is an independent state. Vujanovic added that if the response from the Serbian opposition is also negative, Montenegro has nothing else to add, and that the project of an independent Montenegro should be initiated when the Montenegrin minority is ready to accept this and when there is no risk of an internal conflict. <br>The SNP was accused of recruiting members for the 7th battalion, which it denied and accused the government of increasing the size of the police force. Vujanovic stated that the number of police is increased as a response to the establishment of the 7th battalion.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem958047983,34930,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Neighboring countries are turned towards the future</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic met with the Croatian Consul for Montenegro, Petar Poljanic. <br>President Djukanovic and Consul Poljanic concluded that the opening of the Croatian consulate in Montenegro is a key incentive to the readiness present on both sides to build bi-lateral relations on the basis of joint interests, and base them on good neighboring relations and respect for each other. President Djukanovic stated that the events from the recent past which burden the relations between Montenegro and Croatia should be heal as much as possible and a turn should be made towards constructive cooperation and a better future, which is in the interests of both Montenegrin and Croatian citizens. The contemporary Montenegro has expressed its readiness to be a responsible entity in relations to the adjacent countries and the region in which we live. President Djukanovic welcomes the democratic changes in Croatia and stated that this represents a significant impulse, not only for the re-vitalization of the relations between Montenegro and Croatia, but also for peace and stability in the region. <br>Consul Poljanic stated that the cooperation could be speeded up and bringing relations with Montenegro onto a higher level very soon. It was jointly concluded that the unresolved issue of Prevlaka is no longer and will not be a problem in our relations and the readiness to approach the resolution of the problem in a way which shall be painless for both sides. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem958047946,19964,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Is it true that military commanders are the target of sniper fire?</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Information Service of the Second Division of the Yugoslav Army and the Navy have, in a joint statement, demanded the Montenegrin Government give its explanation following the article in the “Independent on Sunday” in which it is stated that “secret training of snipers who are to get rid of the leading officers in the YA” is taking place and that “each YA commander is covered by one sniper…”<br>“We waited for a few days in the expectation that the state Montenegrin government authorities would react and would clarify the issue to the Montenegrin and Yugoslav general public, in other words that they would energetically deny the article if there are not basis for it. Instead of that, there is only silence and the shy denial from the internal affairs ministry. Such an approach does not contribute to the strengthening of trust and of the positive trend which exists on the relation between the Montenegrin government and the army of Yugoslavia”, it is stated in the press release. <br>“Given the content, the possible reflections and the consequences on the peace and security of Montenegro and Yugoslavia, such claims, irrespective of their validity, irrespective of who has stated them, and who releases such claims and with what aim, represent very dangerous information which the YA has to analyze very carefully and needs to take adequate measures in securing the full and efficient functioning of the army as a whole as well as all its segments, whilst taking additional measures of military alert. <br>If the activities tied to the snipers are in any way based on reality, this assumes an appropriate response from the YA and the re-direction of the sniper instruments, and what this would lead to, is completely clear. Some information and a number of findings from other sources in connection with the above and with similar activities of MUP (Ministry of Internal Affairs) of the Republic of Montenegro, to a degree, confirm the statements of journalists and this is why we believe an urgent need for a full explanation given to the general public is necessary”, it is claimed by the Information Service of the Second Army and the Navy. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem957952833,15252,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The army shall prevent the unconstitutional separation of Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/generali.jpg" align=left border=1>The Commander of the Second Division of the Yugoslav Army (covering Montenegro), Milorad Obradovic said that the “possible unconstitutional separation of Montenegro would be a catastrophic mistake and that the civil war in Montenegro would also be catastrophic. He stated that the army shall do all to, in line with its responsibilities, prevent such a tragic attempt”. <br>Responding to the question of whether the separation of Montenegro would be dangerous for the state of the army Obradovic said: “If unconstitutional and illegal moves were taken which jeopardize the country’s sovereignty and its constitutional order, the army has to, in line with article 133 of the Constitution of FRY stand as an institution whose role it is to defend its country and its people”.<br>Obradovic said that the separation of Montenegro would be “not a large, but a catastrophic mistake” and that “inciting a conflict would lead to an extremely delicate situation” and that “a civil war in Montenegro must not happen, under any conditions”. Obradovic said that Montenegro and Serbia were never, throughout their history on opposing sides and stated that the army believes that such situations can be avoided. “But we are here to, in line with our authorities, present any such possible tragic move. The political battle can continue for years, but through democratic means, and not by entering into a war-flame”, said Obradovic and added that his message and warning to all who would, as he put it “try out such a scenario, not to even think about it, because a civil war in Montenegro would be catastrophic”. <br>Obradovic stated that the army has brought attention to the unsuitable size of the authorities and units within the police and that they have not only hand guns, which as he put it “are not suitable for the police”, but they have got hold of weapons for anti-artillery and anti-aircraft battles. <br>“If the police is thinking of being on a par with the army or to in any way, be a balance of forces, everyone should know that this is against the constitution and that the army shall not allow this. The army is, in this sense, un-violable, said Obradovic and stated that the police, over the last period is not, participating in the so-called thorough security of the country neither in relation to Albania nor in relation to Republika Srpska. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem957952785,93407,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Another 50 observers needed for the local elections</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The OSCE mission in Montenegro is preparing for the arrival of 50 observers for the local elections in Podgorica and Herceg Novi, after they receive their accreditation in Vienna. These elections shall be observed by high level members of the international community, including ambassadors. <br>This is what the members of the expert team headed by Paul O’Grady from the OSCE mission in Warsaw informed the parliamentary chairman Svetozar Marovic. <br>This team has come to Podgorica following an invitation from Marovic. Those heading the Monitoring mission of OSCE have emphasized that they shall “monitor the elections impartially and objectively which is the basis of the charter of this international institution”. <br>The chief of mission of OSCE for Montenegro, Julian Peel Yates, was present at yesterday’s meeting. <br>“President Marovic and the OSCE representatives emphasized, as a key factor for political life, the adoption of a number of election laws in the Montenegrin parliament on the basis of high level consensus by the political parties, which is, as was concluded on both sides, one of the conditions for ensuring the elections are held in a democratic and tolerant atmosphere. Marovic, in connection with this, emphasized that democracy is needed for all, for the government to take the state forward and for the opposition to control the government, and repeated the expectations that the OSCE Monitoring mission, shall, during the local elections in Podgorica and Herceg Novi, through its role, promote democratic standards of the international community on the basis of which Montenegro sincerely wants to build its future and its development”, it was stated by Marovic’s cabinet. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem957868797,84630,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro in 2010 in the EU</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/euro.jpg" align=left>The Montenegrin minister of foreign affairs, Branko Lukovac stated that this republic could become a full member of the European Union in 2010 in line with the orientation of the Stability Pact which is setting the conditions for membership of countries for Southeast Europe. <br>“Montenegro is still not in a situation to negotiate, because we are not a full member of the international community, but the moment we start, either as part of the existing joint country or alone, to negotiate with the EU then the implementation of a special program begins”, said Lukovac, in an interview with the Economist Magazine. <br>Montenegro has still not decided to abandon the joint state with Serbia, according to Lukovac. But if a positive response to the proposal for revising relations with Serbia is not received, it can be expected that Montenegro alone, shall become a member of the EU.<br>“Then we could start negotiations with the EU immediately, we would make a certain agreement, agree a program and start the process of adapting different aspects of life in Montenegro to the rules and regulations which are outlined for full EU membership”, said Lukovac. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem957868749,85848,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Monitoring of the media and the legislative body for the election campaigns</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The members of the board of delegates of the Montenegrin government, Dr Miomir Mugosa, Dragan Soc, Dusan Simonovic and the coordinator of the legislative body Djordje Vukcevic met with an OSCE delegation headed by Chief of Mission for Montenegro, Julian Peel Yates, in Podgorica, yesterday. The chief of mission informed the hosts of the structure of the monitoring mission for the up-coming local elections, which are to be coordinated by Paul O’Grady and informed that the commission activities shall especially focus on the media and the electoral legislature. <br>According to Mugosa’s assessment the transparency of the municipal authorities in the preparation for the local elections does not leave any space for more serious objections made by political parties on the on-going implementation of electoral procedures. The criticisms of some parties on the electoral preparations were characterized by Simonovic as an alibi for their predicted failure at the elections, whilst Soc said that he fully trusts OSCE and hopes this organization is “vigorously present in the election procedure”. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem957779994,16079,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Washington is expecting the changes in Belgrade</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The vice president of the Montenegrin Government Dr Dragisa Burzan had a number of encounters with the representatives of the State Department as well as with the representative of other influential governmental and non-governmental institutions in Washington during the last few days. He talked to Mr. James Swaigart, the assistant of the State secretary and Chack Ashley, the expert in-charged for the Region of Montenegro and Serbia in the American administration. Besides, the vice-president of the Montenegrin Government met the representatives of the very influential companies and non-governmental organizations, whose experience and financial help may be of great help for Montenegro.<br>“State Department representatives estimate as a very significant the OPIC guarantees taht enable the investments of the American investors in Montenegro. It is a big step towards the economic reforms and reconstruction of the Montenegrin economy”, said Dragisa Burzan for Pobjeda. He informed about the ascertainment of Mr. Swigart that, “comparing to the other countries in the region, the concrete USA help intended for Montenegro is the biggest one because of the significance Montenegro has in implementing the democratic reforms in the southeast Europe.”<br>“All the meetings in Washington point out to the quick economic recovering of Montenegro and its becoming the part of the world of better policies and better economy, and also to its more intensive European and transatlantic integration” estimated Burzan. <br>“Concerning the current relation between Montenegro and Serbia, that is concerning the future of FRY, the USA administration persist in its previous attitude” Burzan said. “Namely, there are some serious worries regarding the current relation of Belgrade regime towards the Government in Podgorica. But, USA does not want the new conflicts and everything should be done in order to stop the current tensions be manifested in any kind of conflict.<br>And they very precisely repeated their recognized attitude that only the democratic methods can be used in resolving the problems and they expressed their expectation that Montenegro would make no radical movements which would “provoke” Milosevic reactions. The USA does not insist upon the independence of Montenegro at the moment and expects its political activities regarding the relation with Serbia with the aim of improving it. America also does not want to define the future relation between Montenegro and Serbia and it leaves it upon the democratic decision of the citizens. But at the moment the USA does not see ‘the good ambient for such processes.”<br>“Montenegrin Government has done everything, and will keep on doing so in future, not to provoke but even to stop any kind of conflict” said Dragisa Burzan, pointing out that the economic development and the intentions of Montenegro to intensively enter the international integration would certainly be the priority. However all misunderstandings with the Belgrade regime would be resolved by political means. Montenegrin leadership would certainly do nothing that would provoke the conflict but on the contrary it would support all the democratic reforms, economic and other cooperation with the purpose of democratic resolving of all the issues.<br>The vice president Burzan will have some more meetings during his working visit to America. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem957779953,3277,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Momir Bulatovic should himself state why he hates the Montenegrin police </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“The accusations made by Momir Bulatovic and directed at the Montenegrin police are unfounded. They are a consequence of his hatred directed at the Montenegrin police”, said Vuk Boskovic in a statement for Vijesti, following the latest statements made by the federal prime minister. <br>In an interview with Palma Plus television, Bulatovic said that there are many mercenaries in the Montenegrin police and that the members of this police force are unprofessional policemen who cannot even check a driving license. He accused the Montenegrin Ministry of Internal Affairs for training certain units of the Montenegrin police for anti-aircraft and anti-artillery activity. <br>“The citizens of Montenegro have recognized in Momir Bulatovic, a man who is speaking fabricated facts and a man who hates the Montenegrin police. His latest television appearance was along these lines, and once again he stated fabricated information, and expressed animosity and hatred. I therefore do not think it is necessary to deny all the fabricated facts and insinuations individually”, said Boskovic. <br>In the interview with Vijesti, Boskovic said that Momir Bulatovic most probably hates the Montenegrin police so much because he cannot command over it and cannot send it to a new war front as he did with the Montenegrin police in 1991 when he sent it to the Dubrovnik war front. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem957610352,78304,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>40 million DMs urgently needed for Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The foreign ministers of the European Union are to discuss the prepared mechanisms for the provision of additional assistance to Montenegro, including attractive loans from the European Investment Bank for macro-economic projects in the value of 50 million euros, it was stated by officials in Brussels. <br>A final decision on this issue is to be made by finance and foreign affairs ministers next Monday. <br>The European Commission has proposed the government in Podgorica is urgently assisted with 20 million euros (40 million DMs) and that budget guarantees for the loans from the European Investment bank are issued in the value of 50 million euros. <br>As sources in the Ministerial Council of the EU have emphasized, the assistance is extremely important, especially in the context of the upcoming local elections in Podgorica and Herceg Novi. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem957610335,96123,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Zarko Rakcevic: The platform offered to Serbia does not exist any more as the deadline for a response from Serbia expired half a year ago</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The president of the Social democrats (part of governing coalition), Zarko Rakcevic, reacted sharply to the statement made by their coalition partner, a high level official from the DPS (Democratic Party of Socialists), Dragan Djurovic, when he stated that the DPS shall soon start a series of discussions on the Platform for revising the relations with Serbia with the representatives of the unified Serbian opposition. “The coalition government has not made any concrete decisions to open a new circle of negotiations about the Platform with someone who represents themselves as the democratic alternative to the regime in Serbia”, said Zarko Rakcevic, the president of the Social democrats in an interview with Vijesti. <br>Rakcevic stated that after the Platform was adopted in August, there was an internal agreement that the government shall wait for a response from Serbia until November, and therefore that Dragan Djurovic can talk only in the name of the DPS. <br>“We do not wish to influence the views of any political party, and this includes our coalition partners who have an admirable dose of patience and enthusiasm in relation to the issue of FRY. However, it is not a government view, that the government shall open a new series of discussions with the Serbian opposition. In terms of the SDP, we have our manifesto from 1998 for which the starting point is an internationally recognized Montenegro and an internationally recognized Serbia. We believe it is Utopia to believe that it is possible to establish an equal relationship with Serbia. The attempt to find allies amongst those who treat Montenegro in the same or an even worse in relation to the issue of elementary national and state rights, is futile”, said Rakcevic. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem957525142,83891,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Momir Bulatovic ordered the Montenegrin police to go to the Dubrovnik war front</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/hagtrib.jpg" align=left>Investigators from The Hague Tribunal who are gathering evidence in Croatia on committed war crimes carried out during the attack on Dubrovnik are, amongst other issues, looking into whether Montenegrin units participated in this attack and whether its government officials were involved in it in any way.<br>Some evidence has been acquired directly against the then president of the Montenegrin presidency, Momir Bulatovic, who is currently the Federal Prime Minister. <br><img border=1 src="images/momotuzni.jpg" align=right>The possible indictment against Bulatovic could be based on the order to utilize the police to participate in the attacks at the Dubrovnik war front, which he issued as the president of the Montenegrin presidency on 1st October 1991. <br>Investigations on war crimes at the Dubrovnik war front in autumn 1991 is already being carried out by investigators from The Hague in Croatia. A visit from the main prosecutor Karle Del Ponte to Montenegro is expected soon. Prime Minister Vujanovic met with her at the beginning of February in The Hague when he stated that Montenegro shall fully cooperate with the War Crimes Tribunal, irrespective of the stance of the Belgrade regime” and stated that “The Montenegrin state leadership is willing to extradite all those suspected for carrying out war crimes, whose arrest would not be risky in terms of causing internal conflicts in Montenegro and leading to numerous victims”.<br>The document which provides the evidence against Momir Bulatovic, which is marked as “Official secret – strictly private and confidential”, is dated 1st October 1991. The document is an order including four points which is based on article 3 of the Decision on utilizing the police for carrying out military duties. The text of this order is as follows:<br>I Order the following,<br>I. The drafting of the special units of the police are to be mobilized on 2/10/91 with the responsibility of carrying out military duties of the armed forces in the war conflict on the border between the Republic of Montenegro and the Republic of Croatia. <br>II. This unit shall act both alone and together with the units of the Yugoslav National Army conduct specific military-political tasks, in line with the utility plan, which will be devised by the operational commandment at the Dubrovnik front. <br>III. The direct commandment of the units will be carried out by the seniors in the police who are identified by the Minister of Internal Affairs.<br>IV. The Ministry of Internal Affairs shall equip these units with the necessary arms and identity, sanitary and other practical and technical goods and shall secure transport of these units from the mobilization assemblage point to the agreed location. <br>The President of the Presidency<br>Momir Bulatovic<br>On the basis of point 3 of this order the internal affairs minister, the late Pavle Bulatovic ordered the mobilization of the special police units. The responsibility for the direct command of these units was given to Milisav Mico Markovic who was then the assistant to the minister for public security and now the assistant of the federal minister of internal affairs.<br>When Bulatovic moved from the presidential cabinet in January 1998, Bulatovic took with him all the government documentation. However, some of the key documents concerning the Dubrovnik war front reached the Croatian state authorities who cooperate with The Hague Tribunal, in an unknown way. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem957440923,61315,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The churches in Njegusi are, after 80 years, once again Montenegrin </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/grb.gif" align=left>The residents of the village Njegusi and those who originate from this village signed a petition which includes 1.200 signatures and on the basis of this, decided that the fifteen churches in the surrounding areas of this village are returned to the revived Montenegrin Orthodox Church (MOC). At the gathering held in the Njegusi hotel it was stated that all sacred buildings are the property of the MOC and that no one has the right to, under any excuses, utilize or seize them.<br>“Our churches, as well as our hearts, will always be open for all who have faith, for friends and people with good intentions”, said the President of the Church board, Niko Blazov Popovic. <br>Rade Kustudic, who is also a member of this board said that “Njegusi have been exposed to the raiding and violence of Serbian priests”.<br>“The Serbian church leader for Montenegro Amfilohije Radovic, whose appointment was made possible by the occupation decree and who has deep hatred to everything that is Montenegrin would come to the village without invitation to break the sacred Petrovic cake, whilst forgetting that he is part of the ideology which had forbidden the Petrovic name to be mentioned and which committed crimes in Montenegro. As he saw that in Njegusi he did not have support for his dark intentions, assimilation and the Serbianizing of Montenegrins, he brought people from other areas in order to, in his well known style, fool the public that the Njegusi people await him and support him”, said Kustudic.<br>The priesthood of the Serbian Orthodox Church (SOC), even though they stated the day earlier that the Njegusi churches belong to the Serbian Orthodox Church did not come to Njegusi, and so the gathering was finished without any risky incidences. On the road from Cetinje to Njegusi there were many police patrols. There were members of the special police force in the village as well as policemen in civilian clothes. <br>Lazar Popovic from Njegusi who is seventy seven years old said that the churches were built by their ancestors under very difficult conditions and that the locals were irritated by the arrival of the SOC and Mitropolit Amfilohije. “Now what was taken away in 1920 when Aleksander Karadjordjevic abolished the MOC has merely been returned”, said Popovic. <br>“I believe the state of Montenegro shall become sovereign and free as it was the case for centuries and that it shall be a state which is friendly towards everyone”, said Popovic. 66 year old Blazo Popovic stated that Njegusi were especially offended by the behavior of the Mitropolit Amfilojie of the SOC.<br>“He started somehow using force, insisting that you have to respect what he says, he brought people from the other areas, and negated everything that is Montenegrin. He intended to Serbianize the Montenegrins, but he will not manage this. Our ancestors attempted to return their statehood with arms from the Serbian forces in 1918. Now there is a possibility of doing this in an elegant and democratic manner. The young people support this. We are here to support them”, said Popovic.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem957440828,23739,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Milosevic must not harm Djukanovic</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The general secretary of NATO, George Robertson stated yesterday that President of FRY Slobodan Milosevic must not harm the democratically elected government of President Milo Djukanovic in Montenegro, but emphasized that “there are no signs”, that the government in Belgrade is currently preparing such moves. <br>In an address to journalists, Robertson said that NATO “shall continue with its mission of ensuring conditions of security in Kosovo” and that priority will be on extracting and applying the lessons learnt from Kosovo”. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem957348395,33877,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>I am certain that other leaders shall change</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/mihailo.jpg" align=left border=1>The greetings from the president of Montenegro Milo Djukanovic to members of the Montenegrin Orthodox Church (MOC) for Easter are a rightful human and democratic move, which could have happened much earlier. President Djukanovic did not only send greeting to the MOC as it is standard for a state leaders to send greetings to his own and all other churches which exist in the country,” said the head of the MOC, Mihailo, in response to the greetings sent by the president to the MOC for the first time since this church has been revived. <br>Mitropolit Mihailo of the MOC believes the fact that greetings were not sent by the parliamentary chairman and by the minister of religion to the MOC is a mistake as “their duty is to send Easter greetings to all religious denominations”. <br>“These are mistakes made by specific Montenegrin leaders but I believe they shall change”, said Mitropolit Mihailo. <br>Responding to the question of whether Djukanovic’s greetings can be understood as meaning that the state has recognized the MOC, Mitropolit Mihailo said that it is not the state, which should recognize a church, but rather it is canon law. <br>The statement made by the head of the Montenegrin branch of the SOC Mitropolit Amfilohije, that “irrational people, amongst them those who should be most responsible individuals in the state, are attempting to bring back the use of the bloody knife amongst brothers” in response to Easter greetings sent to the MOC by the president, Mitropolit Amfilohije sees as proof that Amfilohije “most probably wants something like this to happen in Montenegro”. <br>The civil wars in former Yugoslavia have shown that Amfilohije has, in the past been prepared for such moves. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem957348293,71965,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The manufacturing capacities of the Aluminum Factory to put to international tender</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Director of the Aluminum Factory in Podgorica, Mihailo Banjevic stated that the Privatization Council has already prepared the advertisement to put out the manufacturing capacities of the factory to international tender and that it will be published by mid-may at the latest.<br>Banjevic said that the representatives of the French Commercial Bank who are also the financial advisers for the sale of the factory met with the Privatization Council to agree on the details around this tender. <br>Foreign partners have shown interest in buying these capacities, but have stated that investment risks are still high because of the complex political situation in Montenegro and the region, it was stated by the factories’ management. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem956741561,22146,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Ministers of foreign affairs of Montenegro and Albania sign a memorandum on cooperation</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“Albania respects Montenegro’s sovereignty and has no territorial aspirations over its territory. We wish to establish good neighborly relations with Montenegro and respect the rights of minorities on both sides of the border, which is also important in terms of our relations with the international community. The status of Albanians in Montenegro needs to be developed but always within the framework of the recognition of sovereignty and through recognized institutions”, said the Albanian foreign minister Paskal Milo, after signing the Memorandum on cooperation together with the Montenegrin Foreign minister, Branko Lukovac. <br>The Albanian foreign minister stated that in meetings with the Montenegrin prime minister, parliamentary chairman and foreign affairs minister a range of projects within which Montenegro and Albania shall cooperate on as part of the Stability Pact have been agreed. “The joint projects include the reconstruction of the railway between Skadar and Podgorica and the building of the Adriatic-Eunian highway. We are also thinking about opening a border crossing at Sukobina-Murici close to Ulcinj”, said Milo. <br> “It has been agreed that a meeting will be held by the health ministers in Tirana and the finance ministers in Podgorica. We shall also participate in the first conference on the Adriatic Initiative to be held in Ankona. We shall submit joint projects as part of the Stability Pact, which we believe, shall obtain support. We need to utilize our joint resources, link our energy systems and infrastructure and modernize our ports and ships”, said Lukovac. <br>This visit was the first official visit of an Albanian government representative in the last 50 years. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem956741479,11611,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Another close associate of Milosevic’s is assassinated</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/jat.jpg" align=left>The General Director of JAT (Yugoslav Airlines), Zika Petrovic was murdered last night at 9:30pm in front of his parents’ house in Jase Prodanovic street in Belgrade. <br>When he exited from his car and was walking towards the flat in which he lived until recently he was shot at from an automatic weapon, most probably a ‘Scorpion’. <br>According to statements made by witnesses, at least two young men were seen running from the place of the murder. The police blocked all the surrounding streets and started an investigation. <br>Zika Petrovic had been the main man in JAT for the last eight years. He was at the top of the governing elite and had many powerful contacts and was close to the Milosevic family. Zika accompanied president Milosevic in his last diplomatic visit, which was to China. <br>The Director of JAT was also a member of the negotiating team of the Serbian government meeting with the Montenegrin government to agree on the ownership of the airports in Podgorica and Tivat. This is why Petrovic visited Podgorica on a number of occasions over the last few weeks. <br>Petrovic was born in 1939 in Pozarevac. He had been working for JAT since 1968 where he started off as a Controller for welcoming and seeing off passengers and was promoted up the ranks to the position of general direction in 1992. <br>Petrovic was married with two children. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem956662052,62560,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Russia supports the advantages of the joint country of Montenegro and Serbia</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The views of Montenegro and Russia on a range of issues relating to the situation in Yugoslavia are very similar or identical, it was concluded at a meeting between president Milo Djukanovic and the newly appointed Russian ambassador for Yugoslavia Valerij Jegoskin. <br>In the press release from the president’s cabinet, it is stated that “in a thorough and open meeting both sides emphasized the importance the traditional friendship between Montenegro and Russia will have in rejuvenating political, economic and cultural cooperation based on common interests”. <br>President Djukanovic particularly emphasized the importance of a more active participation of Russia in the resolution of a whole range of problems which Yugoslavia has had to face in the last few years, and emphasized the that the Stability Pact for Southeast Europe is a chance for the international community as a whole to support a more successful process of political and economic reconstruction and integrate the Balkans in its more developed European surroundings. The importance of maintaining continual political contacts between Podgorica and Moscow at a high level, was also recognized, is was stated in the press release. <br>Parliamentary chairman Svetozar Marovic also met with Ambassador Jegoskin at which Jegoskin stated that his country support the advantages of the joint country of Montenegro and Serbia. These are, as he put it, two brotherly nations, for which the joint state provides more possibilities than the nations would have if they were divided, it is stated in the press release from Marovic’s cabinet. Marovic explained the efforts Montenegro is making in terms of resolving the crisis in a peaceful and democratic manner and explained the basis of the Platform of the Montenegrin government on revising the relations between the republics in FRY. <br>The newly appointed Ambassador, together with the newly appointed Russian Consul to be based in Podgorica Durnjev, met with prime minister Filip Vujanovic. Vujanovic stated his satisfaction for Russia’s constructive policies towards Yugoslavia. A range of issues related to strengthening economic cooperation were discussed and these are expected to be intensified once the Russian general consul for Montenegro moves into his offices. Special emphasis was put on improving cooperation in the field of tourism. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem956661993,73271,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The Stability Pact projects are significant for both countries</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Monteengrin Premier Filip Vujanovic received the Albanian Government delegation headed by Albanian Minister of foreign affairs Paskal Milo.<br>During the open conversation they exchanged their opinions on the current situation in the region. The special attention was paid to the economical situation and the infrastructure projects of the regional character in the scope of the Stability Pact for the south east Europe, which are very significant for both countries.<br>Albanian Minister of foreign affairs emphasized the democratic and reform orientation of the Albanian Government determined towards the cooperation in the region, establishing of friendly neighboring relations and entering the European integration.<br>The Montenegrin Premiere expressed his satisfaction with the realized results regarding the trilateral meeting of Macedonian, Albanian and Montenegrin Premiers in Ohrid. He also emphasized the significance of the economical cooperation in all spheres and significance of resolving all the important question among the neighboring countries in the region through dialogue.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem956570665,21221,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Conditions have been met for everyone in Montenegro to receive their salaries in DMs</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/marka.jpg" align=left>The dinar will definitely be withdrawn from circulation in Montenegro, as this will be the consequence of the latest decisions made by the Monetary council on changing the dinar/DM exchange rate and the decisions brought by an increasing number of companies to opt for dealing only in DMs. <br>The exchange rate will, according to the president of the Monetary Council, Bozidar Gazivoda, depend on how Belgrade behaves, that is on the amount of dinars the Yugoslav National Bank releases and on the influx of these dinars into Montenegro.<br>As from yesterday bread can be bought only in DMs, and a similar decision has been brought by the milk producers. For some time it has been impossible to buy petrol in dinars. Other producers have also implied they will switch to using only the DMs. The Podgorica Milk Producers alone have lost 400 000 DMs because of the differences in the exchange rates, since the introduction of the dual currency system. The Impek bread producers lose 200 000 DMs on the production of 1.500 tons of bread. <br>Commenting on this, Gazivoda said that the producers’ interests have to be taken into consideration and that if they move to selling exclusively for DMs, they shall have much less accounting difficulties. <br>“Less than 10% of salaries are issued in dinars. The conditions for all salaries being paid in DMs have been met, and this recommendation has been made by the Monetary Council to the government”, said Gazivoda. <br>In this case only those individuals being paid out of the federal budget would receive their salaries in dinars, and these are mostly members of the Yugoslav army. The government proposed to them three months ago to issue their salaries in DMs and this would be compensated with goods from Serbia. Representatives of the government and the army discussed this proposal, but the army did not receive a green light from Belgrade for such an initiative. The Second Division organized retail shops in military buildings for its members and here they can buy basic foodstuffs at cheap prices in dinars. Only the military trucks carrying such goods pass right through the trade blockade at the Serbian Montenegrin border.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem956570615,65166,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Despite the parliament recommendation and protests made by former owners, nationalized property is on sale</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/hn.jpg" align=left border=1>Five restaurants whose owners are the public company “Budvanska Rivijera” are to be auctioned a the state press center at 12 o’clock today. The government Privatization Council submitted a public invitation to all those who are interested in buying, fifteen days ago. <br>Today’s auction will be held irrespective of the recommendation brought by the Montenegrin parliament in November last year, which asks the government and municipalities to refrain from selling buildings that have been nationalized, that is expropriated, until the Act on De-nationalization is agreed. As this law is still being finalized by government and is expected to be forwarded to parliament this year, it is surprising that these restaurants are on sale before this law has been adopted. Especially as the inheritors of former owners who are active in the Association for the Return and Protection of Private Property have voiced their concerns. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem956395568,18057,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Djukanovic wrote to Putin </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">According to “Nezavisimaja gazeta”, Montenegrin President, Milo Djukanovic sent a letter to Russian President, Vladimir Putin.<br>Djukanovic‘s letter was delivered to Moscow by his special advisor, Milan Rocen, who was received in pretty high level visit in Kremlin. <br>According to the article, Djukanovic expressed his view of the situation in the Balkans and the role of Russia in that region.<br>“Nezavisimaja” reminds this to be the second visit of the forces “opposing” Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic, for early in April, chief of Russian diplomacy, Igor Ivanov received the leader of the Serb Renewal Movement, Vuk Draskovic.<br>In this way, Russia is reinforcing its activities with all forces in FRY, making contacts with the representatives of official authorities on the high level, as well as with their opponents. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem956395554,54894,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Pascal Milo to visit Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania, Pascal Milo, together with his associates, is to pay an official visit to Montenegro on Monday and Tuesday, April 24-25. <br>On that occasion, Albanian chief of diplomacy is to talk with the highest Montenegrin officials including Montenegrin minister of foreign affairs, Branko Lukovac. They are to talk on improving bilateral cooperation, possible common projects within Stability Pact as well as the situation in the region.<br>During the visit, Memorandum on understanding, economic, trade and cultural cooperation between the Government of Montenegro and Albania is to be signed as well as the Protocol on cooperation between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem956395533,93437,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>New exchange rate</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Exchange rate of DM in relation to dinar, is to be determined on the basis of offer and demand, and Central bank is to publish it every day. The exchange rate for today, Saturday, April 22, is 23 dinars for 1 DM. It does not mean the same exchange rate is to be valid next days.<br>Central Bank explained that inter-bank foreign currency market was to be examined every day, as well as the exchange activities and the exchange rate on the black market in different towns in Montenegro, including Podgorica. Comparing all these rates, which depend on overall offer and demand, special expert team of the Central Bank of Montenegro is to summarize and analyze all these data, and give a proposal to Monetary Council on tomorrow’s exchange rate. Monetary Council is to make a decision either accepting new exchange rate or deciding to keep the same one, after which the Central Bank is to publish the exchange rate for tomorrow. <br>According to the Central Bank, the offer and demand between the citizens and banks, between banks and companies, or among different banks, are to be analyzed and decision to be made. So, after the assessment of the Monetary Council, the Central Bank is to publish new exchange rate. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem956313647,18313,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro deserves even bigger international recognition </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/miloincg.jpg" align=left>The Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic was answering the questions through the Internet last night. The hosts and the organizers of this kind of conversation, for the first time organized in Montenegro, were radio Antena M and the Internet Montenegro.<br>“The respectable president, I belong to the generation of young people who really believe that the Montenegrin flag would flutter on the East River, where it belongs and where it deserves to be.<br>It is your future, too and I truly believe that you are of the same opinion.” “All the things that would mean the state, democratic and cultural promotion of Montenegro in the international community I support with all my force and not only as the current president of Montenegro but as the Montenegrin who is very much interested in Montenegro getting even bigger international significance,” answered the president Dukanovic. <br><br><b>Privatization without secrets</b><br><br>“How would you comment on the statement of the Parliament president Svetozar Marovic, who is also the vice president of Democratic Party Of Socialists (governing party), that he belongs to those who are for transparency and legality of the privatization, contrary to those ‘who would like to buy without money and papers’ and ‘to buy people not only the property’,” was one of the questions of the on line participants.<br>“I absolutely understand and I completely support the attitude of Mr. Marovic that he will intercede in favor of the legal and transparent privatization. Not only Mr. Marovic or me or the Premier Vujanovic, but also all the responsible people who do not have to belong to the establishment in Montenegro will support such privatization and the consistent applying of the law that we established in the Parliament.<br>I do not know what negative examples Mr. Marovic meant to but I can guess, and it would be irresponsible to guess publicly. If there are such examples then the Privatization Council and other institutions in charged should point to those mistakes and disable the deviations. We know that in a whole world not only in Montenegro there is a universal rule of the international legislation in the sphere of the privatization and there is a practice that the certain objects and companies are privatized by paying regarding certain deadlines. If there are some obstacles in the performing of the payment obligation then there is a possibility to excluded the irresponsible subject from the privatization process and to renew the process through the additional intervention to the Privatization Council and funds. I believe that all the privatization subjects in Montenegro will provide the complete transparency and legality of the process” finished Milo Djukanovic. <br><br><b>The time is our ally </b><br><br>Is it true that non-resolving of the state-legal status of Montenegro just diminishes the strength of reforms?<br>“I would not say that any kind of postponing strengthens the anti reform forces. On the contrary, I think that the time is the ally of the reforms, of pro European forces in Montenegro. Just to explain it: we hardly won the elections in 1997 but in 1998 we had a significant majority comparing to the supporters of the opposite political option. And I am positive that during the last two years there is even more reform and democratically oriented people in Montenegro. I believe that time and peace are our allies. We avoid any kind of political movement that would endanger peace and that would mean getting into the trap set by Mr. Milosevic. We know that Milosevic is the master of war and that he is trying to provoke the war in Montenegro, counting that through the war he could stop Montenegro in its striving towards Europe. We should be patient and keep the peace and Montenegro. And finally, there is no doubt about Montenegro firmly going along the pro European road.” <br><br><b>Dubrovnik</b><br><br>Do you find it justified apologizing to the people of Dubrovnik for what was done in 1991 and 1992 concerning the fact that Montenegrins had a very numerous participation in this ‘battle’?<br>“I have never denied the responsibility of Montenegro or me as Premier at that period, for what happened in Dubrovnik, nor for the complete negative outcome on the ex Yugoslav political scene. I said that as a president of Montenegro I would do anything to improve the better understanding between Montenegro and Croatia, and if it implied the apologies to all the people directly influenced by the Montenegrin participation in the previous structure of the ex Yugoslav army then I would do it. However, we should all think about who is really supposed to apologize to all the Yugoslav people for what has been done. I consider Slobodan Milosevic and Franjo Tudjman the most responsible. No one in Montenegro does deny the responsibility for these events, but I just want to emphasize that there is someone else who is far more responsible for everything.”<br><br><b>The battle for power in the Socialist People’s Party circles</b><br><br>“I think that the conflict inside the Socialist People’s Party is exaggerated. I am of opinion that we have the expected battle for power inside the Socialist People’s Party (Bulatovic’s Party) between Podgorica’s and Belgrade’s wing. I don’t think they can hide this conflict for long time. It will probably escalate after the 12th June, that is, after their defeat at the local elections in Podgorica and Herceg-Novi.<br><br><b>Off-shore project still exist</b><br><br>What happened to the project of offshore zone?<br>“Offshore still exists. And not only exists but it advances very well taking into consideration all the circumstances we had to go through during the last few years. 700 companies have been established since 1996. Inspite of being influenced by the Balkans wars, the off shore project survived. Even more companies then expected were founded during that period. This project is in very favorable situation with very good perspectives,” concluded Djukanovic.<br><br><b>I separated form Bulatovic long time ago</b><br><br>“What are the consequences of the separation from Momir Bulatovic in 1996 and 1997?<br>“The political differences in the former Montenegrin political leadership were personified through Momir Bulatovic and me and they did not start in 1996 and 1997. These differences had been noticeable even before that period. The essence of these conflicts was connected to the understanding of dignity and the position of Montenegro inside the Yugoslavia. Mr. Bulatovic’s understanding of Montenegro was within Yugoslavia as ‘Yugoslavia without alternative’. So he was of opinion that Montenegro had to be part of Yugoslavia regardless to everything. On the other hand, number of people, and me of course, from the Democratic Party of Socialist thought that Montenegro was old, proud, European country with a long tradition, that it was a country where most of people decided upon living together with Serbia but not unconditionally and not at all coasts but only if it is completely equal to Serbia and if the future country would be democratic and integrated in Europe. Bulatovic was for the undignified position of Montenegro. Democratic Party of Socialists together with Socialist Democratic Party Rakcevic’ party – part of governing coalition) and People’s Party (Soc’s party - part of governing coalition) are establishing the state policy of Montenegro with the aim of preserving the Montenegrin dignity whether inside the Yugoslavia or as and independent state.” Answered Djukanovic. <br><br><b>Federal elections only the farce</b><br><br>“The question is how the elections in this kind of political-legal chaos could help the political stability, normalization of relations inside the Yugoslavia and the democratization of FRY. It would be only a new farce and it would only provide more time for Slobodan Milosevic in his effort to consolidate his positions.”</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem956308467,33178,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The Radicals promised the SNP they would create a “Greater Serbia” only after Yugoslavia is stabilized</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/skupstina.jpg" align=left>The discussion on the proposal on establishing a commission for monitoring the transparency of the privatization process made by the Social-democrats, continued in parliament, yesterday. However, the debate on the establishment of the pre-election coalition between the SNP (Socialist People’s party – proMilosevic opposition) and the Serbian parties in Montenegro, dominated yesterday’s parliamentary session. <br>The SNP representatives had to defend their selves for joining a coalition with the Serbian Radical party (led by extreme Serbian nationalist Vojislav Seselj) and JUL (Yugoslav left – lead by Milosevic’s wife) and explained that this coalition will not be a road to achieving the project of Greater Serbia. <br>“No one can implement the project of Greater Serbia either through the municipal councils or through this parliament. In terms of whether Greater Serbia will exist, or whether an independent Montenegro will exist is something the citizens shall decide and their view, that Montenegro should never become part of greater Serbia, is clear”, said Predrag Bulatovic. <br>He said that the Serbian Radical party has pledged that it shall abandon its program on Greater Serbia with respect to Montenegro because “Montenegro’s has a legacy of statehood”. <br>Zoran Zizic of the SNP also explained that the Radicals will not promote their project of a Greater Serbia while they are in the coalition with the SNP. “Tomislav Nikolic, the Radicals’ deputy president said to me personally that his party will suspend their project on Greater Serbia until Yugoslavia is stabilized”, explained Zizic. <br>The deputy president of the Social democrats (part of governing coalition) said that it is the SDP not the SNP which will guarantee that a Greater Serbia will not become a reality. <br>Dragan Djurovic of the DPS (Democratic party of Socialists - leading coalition party) said that “an order arrived from Belgrade according to which the SNP has to join into a coalition with these Serbian parties so that the Belgrade regime can control the Podgorica wing of the SNP”. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem956227886,7891,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro is closer to independence now, than it has been in the last 80 years</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/miloint.jpg" align=left>“The Montenegro of today has brought back Montenegro’s state dignity. The Belgrade regime obviously finds this difficult to accept because it has got used to an inferior Montenegro, and this is where the roots of the conflicts on the Yugoslav political scene are located”, said Milo Djukanovic in an interview for the Croatian daily Vjesnik. <br>Commenting the statement made by the writer Jevrem Brkovic that he has returned from ‘exile’ to find “Montenegro more Montenegrin than ever”, Djukanovic said that Montenegro is closer to its independence now, than it has been in the last 80 years. <br>Djukanovic confirmed that opinion polls show that the concept of an independent Montenegro is increasingly gaining support and said that this is linked with “the lack of possibilities in the Yugoslav federation, which is governed by the current regime”. <br>Responding to the question of why the Montenegrin leadership has not chosen the option of holding a referendum, Djukanovic said that “the internal situation is quite fragile”. <br>“Even if we assumed that the assessment that 60% of the population is for independence as correct, this fact shows that there is a deep and serious division in Montenegro. We hope that the internal political situation will be clarified, that is that first and foremost the tensions are reduced. Because if we are divided and we think differently this doesn’t mean we should have a war. This is why our government policies are marked with cautiousness. We do not want to hurry, as we want to avoid the negative experiences of Croatia, B&H and others who had to experience war. At the same time we do not want to sit around waiting but our state policy is to take over more responsibilities from the federal level to form a complete state infrastructure in order to meet the economic and social interests of our citizens”, said Djukanovic. <br><img border=1 src="images/hn.jpg" align=right>Responding to the comments that his attitude toward Croatia is radically different to what it was in the past when he stated that because of the “hated Croatian chess-like coat of arms” he has stopped playing chess, Djukanovic said that the beginning of the war was very emotional for him “and for all those Montenegrins who supported the idea of Yugoslavianism”. <br>“I can state with pleasure today that Montenegro has established good relations with all the former Yugoslav states – with Slovenia, Macedonia, B&H – and to much of my pleasure – with Croatia this being intensified after the last elections”. <br>With respect to the disputed territory of Prevlaka, Djukanovic said that “Croatia will have a constructive partner in Montenegro for the resolution of the issue of Prevlaka. The conditions are gradually being met for the international community intermediary to become unnecessary, as this issue can be resolved in the spirit of good neighborly relations between Croatia and Montenegro. The intensification of the problem and the long freezing of the issue of Prevlaka, is only in the interests of the Belgrade regime and its extended arm in Montenegro”, said Djukanovic. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem956227810,47896,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Masters of our own destiny</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/zastave.gif" align=left>“Montenegro and its people have the unique chance to become masters of their own destiny and to decide upon the better future. Its values are not in our past or in hate and conflicts, especially not towards our brothers and neighbors, but in the courageous, open relation towards what is best in the world around us. These are things that mean progress in all the spheres of policy, economy, science and culture. Montenegro is supposed to be ready for connecting and cooperation with those who want improvements. In order to enter these alliances as credible partner, equally legal and respected factor, it should do it completely independent, with no pressures or burdens of debts towards someone.” <br>“For the internal shifts in our economical, social and jurisdictional system and organization, the arrangement with the Stability Pact is enough. But with the current status we can not enter the formal negotiations and agreements on the beginning of the stabilization process regardless to the fact that we are the participants of the Stability Pact. Each Stability Pact country has to individually sign the appropriate contract with the EU in order to formally enter ‘the procedure joining’. He reminded: “Montenegro is still part of one country which is still under the enormous political, economic and the safety sanctions so it is not in the position to equally participate in the processes of the international cooperation and the integration processes, which are the absolute condition of our prosperity and international affirmation.”<br>“If we want to make some improvements in development some decisions, the decisions on the independent negotiating and conclusions on the agreements regarding entering the process of stabilization and joining to the EU, have to be brought very quickly.”<br>“In the name of good future of Montenegro and in the name of good future relations between Montenegro and Serbia we should find knowledge and strength to exit the current inappropriate frame and to start the dialogue on new and better relations, even the alliances” concluded Minister Branko Lukovac.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem956143545,71584,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>A minority is not going to make Montenegro turn back </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/milo-govor.jpg" align=left>“The relations between Montenegro and Serbia have never been more difficult. It is not a conflict between Yugoslav and anti-Yugoslav ideas, but rather the issue about two opposite visions of the future for Montenegro and Serbia. We see the joint country as a democratic and open one, whose standards are oriented towards becoming closer and closer to European standards. The other side sees Serbia and Montenegro as a dictatorship without any economic perspectives and without business development which could jeopardize the concept of the Belgrade dictatorship and of its public property”, said Milo Djukanovic at a public panel discussion held in Bijelo Polje. <br>The president of Montenegro stated that the Montenegrin political scene is deeply divided, and that the basis of the divisions are not the north and south, the Montenegrins and the Serbs, the old and the young, the village and the town. The divisions are based on the essential issue of who is for Montenegro in the 21st century and who is for a Montenegro in the 18th century. <br>“We obtained support for a Montenegro in the 21st century at the presidential and parliamentary elections and I am sure that the number of our supporters has increased over the last two years. This majority understands very well that the future of Montenegro is in democracy, a market economy and in European integrations. A minority which is inhibiting, will never be able to make Montenegro go back on to the old road. This road is based on a false history, on mythmaking, it is obsessed with digging into the past and with clan tradition and in this it ridicules Montenegro. The new young Montenegro shall not allow this. If Montenegro was at the crossroads three years ago, it then made the decision to take the road of European integrations and it is not going to go backwards”, said Djukanovic. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem956143492,60894,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Medojevic: This government will fall because of the voucher privatization process</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Nebojsa Medojevic, a member of the G17 Group of independent economists attended the conference on the Media and the Voucher Privatization Process and said that he came following an invitation from the Association of Independent Journalists and that he was not invited by the organizers of the seminar, the “Konrad Adenauer” organization. <br>“This government shall fall, because of the massive voucher privatization process”, said Medojevic, adding that this process was used as part of the last election campaign when the value of one voucher was assessed to be 10.000 DMs. “After the elections the value fell to 5000 DMs and now there is talk about establishing a points system’, said Medojevic adding that what characterizes the Montenegrin privatization process is that unrealistic figures are given. “In this way citizens are given unrealistic hope”, said Medojevic and added that the Montenegrin economy has suffered serious losses in the last three years. “in 1996 the losses amounted to 300 million DMs, in 1997 to 400 and in 1998 to 500 million DMs”.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem956137229,64986,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>President Djukanovic on Internet</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">President Milo Djukanovic is to answer the questions asked over the Internet. The radio station Antena M and the Internet Montenegro announced this. All those who would like to ask a question can do it today and tomorrow by e-mail, and President is to answer the questions live from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.<br>E-mail address for sending the questions is intervju@cg.yu , and for live conversation there is a site http:/www.intervju@cg.yu.<br>This is to be the first on-line interview in Montenegro. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem956137210,41982,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Politicians guilty for crimes in SFRY</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Two high functionaries of the Army denied any kind of responsibility for war crimes in ex-Yugoslavia and accused of those the politicians ruling the country at that time. <br>“Only people responsible for all the horrid that happened, are the politicians ruling the country at that time, from Slovenia to Macedonia, including those in Belgrade.”, said Milan Aksentijevic, a general in retirement.<br>Aksentijevic said it responding the news Sarajevo “Vecernje novine” published that Carla Del Ponte, the Hague prosecutor was to press new charges against the leaders of ex-Yugoslav Army.<br>The first on the list is Veljko Kadijevic, chief of the General staff at the time.<br>Aksentijevic said the crimes were committed by para military formations especially in Vukovar where these formations were the most numerous.<br>Aksentijevic also said he was ready to go to The Hague as a witness of the Kadijevic defense. “All generals from that time could go to The Hague but only as witnesses not as accused ones.” <br>Stevan Mirkovic, general in retirement, also denies any kind of Army leaders responsibility for war crimes committed in ex-Yugoslavia.<br>“They are guilty but only for not going to the end in Slovenia and Croatia.”, said Mirkovic.<br>“Someone else ordered those crimes, someone else knew about it and did nothing to stop the massacre in “Ovcari” ”, said Mirkovic. <br>He added that criminals were sitting in political chairs all the time, and the Army was only following their orders.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem956053330,92107,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Seselj will have to give up the concept of Greater Serbia until the holding of local elections</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/prbulatovic.jpg" align=left>The deputy president of the Socialist People’s party (SNP pro-Milosevic opposition), Predrag Bulatovic said that political parties which want to join the “Yugoslavia – SNP – Momir Bulatovic” coalition, must, in the interests of securing FRY, put their diverse program agendas aside until June when the local elections in Podgorica and Herceg Novi will be held. <br>“This means that the Serbian Radical party (SRP- led by extreme <img border=1 src="images/seselj.jpg" align=right>nationalist Vojislav Seselj - part of governing coalition in Serbia) has to, at least temporarily, abandon the project of greater Serbia”, said Bulatovic in an interview with Montena television. <br>Bulatovic said that the SRP has the project of “Greater Serbia” in its program, but he added that all “program and other differences have to be put aside in the interests of the general political objective – securing, improving and developing FRY”.<br>“By signing the agreement on political activities and the establishing of a new electoral coalition, the Radicals are, practically speaking, freezing this part of their agenda”, said Bulatovic, adding that the SRS will not abandon the project of “greater Serbia” in the long term. <br>Bulatovic accused president Milo Djukanovic of “being an instrument in the hands of foreign elements who wish to de-stabilize FRY in order to install the marionette government of Milo Djukanovic and marginal Serbian political parties, to run FRY. <br>Bulatovic accused Djukanovic for wanting to separate Montenegro from FRY and stated that this “is not in the interests of the citizens of Montenegro, nor FRY, but rather this opens a range of repercussions”. <br>Bulatovic denied the claims made in some media that there were political divisions in the SNP when the coalition “Yugoslavia-SNP-Momir Bulatovic” was established. <br>Bulatovic assessed that it is in the interests of all that the concept of Yugoslavia wins at the local elections in Podgorica and Herceg Novi and that this will open up the opportunity for holding early parliamentary elections in Montenegro. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem956049679,32793,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>More efficient financial assistance to Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/solana.jpg" align=left>Brussels, April 17 – Montenegro has a special place in Javier Solana’s proposals. In the first place, he suggests more efficient financial assistance to Montenegrin government. Economic help would be realized over opening of new working places, supporting “quick start projects” within Stability Pact, and through the assistance to the state budget. Political assistance would be implemented through more often foreign functionaries’ visits to Montenegro and the other way round, which could be a signal to official Belgrade. <br>This kind of assistance is urgent, according to Solana, since President Djukanovic is ready to continue rational political course, but he needs considerable and visible assistance before the local elections. “Financial assistance to Montenegro in the summer might be a good news, but it might be too late if Montenegrin authorities suffer a defeat in the local elections”, said Solana.<br>SENSE agency talked to a person who said Solana talked to president Djukanovic early this month. Djukanovic, on that occasion, said Milosevic had two scenarios how to remain in power after his mandate expires in 2001. <br>“He is to resolve the Government, and entrust new mandate to Momir Bulatovic, make a new Constitution, and provide a new mandate for himself. The other option is that Milosevic expels Montenegro from the federation and than proclaim independent Serbia whose President would be – Milosevic. However, this would not be a velvet divorce.<br>EU sources have information that there is already an obstruction of the Army in opening border crossings, para military formations are being prepared, propaganda war has already started, trade blockade… These kinds of pressures might lead to destabilization of Montenegro before the local elections.<br>At the same time, the impact of Montenegrin destabilization on the region should not be underestimated. Therefore, the West must make its activities faster, and conduct more efficient preventive policy. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem955969380,85866,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>“CIA agents work for Vijesti”</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/mbulatovic.jpg" align=left>The Saturday meeting of the main board of the SNP (Socialist People’s Party – pro Milosevic opposition) finished with strengthened party unity, as Emilo Labudovic, one of the party’s officials put it. From Labudovic’s statement one could conclude that the SNP has never been so unified as it is now when the coalition “Yugoslavia – SNP – Momir Bulatovic” has been established. With such a slogan, the SNP has confirmed that it is time for Podgorica and Herceg Novi to defend Yugoslavia and that Momir Bulatovic continues to be the leader and the key character of the party. <br>Assuming that the general public is naïve, with a four day delay, Momir Bulatovic, decided to deny any divisions taking place in the party following the establishment of the coalition with JUL and the Radicals which Vijesi wrote about. <br>“Vijesti has published a series of articles which are fabricated and have no basis in reality and are based on police bugging of our party’s meetings and of telephone calls made by its leadership. The police apparatus does not know how to interpret the telephone calls between the members of the party leadership because they do not understand when we are having a serious conversation and when we are joking”, said Momir Bulatovic, practically admitting, that “something” did happen. <br><img border=1 src="images/cia.jpg" align=right>Bulatovic stated that his party is exposed to “media and political terror”, directed by “centers from abroad”, and assessed that “Vijesti are run, not by the main man in the police Vukasin Maras, but by his advisers in the CIA which have practically occupied the Montenegrin police” and concluded that “in a free and open society, such newspapers are not suppose to exist in Montenegro”.<br><img border=1 src="images/vijesti.jpg" align=left>Without wanting to respond to the passionate statements made by the first man in the SNP, Vijesti remind their readers that the information on the sharp opposition of the SNP deputy presidents to the coalition with JUL and the Radicals was obtained from their own sources located in the SNP leadership. <br>These “CIA agents” as Momir Bulatovic calls them are from the Montenegrin Rovac, Bijelo Polje and Piva. <br>From the same sources, two days prior to the meeting of the main board, Vijesti obtained the information that JUL, the Radicals and the SNS (Serbian People’s party) will be able to enter into a coalition with this party, and that the names of this party will not be mentioned in the name of the coalition but that this “can cost the largest single party in Montenegro defeat at the elections in Podgorica and Herceg Novi”. Vijesti also published the information that the SNP intends to allocate seats in the municipal councils to its coalition parties which have had to hide behind the name “Momir Bulatovic”, only if this coalition obtains more votes than SNP has at present. <br>All this was confirmed at the meeting of the main board on Saturday. However the agreement on the coalition “Yugoslavia – SNP – Momir Bulatovic” was published without signatures (!) so that it would not become clear that JUL and the Radicals are a key part of the coalition. <br>This may well suit Mira Markovic (Milosevic’s wife who runs JUL) as it would not be in her interest for the party which is her main ally in Montenegro to be split. But it doesn’t suit the Serbian Radical party and the Serbian People’s party because they could lose the two and three seats respectively which they have in the municipal assembly of Herceg Novi, and if this happens it would directly benefit their coalition partner, the SNP. <br>The question of whether Momir Bulatovic will continue to be so satisfied with the coalition once he meets with Seselj in Belgrade, who could lose his existing two seats in the Herceg Novi Council is debatable. The meeting with Mira Markovic may also be interesting…</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem955968854,43749,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Pavkovic: Montenegro has more generals than the outlined minimum</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Army chief of the Yugoslav Army, General-Colonel Nebojsa Pavkovic has stated that no one in Montenegro has any reason to fear from the Yugoslav Army, apart from those who attack the army, and all those who do attack the army are its enemies. In a long interview lasting a few hours, on the YU INFO television channel which is broadcast in Montenegro via transmitters installed on military buildings, General Pavkovic rejected accusations that there are no Montenegrins amongst the army leadership illustrating this with the fact that the YA has two times the number of generals and four times the number of officers from Montenegro, when ones takes into consideration the population of Montenegro in comparison with the population of Serbia. <br>“No one in Montenegro has any reason to fear from the army. It is only our enemies who fear from us, and all those who attack the army are our enemies”, said General Pavkovic, adding that the army has been increasingly attacked because of this television channel being broadcast via transmitters belonging to the army. <br>“Why are they against a television channel which belongs to our people covering the whole country”, said Pavkovic. “If they can broadcast foreign TV channels such as CNN on their own channels why are they against this television. This is what democracy is for me”, said Pavkovic. <br>Responding to criticisms of the staff composition of the army in the army leadership Pavkovic said that “there are two times the number of generals and four times the number of officers in comparison with the percentage of the Montenegrin population in the whole of FRY”. General Pavkovic added that “over 60% of the officers in the Second Division and the Navy are from Montenegro”. <br>Pavkovic claims that the Montenegrin police now numbers 20 000 members, and posed the question of why is the police so numerous and referred to the profile of the people who have joined the police. He added that these police units are being armed with weapons “that are not characteristic for police forces”. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem955792685,74437,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The ‘Black List’ includes the firms in Montenegro under the supervision of the Federal Government</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/euro.jpg" align=left>The intensifying of the EU sanctions towards Serbia and FRY will start on 15th March, Michael Grehem, charge’ d’affaires of the EC delegation in Yugoslavia, announced at the press conference yesterday.<br>He said that the main principle for deciding on the ‘black’ and ‘white’ lists, which would include the domestic companies, would be their closeness to the Serbian and FRY Government.<br>He also explained that the companies from Montenegro, if their connection with the Serbian regime was established, would be put in the black list.<br>Emphasizing the that EU would continue to strongly support the democratic Montenegrin Government, Grehem said that EU would start with the new program in Serbia called “School for democratic Serbia.”<br>“We want it to be the sign that we will not let Serbia and its people down” he said describing the EU ‘as a light at the end of the tunnel.’<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem955792583,11276,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>UNMIK is protecting the corridor from Macedonia to Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Macedonian Government and UNMIK reached the agreement on the safe transport of the Macedonian goods cross Kosovo and that way the increase in the goods exchange between Macedonia and Montenegro is expected. <br>Concerning the rail connection between Montenegro and Macedonia have the information from the Ministry of traffic is that it is still just an idea the realization of which is agreed on. According to the information of the Ministry of trade the requests for the Macedonian goods on the Montenegrin and Kosovo markets are bigger every day. The Montenegrin market is attractive for Macedonia because of the tourist potentials of Montenegro. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem955707212,56316,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>JUL can join Coalition but with no mentioning</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">After discussions in the SNP Executive Board during Monday and the whole week, it seems there will be a compromise in the SNP.<br>Podgorica’s wing of the party, to which Momir Bulatovic claims he did not sign the coalition agreement with JUL in Belgrade, is ready to make an electoral alliance with the radicals and Serb people’s Party only in Herceg-Novi. These two parties can get deputies seats only providing the SNP wins more than 13 seats-that is how many seats the SNP won in the last elections.<br>There is a different story in Podgorica, where the SNP is the only party of so-called Yugoslav Block, with 23 seats. Coalition “For better life” has 27, and liberals 4 deputies’ seats. Podgorica’s wing of the SNP is ready to form “Yugoslav coalition” providing only their name is mentioned in the pre-electoral campaign. There is the same condition here: non-mentioned coalition partners can get deputies’ seats only if the coalition wins more that 23 seats. <br>Even if JUL manages to hide behind the coalition, SNP in Podgorica believes that even so far mentioning of Mira Markovic’s (Slobodan Milosevic’s wife) party will reduce the number of Podgorica citizens who are willing to vote for the SNP.<br>The only thing left to do is to see if JUL and the Radicals are to agree with this kind of coalition. <br>Momir Bulatovic has to convince them it is the best solution because otherwise he might find himself -witout the party!<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem955707182,32894,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Charter flights on Ljubljana – Tivat – Ljubljan route</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/adria.jpg" align=left border=1> The Slovenian national Airline Company “Adria-airways” will also be flying for Montenegro in the following tourist season. The federal FRY Ministry of traffic has finally approved the charter flights of “Adria airways” during the summer of 2000 on the Ljjubljana – Tivat – Ljubljana route. The representatives of the Slovenian Company have informed the Montenegrin Ministry of maritime and traffic on this decision.<br>“This permission was obtained after the numerous urging and intervening of the Montenegrin Ministry of maritime and traffic and it is very significant for us primarily for establishing the friendly relations between Montenegro and Slovenia, and then for establishing of reciprocity in the air transportation. The Slovenian government, a long time ago, approved the flights of our national company “Montenegro airlines”<br>“We hope that the permission given by the Federal Ministry of traffic to the “Adria airways” for this season is not the exception but the permanent practice and that this is the beginning of the definite opening of our airports for all the companies that want to fly to Montenegro” said Milovan Djurickovic, the assistant of the Montenegrin Minister for maritime and traffic and director of the public company “The Airports of Montenegro.”<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem955623757,8007,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The way towards the better cooperation</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“Montenegro greets the decision of the republic of Slovenia on the connecting with our republic and we expect its further support” said Ljubisa Krgovic, the vice president of the Montenegrin Government during the conversation he had with the Slovenian federal-economic delegation headed by Janko Razgorsek, Slovenian Minister of tourism and small businesses. <br>The protocol on the understanding, the ministers Vladimir Mitrovic and Janko Razgorsek signed, is the way towards the realization of the very important initiatives: the opening of the Sloveninan Cultural informative center in Podgorica, defining of the conditions for the foundation of the first Slovenian financial institution in Montenegro and agreeing on the arrangements in different areas of economy. It was estimated that the interest of the Slovenian tourist economy for buying of some representative hotels at the Montenegrin coast, as well as the offer of the Slovenian agencies for concluding the tourist arrangements with the Montenegrin hotel-tourist companies, represented the very good beginning of the firmer and various cooperation in the future. <br>The guests have positively estimated the readiness of the Montenegrin Government to liberalize the visa regime for the Slovenian tourists and to help the Slovenian air company in getting the permission for lending at the Montenegrin airports.<br>As a sign of interest for cooperation, the guests promised the Slovenian Government would try to find the way to provide the financial guarantees for investing in our Republic, just like the EU countries,, the Republic Information Secretariat informed. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem955623672,68804,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Peking now knows the Montenegrin version of the relations between Podgorica and Belgrade</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/grbmali1.gif" align=left>The Prime Minister’s three-day visit to China finished with his visit to the Chinese province of Gui Dzo. A document confirming the agreement on cooperation signed between Montenegro and this province in 1987 was signed. <br>“I am very happy with the visit. In Peking I met with government officials at the highest levels including the prime minister of the Chinese government Cien Cicen and a high level delegation from the foreign affairs ministry. We exchanged out views on the situation in the Balkans, on the situation in Montenegro and the relations within the Yugoslav federation”, said Vujanovic. <br>During the visit of the Montenegrin delegation there was talk in the Chinese diplomatic circles that China in no way supports Milosevic’s regime and that Belgrade abuses Chinese support in political and media terms. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem955539049,93807,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Fierce divisions in the SNP</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/prbulatovic.jpg" align=left>Deputy president of the SNP (Socialist People’s party - pro-Milosevic opposition in Montenegro) who is the leader of the Podgorica wing of the SNP Predrag Bulatovic , and the other deputy president Zoran Zizic walked out of the executive meeting of this party at which it was decided that this party shall form a coalition with the Serbian JUL (party of Mira Markovic – Milosevic’s wife) and the Serbian Radicals (led by Seselj) for the upcoming local elections in Podgorica and Herceg Novi.<img border=1 src="images/zizic.jpg" align=right> Bulatovic and Zizic are going to temporarily withdraw from all the SNP’s activities, but have decided not to leave the party outright. The meeting of the party’s main board to be held on Saturday has only to confirm the decisions made by the executive board that is the agreements Momir Bulatovic reached with JUL and the Radicals. <br><img border=1 src="images/mbulatovic.jpg"align=left>“The Podgorica wing of the SNP has, over this last period, been completely disempowered, both financially and politically. It is not that the ideological convictions of Momir Bulatovic are what is the problem, but pure financial benefit Bulatovic has obtained is what is the issue. It is clear to any lay person that a coalition between the SNP and JUL means that the party shall lose its existing political rating and will lose voters in Montenegro. JUL obtained only a few hundred votes, which is a clear sign that it never developed a critical support group in Montenegro. If I were in the DPS (governing party) I would do everything to ensure the SNP enters into a coalition with JUL” said the Vijesti source, who was present at the meeting of the executive board of the SNP. <br>He added that the leaders of the Podgorica wing of the SNP have clearly stated the stance of the party that Montenegro is an equal member of the federation in FRY, that the legacy of Montenegro’s statehood should be preserved and that all disputed issues should be resolved through democratic means. <br>“Momir Bulatovic is not too concerned about the future of the party and his worries are about his position in Belgrade and ensuring a continual influx of cash from the JUL budget straight into his pocket”, said the same Vijesti source. <br>This source accused the leader of the SNP that he “has full control of the funds obtained in Belgrade” and that “with what remains, he sends us miserable salaries in dinars”. “He has been faced with the demand from Mira Markovic that JUL piggy-backs the SNP into the Montenegrin municipal assemblies and this is why he is ready to take a move which will harm the rating of his own party”, stayed this source. <br>A few months ago, Momir Bulatovic was faced with threats from JUL and the then army chief Dragoljub Ojdanic (who is not federal defense minister), that he shall lose his position as federal prime minister. It is then that he agreed that the JUL party political program becomes the state doctrine of FRY. Bulatovic was clearly, under the same form of pressure this time round and thus he made commitment that he would ensure JUL enters into the Podgorica and Herceg Novi parliamentary assemblies by piggy backing his own party”, claims this Vijesti source. <br>According to the same source, Predrag Bulatovic and Zoran Zizic shall not leave the SNP but they will temporarily distance themselves from any activities, which can have harmful effects on this party at the upcoming local elections as well as leading to disintegration of this political party and their disappearance from the political scene. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem955538890,33172,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The strengthening of Serbian pressure on Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The parliament of Serbia adopted a Law on the election of representatives in the Assembly of the Republics of the parliament of FRY, according to which the principle of proportional representation would be used in this assembly. “This law carries with it a lot of political danger and allows the nationalist and greater-Serbia pressure on Montenegro to be intensified. It also means that a discussion on revising the relations between the two federal units will not be held”, said Dragan Veselinov, a representative of the Vojvodian Coalition in Serbia. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem955448448,12557,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro will get approximately 100 millions of Euros</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/euro.jpg" align=left>The EU diplomacy chiefs were submitted the plan on the urgent and very huge help for the democratic government in Montenegroof approximately 100 million euros, said the spokesman of the EU Gunar Vigand. <br>Besides the already given 20 million euros by the EU commission, 20 to 30 million euros more would be given out of the mutual resources of EU for Balkans, while the European investment Bank (EIB) decided to provide the budget guarantees of 50 million euros for the macroeconomic projects. EIB would finance the projects in Montenegro with 25millions of euros and it would also demand from the other countries members of EU to provide the same amount of money to support the Government in Podgorica, pointed out Vigand.<br>The participants of this session had again criticized the attempts of the FRY authorities to destabilize democratically chosen Government of Montenegro. They had also pointed out that they would continue to give support to president Milo Dukanovic regarding his efforts to democratize the country even more.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem955448360,38457,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>China believes the relations between Montenegro and Serbia can be resolved by peaceful means</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“China clearly supports Montenegro’s policies of openness and its need to cooperate with the international community. I am very glad Montenegro was hosted in Peking at such a high level and this demonstrates respect for our policies and our political direction”, said prime minister Vujanovic following yesterday’s meeting with the Chinese deputy prime minister Cien Cicen. <br>One of the themes discussed at the meeting were the Montenegrin-Serbian relations in the context of the Balkans.<br>“Peking’s stance that all disputes should be resolved by peaceful means was clearly stated. Deputy prime minister Cien Cicen expressed his belief that misunderstandings have to be resolved in the context of understanding and respecting history and the reality of Montenegro and Serbia in the context of the Balkans as a whole”, said prime minister Vujanovic to journalists at yesterday’s press conference. <br>Vujanovic said that Montenegro fully supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of China.<br>Vujanoivic’s visit in Peking, which was initiated by the China is the first meeting of Chinese and Montenegrin high level government representatives after thirteen years. It was stated that there is a lot of space for cooperation, which needs to be fully utilized. <br>The Montenegrin delegation which also includes foreign minister Lukovac, agriculture minister Simovic and economics advisor Nenezic is also to visit the province of Gui Dzou in southwest China where concrete economic projects are to be discussed. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem955370778,39654,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Vujanovic in Peking</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/grbmali1.gif" align=left>The Montenegrin Government delegation headed by Premier of the republic of Montenegro Filip Vujanovic has arrived in Peking this morning. They will be staying in the People’s Republic of China from 10th till 14th April. The visit program includes number of significant meetings and dialogues with the high officials of China. Filip Vujanovic will visit the Chinese wall tomorrow, and later during the day he will be received by Chien Chichen, the vice president of the Chinese premier. Vujanovic will visit the province Gui Jou on Tuesday. <br>The visit of the Montenegrin Premier is realized on the Chinese initiative. The cooperation between Montenegro and Gui Jou province started in 1986. Montenegro and China had very well developed political relations. The first significant visit was in 1996 when the numerous delegation of he People’s Parliament of China was staying in Montenegro. <br>It is believed that the Montenegrin Premier will inform the Chinese officials on the specific position of Montenegro inside the Yugoslav federation, that is, on the functioning of the federation on the equal basis, along with the respecting of the legal and social order of the country.<br> Branko Lukovac, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Milutin Simovic, Minister of agriculture, and Predrag Nenezic, the President’s adviser for the economic relations with foreign countries, are part of the Montenegrin Government delegation that will be staying in the official visit to China. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem955370728,99290,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>“Milosevic will do nothing if Montenegro takes the road towards independence”</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The adviser in the Instutute of European Studies, Slobodan Samardzic siad that Slobodan Milosevic lost support in Montenegro long ago and that he would not take any moves if a referendum was held in Montenegro and if the majority of citizens voted for independence. <br>In an interview with a Serbian opposition paper “Glas Javnosti” Samardzic said that “has no direct or indirect control over the political situation in Montenegro” and that “he lost support even amongst those who support the survival of Yugoslavia”. <br>“An attempt to forcefully take over the government, through the army is too risky for him. On the other hand, he is a man who, if he does not have apsolute control of an areas, he want to simply amputate that area or those political forces. The question is only how. Most important for him is that the responsibility can be laid down on someone else. Nato in Kosovo and Djukanovic in Montenegro,” said Samardzic. <br>Samardzic assessed that the conditions for revising the relationship between the two Rebublics are fully ripe, and that Serbian and Montenegro have to establish a new country based on the will or their people and defined by an acceptable constitution”<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem955189753,20599,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Good cooperation of Army and police</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/granica.jpg" align=left>Ten days after working together on check point Carine, on the road Rozaje-Kula-Pec, according to what we have seen and heard from the people, who transport goods to Kosovo, police and Army behaviour is correct. As we found out, the cooperation between the Army and police at this point was very good, and the control of goods and passengers is being done within constitutional competence, that is in accordance with the agreement reached between the Second Army and Interior Ministry of Montenegro, as the control point was being set up. As financial police informed us, during the first days after the point had been set up, circulation of goods and passengers was reduced for preventive reasons. However, last few days, after it was found out that everybody is treated correctly, circulation is getting better. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem955189730,52135,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The Government approval for the new exchange rate of 23,5 dinars per one mark is expected</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">After the last increase of the mark, the Monetary Council proposed the government the correction of the previous exchange rate of 20 dinars. Since this institution did not have the meeting yesterday it means that this exchange rate will stay at least till the beginning of the next weekend. The suggestion of the Monetary Council is that exchange rate it proclaims and which is used in transactions with state, should be equalized to the exchange rate existing in the currency exchange offices, which is 23,5 dinars for one mark. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem955105349,59273,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Help for the Bureau for statistics</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/euro.jpg" align=left>With the aim of improving the and modernizing the Republic Bureau for statistics, according to the standards of the European statistical system, experts of “Eurostat” (The European Commission of the Bureau for statistics) from Luxembourg, Bayron Khocamani and Miguel Cebalos, were staying in Montenegro these days. They were invited by Giorgio Sartori, the chief of the ‘Obnova’ cabinet of the EU program in Podgorica. The guests from Luxembourg and the director of the Republic Bureau for statistics Ilija Stanisic talked about problems of the organization of the statistical system in Montenegro with the representatives of the Ministry for Finance and trade, Central (People’s) Bank, Montenegrin Customs administration, as well as the Republic Development Secretariat. <br>The EU will soon provide the necessary technical facilities worth 23.500 euros for the Republic Bureau for statistics. The expert of the EU for this area Bayron Khocmani will be staying in Montenegro for ten days a month in the following ten months in order to provide the essential help in implementing of the basic statistical system.<br>The representatives of the EU invited the Montenegrin statisticians to participate the meeting of the European commission for statistics, which will be held in Luxembourg on the 12th and 13th April. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem955105291,53847,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Moscow can distance itself from Milosevic in order to ensure Kosovo and Montenegro stay in FRY</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Moscow Komersant newspaper has stated that the invitation to the leader of the Serbian Renewal Movement Vuk Draskovic to visit Moscow means that Russia is more decisively distancing itself from the Belgrade regime.<br>The paper writes that the meeting between the Russian foreign affairs minister Igor Ivanov and Vuk Draskovic and the fact that this ministry wants to establish good relations with those opposing the Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic, indicate a change in Russia’s stance towards Milosevic. . <br>In Russia it is believed that with Milosevic’s leadership, FRY shall not survive: not only shall Kosovo secede, but also Montenegro, and this is why, in order to secure the Yugoslav federation, Moscow may fully distance itself from the notorious Balkans politician, writes Komersant. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem955022904,56475,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The last stage of the big-Serbian nationalism</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/misko.jpg" align=left border=1>Miodrag Vukovic, the adviser of the Montenegrin president, estimated that “the conflict of the Belgrade regime and the Montenegrin democracy, represents probably the last stage in a century long trying of the big-Serbian nationalism and the projections of the Belgrade regime – even the current one – to degrade Montenegro.<br>In his interview for the Bijelo Polje newspaper “Polje”, Miodrag Vukovic said that the Constitution of the FRY, thanks to the Belgrade regime, is just “a letter on the paper.” Vukovic pointed out that “without returning of President Milosevic in the constitutional limits, without the rehabilitation of the mutually agreed and according to the Constitution founded functions of Montenegro and Serbia, there will be no positive effects.” <br>“A very logical question arises: who needs the elections for the Citizens Council, when the total political structure is established on the basis of the political force and without respecting the Constitution?” wondered Vukovic. He also added that ”that is why the demand for going on the federal elections, which are wrongly proclaimed as the elections for the Federal Parliament and not only for one its ‘house’, are just a try to legitimize the unconstitutional reality on the new federal level” <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem955022862,5569,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>“We do not have a scheduled date for the referendum”</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">At a press conference held in Brussels after Djukanovic’s meeting with the Coordinator of the Stability Pact, Bodo Hombah and EU’s high level representative for international relations and security, Havier Solana, Djukanovic was asked whether a date for holding a referendum has been scheduled.<br>“No, because we still hope Belgrade may accept our proposal to jointly embark on the road of democracy and opening up towards Europe. We have made this proposal to them many times before, but we hope they shall accept it this time”, said Montenegro’s president. “We shall certainly not react hastily, irrespective of the provocations instigated by Belgrade,” added Djukanovic. <br>Djukanovic referred to Slobodan Milosevic as the “Belgrade Dictator” and said that “he isolated his country and developed an incompatible system which cannot be compliant with any other country”. <br>For projects with a speedy beginning within the framework of the Stability Pact, Montenegro has been allocated 15 million euros, and for short-term projects such as the building of a water system, an additional 65 million euros has been secured. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem954932594,93199,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Local elections preparations</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/cbs.jpg" align=left>“We have some problems with respecting the deadlines predicted by the Law on the voter registration list, but the Secretariat for development will do its best, regarding the central voter registration list, to finish all the work in outlined period of time. We do not believe that eventual not-respecting of deadlines, only because of the physical impossibility to finish all the work in time, will be the violation which would provoke the delaying of the elections in Podgorica and Herceg-Novi”, said Dusan Simonovic, secretary of the Republic secretariat for development, on the press conference regarding the central voter registration list.<br>Miodrag Ivanovic, general manager of Government Information Center pointed out that the experts of the Secretariat, in cooperation with the representatives of the political parties, would in a few days try to find the most appropriate model of approach to the central voter registration list for the submitters of the voter lists.<br>The most appropriate solution is the one that enables the highest possible level of data protection in the central voter registration list of possible misuses. Ivanovic reminds that supplements, changes and erasing from the voters registration list is done by the local self-management, and that development Secretariat performs only the technical part of work. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem954932511,34597,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro is next in line, the Brussels sense agency concludes</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Milosevic has once again embarked on a campaign against the independent media. The targets are Studio B, Radio B2-92, the newspapers Danas and Blic and the members of the ANEM association. There are two possible reasons for this. One possible motive is the holding of local and federal elections. The other is, that the attacks are signaling yet another armed conflict in the region. “Kosovo is history, Montenegro is next in line”, concludes the SENSE correspondent and states that a small but important step could be American support to independent media in Serbia. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem954847506,52727,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The Minister of Religion is not authorized to decide which churches are official and which are not </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Deputy president of the Social-democrats attacked the Minister of Religion who is an official of the People’s party, at a meeting in Bijela, at which he said that the state recognizes only the Serbian Orthodox Church, as the only Church which has been established in line with Canon law in Montenegro. Ilickovic said that the SDP shall initiate meetings with the prime minister and the coalition partners, after this statement which was made in the presence of Amfilohije, the head of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Montenegro. <br>“The SDP would like to express its disagreement with the inappropriate and unconstitutional assertions made by minister Dubak. According to the Montenegrin constitution, religious institutions organize themselves independently, within the framework of the legal system, and that the public statement of opinions, freedom of religion, the public and private practicing of religion, is permitted. It is clear that the state does not have the right to arbitrate about which church is established in line with Canon law and which is not”, said Ilickovic at yesterday’s press conference. Ilickovic added that it is too early to say whether the coalition is to break apart following this statement and others made by the new leader of the People’s party and the changes made in this party after the departure of Novak Kilibarda. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem954847478,20583,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The Monetary Council finalizes the working version of the Act on the Central Bank</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Monetary Council is to forward the working version of the Act on the Central Bank to the government. The Monetary Council had already worked on developing this act, and the difference with this latest version is that the central bank is not in control of the money supply and does not have the right to authorize the printing of new money. By implication, this means that the idea of establishing a Montenegrin currency has been abandoned. The main function of the future central bank will be to regulate business banks, and the bank will also take over some functions from the finance ministry which were, according to the old law, in the authority of the National Bank of Yugoslavia. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem954760797,15063,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro declared its stance on the federal elections in its Proposal for reforming relations in the federation</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/grbmali1.gif" align=left>Blagota Mitric, the President of the Constitutional court for Montenegro responded to statements that Montenegro is still undecided about whether it shall participate in federal elections. <br>“I am surprised about statements made by the leadership of the leading coalition party (DPS). It is as if they have turned their backs to the Platform on reforming the relations with Serbia, which Montenegro proposed to Serbia”, said Blagota Mitric. <br>Miodrag Vukovic, the president of the executive board of the DPS, said that the Montenegrin government has not agreed a position yet on whether they will participate in the holding of federal elections. Mitric reminds that, according to the Proposal, the two federal assemblies would not exist.<br>“According to the platform, there would be one parliament, in which there would be an equal number of MPs from both federations”, said Mitric. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem954760779,78813,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>A referendum will be held this spring or later</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“If the government in Serbia does not change soon, a referendum will certainly be held in Montenegro. It is clear that we cannot continue like this any longer – Serbia is deteriorating more and more and debts are building up. Serbia has introduced trade blockades, and uses other tricks to undermine Montenegro. We cannot live in a country in which Montenegro is scorned at and looked down on. Therefore, a referendum will be held either this spring or some time later”, said the industry minister, Vojin Djukanovic, in an interview for Vijesti. <br>How do you explain the tightening of the trade blockade at the border with Serbia?<br>The tightening of the blockade is an attempt by the Serbian government and their people in Montenegro, such a Momir Bulatovic, to fully destabilize Montenegro economically, especially before the upcoming local elections in Podgorica and Herceg Novi. It is difficult to understand why they are harming Serbia, and Montenegro even more, and that they continue down this road. This demonstrates the full irrationality of Yugoslav policies. The international community, even Russia, is distancing itself from that government. I hope it is clear to everyone in Montenegro that this is a politics of genocide, which harms the people of both Serbia and Montenegro and is based exclusively on the desire to stay in power. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem954500472,68248,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro was allocated more assistance than was expected</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/logo-sm.gif" align=left>The first donor conference of the Stability Pact has been finalized and as the coordinator of the pact Bodo Hombah assessed, it was a spectacular success. Instead of the expected 3.5 billion DMs for urgent projects, close to 5 billion have been secured, which is more than the biggest optimists had anticipated. <br>Montenegro has secured more than was expected. 130million DMs has already been secured, and the door to a range of other bilateral projects, is now open. The largest interest was shown for the project of securing a regional water system on the Montenegrin coast, for which support for its realization has, after twenty years of waiting, finally been secured. The French delegation surprised everybody , because without any warning, they allocated the full sum they set aside for economic projects, which is 50 million DMs, for the construction of a regional water system. With the earlier German support in value of 30 million, this project can soon start with implementation. <br>“There is no doubt that after this, the private investors and the European investment bank will be interested in investing in a regional water system”, said the director of the regional water system Predrag Bjelobrkovic. <br>In terms of the package of projects to have a speedier start, the following have been identified: works on the Herceg Novi – Trebinje road, the building of a Bar breakwater, the reconstruction of the railway, the reconstruction of the water supply system in Herceg Novi and Kotor. In addition a range of bilateral projects with Denmark, Holland and Luxembourg, are also expected to take off the ground. <br>There is no longer any doubt that Montenegro is a full member of the Stability Pact, and that it is treated equally to all the other countries. <br>“It is now up to us to utilize this in the best way possible and to fully orient ourselves to the future and to development. There are brighter days ahead and a better perspective for the future of Montenegro, than these ten years of bleak existence have been,” said foreign affairs minister, Branko Lukovac. <br>For the first time, in the last year, since the idea of the Stability Pact for Southeast Europe came into being, Montenegro was treated as an equal member of the Pact. It is not only about one-off hand-outs of assistance, but rather about the direct engagement in the process which is expected to move this neglected and forgotten region closer to modern Europe.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem954500153,93880,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Tenders for the road to the airport and the bridge in Podgorica are expected</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Financial “package” of 5 million euros or 10 million marks will be very quickly used for the infrastructure objects in Montenegro, said for Pobjeda Giorgio Sartori, the chief of the EU office “Obnova” in Montenegro. A pre-qualification announcement was published in Montenegrin newspapers a few weeks ago, regarding the building of the bridge over the river Moraca in Podgorica as well as regarding the reconstruction of the different parts of the road M-2 (E=65 and E-80)<br> The contracts to be signed are conditioned by the European commission decision, and immediately after that the necessary money founds will be available. What can be predicted right now is that the tender for works on the mentioned road may start after the 7th April, and for the bridge construction after the 22nd May, informed Mr. Sartori.<br>Regarding the hard situation in Montenegro, commissioner for the EU foreign affairs Chris Paten, has already announced that the financial help for Montenegro will be doubled form 10 million euros to 20 million euros, as a contribution of the European Union. This will be realized through the program “Obnova” for year 2000, reminds Sartori and he adds that EU commission is having some negotiations with the Montenegrin authorities on the priorities regarding this additional money. <br>All of this points out to the fact that the EU made available 82,7 million euros to Montenegro since April a998, including the humanitarian help of 18 million euros and help in food of 10,4 million euros. But here we do not have included the funds provided by the countries EU members in the scope of their bilateral programs for help. <br>Summing up the participation of the EU in Montenegro, Sartori concluded that 44,3 million euros (approximately 88,6 million marks) has already been paid and that the rest is in the process of negotiating. <br>The EU will, as predicted by our guest, also provide the significant amounts of the humanitarian help and food during 2000. The discussions on this are still in progress and the means for these programs are not included in the mentioned ciphers.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem954324377,95277,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>President Djukanovic warns that Belgrade continues to prepare for another bloody Spring</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“As time goes by, the nervousness in Belgrade is increasing, as the future of the regime and of its main man become more and more uncertain. This regime, which is turned in the direction of the past, and is based on haiduk ideals of medieval times, has got used to having bloody springs. We in Montenegro, do not live under the illusion that he will want to give mercy to, and exclude Montenegro from such a scenario. It is not realistic to expect a government which has based its survival on creating ill fortune for its own and other nations, for a whole decade, to change its tactic”, said Milo Djukanovic at a press conference yesterday. <br>Milo Djukanovic said that Montenegro can never turn back again, back to the blind road of inferiority and political and economic dependence on others “even though some leaders are trying their best to get us back into such a situation”. <br>“In order to secure the charity which he gets from the Belgrade regime, the so-call federal prime-minister [Bulatovic also president of SNP] stubbornly deceives the public in Serbia about his chances of political rehabilitation in Montenegro”, said Djukanovic. <br>Djukanovic concluded that Milosevic, in order to stay in power, has two options. “To overthrow the government in Montenegro and bring his own people in its place, after which he would change the Constitution of FRY, and give himself another presidential mandate, or to go back to his previous position of the president of, what would then be, an independent Serbia”.<br>“As he cannot manage to achieve the first, he is nervously preparing the terrain for the second option”, said Djukanovic. <br>In terms of priority interests for Montenegro, Djukanovic said that these are the strengthening and establishing of close relations with countries of former Yugoslavia, and that Montenegro is not only going to participate in such projects, but to initiate them. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem954324342,27718,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>We are not going to trade our right to a referendum</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">In response to the question of whether the announced increased assistance to Montenegro is the compensation for deciding not to hold a referendum on independence. “The assistance from the international community is directed at the continuation and the speeding up of reforms, and is not a compensation for refraining from the use of our constitutional right to the holding of a referendum on independence. The right to a referendum is a constitutional right of all citizens of Montenegro and no one has the right to this this away”, said Djukanovic. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem954238002,60115,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The West shall prevent a war breaking out if it disposes its troops close to Montenegro’s borders and gives Milosevic a clear warning Brussels (SENSE)</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">President and prime ministers of EU states have, authorized relevant institutions to “without delay prepare projects, programs and measures which shall respond to the urgent financial needs of Montenegro”, it is stated in the report from the Lisbon session. <br>For the government and citizens of this country, the most important is the green light given to the European Commission (the highest operative-implementation body of the EU) to allocate urgent resources for macro-economic development and if needed, that “resources can be re-directed from the Union’s budget reserves”. This is the first time that official Brussels may financially intervene beyond the projects planned for this year (20 million euros). Also important are the conclusions that the European Investment Bank is called upon to extend activities in Montenegro, in order to extend the existing forms of support through the Obnova program to programs including macro-economic development. <br>But such assistance cannot prevent a possible armed conflict breaking out, which is the main fear of EU states. <br>Well-informed diplomatic sources state that only two moves from the West could save Montenegro from a war. This is the sending of significant military reinforcements as close to Montenegro’s borders as possible, which would be a uniform, clear and decisive warning to Milosevic, that Montenegro shall be protected in the event of military intervention. In the case of Montenegro, because she is part of FRY, it is not possible to apply the Macedonian recipe from 1991 when US preventative forces were disposed there. <br>This would be the best guarantee for peace in Montenegro, but substantial support for such a prevention would not be possible to obtain”, said a high level European diplomat during the Lisbon Summit, last week. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem954237959,46038,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Washington fears from the coming Balkan spring</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">A few symptomatic details point to the danger of a new war breaking out in the Balkans. During a recent visit to Brussels by Madeline Albright openly stated that Washington “fears from the coming Balkan spring”. It can be assumed that Albright had in mind reliable intelligence information on the possible further development of the situation is this crisis area. Second, western military sources warn that Yugoslav Army troops are concentrated in areas around Montenegro, and that units within the Republic are in constant activity. Third, Milosevic has been very quiet and has not appeared in the media for some time. The fear from the coming Balkan spring is also caused by the increased number of statements made by YA generals that they shall “defend the territorial sovereignty of FRY”, which were common phrases articulated before the previous wars. And finally, the presidential elections are once again approaching in the USA and as a rule, at these times, the American administration, generally does not interfere in affairs outside its ‘home’.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem954159109,81639,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The agreement between the army and the police is a blow in the face to Momir Bulatovic</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/granica.jpg" align=left>The representatives of the People’s party and the Social Democrats (part of governing coalition) have assessed that the agreement between the police and the Yugoslav Army (YA) on opening up a joint check-point at the border with Kosovo, is proof of the government’s readiness for dialogue in order to lower existing tensions. However, some doubts have been expressed in terms of its impact. <br>“If this contributes to the stability within Montenegro and if this will lead to the normal cooperation between the civilian and military bodies, then this move should be welcomed. I think this is a very good move, especially while speculations are made that Milosevic may try to activate the army in Montenegro”, said Dragan Soc, president of the People’s party. <br>The Ministry of Internal Affairs and YA representatives agreed to work together at the check-point at Rozaje “in order to prevent the possible smuggling of arms, drugs and the uncontrolled circulation of people and the possible influx of terrorists from Kosovo into Montenegro”. It was stated that the police shall check the vehicles and the army shall work “within its own jurisdiction”. The possibility of other, similar checkpoints has been mentioned, and this shall depend on the assessment of the security situation and “where the joint interests and need exists”. <br>Responding to the question of ‘Vijesti’ on whether this represents a concession made by the Montenegrin government, Soc said that “there are no reasons to go into the issue of who made concessions for whom, if this move contributes to the lowering of the tensions”.<br>“It is clear that this is a blow in the face to Momir Bulatovic, and proof that he does not control the army”, said Soc.<br>Deputy president of the Social-democrats, Ranko Krivokapic, expresses his doubt on the impact of this agreement, because according to him, as so many times in the past, our good will is interpreted by the Belgrade regime, as a weakness. Emphasizing that Montenegro has, as so many times before, shown its good will for securing the peace, Krivocapic said that this is not about the capitulation of the state authorities, but about the “demonstration of good will”.<br>Despite previous agreement, the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS – leading government coalition party) did not comment on the agreement made between the police and the army. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem954159002,81590,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>‘30 million marks’ projects</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Donor conference of the Stability Pact for the southeast Europe will be held on 29th and 30th March in Brussels. It is indicated that 30 million marks (or 15 million of Euros) will be provided for the Montenegrin projects, said Branko Lukovac, Minister of foreign affairs, for Pobjeda. The priorities are repair of the breakwater of the Port of Bar, interventions on the road from Bar towards the north of republic, as well as repairs on the railroad. The area of the employment and education will be taken into consideration, too. This is about the complex of projects the realization of which can start in 12 months, and these projects are not expensive regarding the resources needed. And than we will think about the more expensive priorities that are supposed to be finished in two years period, said Lukovac. Regarding the later priorities, we can mention that the regional water supply is one of them.<br>Branko Lukovac, Minister of foreign affairs, Miroslav Ivanisevic, Minister of finance, Slavica Milacic, chief of the Montenegrin diplomatic mission in Brussels, Ivan Saveljic, Adviser in Ministry of Foreign affairs regarding the Stability pact, will represent Montenegro at this conference.<br>Montenegro has been the participant in the Stability Pact from the very beginning. Montenegro has been allowed to use the mechanisms and programs of Pact in order to enable the implementation of its democratic changes, said minister Lukaovac. <br>Montenegro has proposed the significant number of projects regarding three areas – democracy and protection of the human rights, as well as the rights of the minorities; then projects from the area of the renewal and development; and finally the projects from the area of the peace strengthening and safety in the region. The projects regarding the regional water supply and tunnel Sozina are prepared as priority projects in the area of the renewal and development. The European bank will examine these projects.<br>The European bank, in the scope of its selection process, will also try to find out if the other donors are ready to provide the financials support. After this, the realization of the priority projects is to be realized.<br>But the donors are supposed to give their opinion on all of this. Montenegrin Minster of the Foreign affairs claims that they have some consultations with the European Investment Bank, which is supposed to propose the priority suggestion concerning Montenegro. After their proposals the donors are expected to give their opinion on the structure of the financial participation. This will be done on the conference in Brussels. “So” Lukovac concluded, “on Wednesday or Thursday, we will know the resources and the quality the donors are ready to provide for the Montenegrin projects.” <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem953983810,19613,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The EU will urgently provide a very huge financial help for Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/euro.jpg" align=left>The chiefs of the states and Governments of the EU pointed out yesterday, in Lisbon, that “it is needed to immediately provide a help for Montenegro in order to provide the existence of its democratic Government and to prevent the new hard crisis in the region”. They asked from the European investment Bank and from the other institutions of the EU “to be comprehensible for the direct needs of Montenegro.” <br>After the meeting of EU leaders, it was concluded: “EU strongly supports the efforts of Montenegro to implement its democratic reforms and to realize its economic progress.”<br>The presiding officer of the meeting Antonio Guteresh gave a statement for the press and he emphasized that the leaders of the EU had decided to provide ‘a huge help for Montenegro’.<br>EU leaders reported that they demanded from the European Investment Bank to establish the ways in order to widen its activity area in Montenegro. They also asked from all EU in-charged institutions to make an urgent decision on the financing of the projects and programs that would provide satisfying of immediate needs of Montenegro.<br>The state and Government chiefs pointed out that “if needed, the budget reserves of the EU as well as the macro-economic support should also be provided.”<br>Judging on their decisions, it means that they have decided to leave aside all the previous reservations of the Ministry of economy and finance of EU regarding its statements that Montenegro is not the independent state but only the federal republic of the FRY<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem953983790,49532,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Direct damage of NATO strikes in Montenegro 4,7 million German marks</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/marka.jpg" align=left>Direct damage done to Montenegro, as result of NATO bombing in YU, was estimated to be 4,7 million German marks, pointed out Petar Ivanovic, director of the Institute for the strategic studies and prognosis, yesterday. <br>He said that the indirect damages were much bigger and that only the arbitrary loss of the big Montenegrin companies are estimated to be approximately 500 million German marks.<br>The indirect damages of little and medium companies, according to Petar Ivanovic, are 65 million marks.<br>He also pointed out that 1100 working places are ‘closed’, the public consumption is disturbed, while the loss of the social product is estimated to be approximately 120 million marks.<br>He also added that the bombing and caused damages influenced the delay of the privatization process in Montenegro so, according to these estimations, 100 million marks were lost.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem953898496,40603,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Milosevic, Ojdanic, Sainovic and Milutinovic are on Interpol’s wanted circular </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/solei.jpg" align=left>Interpol has published a wanted circular against Slobodan Milosevic on its internet site, www.interpol.int in the “Wanted” section. Amongst the names in this section are four other high level Serbian officials, Milan Milutinovic, General Dragoljub Ojdanic, Deputy president of the federal government Nikola Sainovic and the Serbian police minister, Vlajko Stojljkovic. All these figures have been indicted by to war crime tribunal in The Hague. <br>For Milosevic it is stated that he is charged for “genocide, killings and war crimes” and it is emphasized that “this person can be dangerous”. <br>Milosevic and the other four high level officials are treated in the same manner as other for whom a wanted circular are issued amongst which the most notorious is terrorist Osam bin Laden. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem953897885,47030,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>2,5 milliard of German marks for vouchers</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Branko Vujovic, the director of the government agency for the restructuring and foreign investment says that approximately 2,5 milliard of German marks of the estimated value, is intended for the mass voucher privatization.<br>“We are providing the conditions for the auction these days. And when it happens we will consider that we will have finished the process regarding the citizens’ determination on the usage of the vouchers. We are working on the speeding up of the companies’ stocks, the lists of the companies and citizens, we are preparing the constitution of the central register…These are all the technique preparations for implementing of the auction. We can not know the exact date of the auction at the moment. We are supposed to be ‘unburdened’ of all the current problems. We have to enable a month of the peaceful thinking for the citizens, so that they can make the right decision on what to do with their vouchers. This possibility is given only once, that is why it is very important for them to use it in the best way. All the political parties and the state institutions of Montenegro must give a chance to the citizens to do it in peace.” Director Vujovic explains that the citizens will have two months to learn about all the rules.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem953808637,39617,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Milosevic should receive clear warnings from NATO in the event of an intervention in Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The president of the International Crisis Group, Gareth Evans stated that fast and decisive international support for Montenegro is urgently is needed in a presentation entitled “Montenegro in the shadow of a volcano” at Washinton’s peace institute. “The international community must not make the same mistakes with Montenegro, it made with B&H and Kosovo. And this means that, with no more wavering, concrete and decisive action needs to be implemented”, said Evans. <br>Evans stated that the three possible exists out of the current Montenegrin crisis, are full of potential dangers for Montenegro. a) The holding of a referendum could radicalize existing divisions b) retaining the status quo gives better chances for avoiding an open confrontation with Milosevic, but leaves Montenegro in a difficult position. Not being an independent state, Montenegro cannot obtain the assistance it needs for further reforms, yet pressure on Montenegro to stay part of FRY continues. c) Improving the relations with Serbia is only possible once Milosevic leaves. <br>The participants of the debate supported the view that the two-prong approach of extending a whole range of assistance to Montenegro and giving Milosevic clear warnings that conflict incited by the army in Montenegro would lead to intervention in Serbia, is needed. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem953808621,98009,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Russian press: In Montenegro there is a military brigade whose role it is to incite conflicts</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">xThe Yugoslav president, Slobodan Milosevic, has initiated a whole range of measures that are nothing else but preparations for war, in order to stay in power, states the Russian paper, Komersant.<br>The paper states that, as part of the military, which comprises of 30.000 soldiers, “a brigade with a special role, has been created, which is not under the jurisdiction of the army commander nor the defense minister, but rather under the authority of the federal prime minister Momir Bulatovic. Bulatovic, the paper states, is referred to as Milosevic’s marionette, in Montenegro.<br>According to this paper, it is precisely these forces that “have the role of the detonator” and they are expected to “provoke conflict between the supporters and the opposers of the republic’s government, after which the army will come on to the scene”. The army, according to this scenario, will have the role of “bringing back order and defending the civilian population”. <br>The paper states that a propaganda machine has been prepared to back all this, and that transmitters have been installed in army barracks across Montenegro to enable the broadcasting of the YUINFO television channel. <br>“This plan is very similar to the scenarios of all the conflicts on the territory of former Yugoslavia in the last ten years and its last stage shall be the same as with all the others. Montenegrins will hold a referendum on independence and the existing Yugoslavia shall fall apart, states this Moscow daily. <br>Komersant concludes that “this may be exactly what Milosevic wants, because his mandate expires the following year, and according to the Constitution he could only be a president of a new state”.<br>The paper, however states that “neither Russia, nor the West, support the realization of such a plan”, and adds that the development of events can only be prevented by efforts which ensure Milosevic, cannot exploit the difference in views existing between these two forces. <br>“Both the West and Moscow seem to be ready for this”, writes this paper, and reminds readers that the Russian foreign ministry condemned the introduction of the blockade between Serbia and Montenegro. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem953724338,14376,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Moscow shall distance itself from Milosevic, under the condition that Montenegro and Kosovo are not recognized as independent states</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/ivanov.jpg" align=left>Greek media have stated that Russia shall distance itself from president Milosevic, and according to the same source the Greek foreign affairs minister Jorgos Papandreu has informed his colleagues in the EU of this. <br>Papandreu spoke to Russia’s foreign affairs minister, Igor Ivanov, on Sunday and Monday, and then it was concluded that the stances of their governments are the same. <br>In Athens the authorities have not formally responded to these statements made in the media on this topic, but neither have they denied this is the case, even thought the Greek minister held a press conference for Greek journalists in Brussels. <br>The Athens newspaper, Katimerini, stated that Papandreu went to Brussels “from Moscow – with the message”, which was to be taken to the EU.<br>The Athens paper “Eksusija” in its report on the EU ministerial council meeting, refers to Papandreu’s previous visit to Moscow and stated that “Ivanov avoided even mentioning Milosevic, which is interpreted as the distancing of Moscow from the Serbian leader”. <br>The Greek state agency MPA, reported on the BBC program in Greek, within which it was stated that Papandreu has informed his colleagues in the EU that “Russia is ready to abandon Slobodan Milosevic and his regime - which would open the road to a pro-western government in Belgrade - under the condition that any ideas about the independence of Kosovo and Montenegro are eliminated”.<br>The BBC stated that “it seems like the Greek partners in the EU agree with this Russian approach, and that the USA agrees as well, but all will be clarified in a few weeks when the Contact Group on Yugoslavia and the Balkans is scheduled to meet.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem953724009,11706,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The financial help for Montenegro doubled</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“The anticipated financial help of the EU for Montenegro will be doubled” was confirmed on the press conference last night, after the very long discussion held yesterday, regarding the West Balkans. Instead of the expected 10 million of euros, of which 5 have already been sent, Montenegro will get the double sum of 20 million from EU this year.<br>“The president Dukanovic is doing his best and in very hard conditions caused by Mr. Milosevic” said Chris Patten, External relation Commissioner, on the press conference held last night. Montenegro, as it was pointed out, was specially discussed about in the scope of conversation on the safety problems of the West Balkans.<br>“It is a very strong signal of support for Montenegro” said one of the officials of the EU regarding the doubling of the financial help. <br>“That money”, said Patten “is intended for the humanitarian and safety purposes.” It was also pointed out that the European Investment Bank would work in Montenegro. Its existence in Montenegro would not be, as concerning some other countries, connected to the independence of the state. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem953634501,14315,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The EU needs to encourage the Montenegrin government to act responsibly with respect to the issue of independence</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/euro.jpg" align=left> The Yugoslav regime is a key barrier to the widespread efforts of the EU to integrate the western Balkans into European political and economic trends, and therefore the question of Yugoslavia has to be its key priority, it was concluded in the draft report prepared for the Lisbon Summit next month. <br>The draft report, which was discussed by EU foreign ministers yesterday, concludes that, in the western Balkans, “long-term stability cannot be established while the regime of Slobodan Milosevic is in power. <br>“The ‘black whole’ which is Serbia today, limits the chances for peace and economic development of FRY’s neighbors. Therefore, the introduction of a democratic FRY into European trends needs to be a key priority of EU policies in Southeast Europe”, it is stated in the draft report. <br>“The two-prong approach – of pressurizing the regime and assisting the people and the democratic forces – in EU’s policy towards Serbia has not produced the anticipated results so far”, the report states. <br>“The EU intends to continue to provide support to the democratic and economic reforms of president Milo Djukanovic”, states the report and concludes that a serious crisis has been avoided, but that tension remains given the “permanent efforts of Belgrade to de-stabilize Montenegro”. <br>“The Montenegrin economy continues to be weak, which is mainly due to the pressure from Belgrade”, and the international community has failed to adequately compensate for this. <br>“The survival of the reform oriented government in the next few months, partially depends on the access to efficient and timely assistance”, it is stated in this text. <br>The report also states that the fact that Montenegro is not an independent state “should not be a barrier to sending urgently needed assistance”. <br>The EU should continue to “encourage the Montenegrin government to act responsibly with respect to the issue of independence and to send messages to Belgrade that the de-stabilization of Montenegro will not be tolerated”, it is stated in the draft report prepared for the Lisbon meeting of EU foreign ministers. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem953634464,23583,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>No stability with the Belgrade regime</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/beograd.jpg" border=1 align=left> Yugoslav regime is the main obstacle for EU efforts to integrate the western part of the Balkans into European political and economic courses. Therefore, Yugoslavia has to be its priority question. Draft, considered in Brussels by diplomats of the EU, estimates that there is no Stability in the west Balkans as long as Milosevic regime is in power. “Serbia is a “black hole”, and it holds back the chances for peace and economic development of its neighbor countries. Integration of the FRY into European courses must be priority of the EU policy in Southeast Europe. “, it is said in the Draft. <br>EU is to continue to support democratic and economic reforms of the president Djukanovic, with the remark that a serious crisis has been avoided for the time being, but the tension remains, as the result of constant efforts of Belgrade to destabilize.<br>At the same time, “Montenegrin economy, and the support to the Government remains fragile which can be attributed to pressure from Belgrade, which has not been adequately compensated by the international community. <br>Survival of the reform government during the next few months partly depends on efficient and prompt assistance, says the Draft.<br>Finally, the last remark regarding concrete actions of the EU towards the FRY holds that the fact that Montenegro is not an independent state does not have to be an obstacle for urgent assistance to be sent to Montenegro. <br>For the sake of economic stability, survival of the government, EU must reinforce its budgetary, humanitarian and technical assistance and include Montenegro and its infrastructure projects. <br>EU is to keep encouraging the Montenegrin government to keep acting responsibly regarding the question of independence, and is to send signals to Belgrade that its attempts to destabilize are not to be tolerated. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem953554047,57814,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>If Serbia continues to ignore our proposals, the Montenegrin citizens have a right to a referendum</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“<img src="images/grbmali1.gif" align=left> <br>We shall decisively defend our national interests and our freedom”, stated the Montenegrin president Milo Djukanovic, in an interview with today’s Hamburg daily ‘Speigle”, in response to the latest moves taken by president Slobodan Milosevic.<br>The internal Yugoslav conflict around the reform-oriented Republic of Montenegro is dramatically sharpening and is threatening to develop into a larger conflict, it is assessed by this German daily. “In the relations between the two republics, there is a concerned level of danger. We expect Milosevic’s next move to be in the direction of de-stabilizing the region. The hope that there could be a permanent peace in the Balkans with Milosevic, who has already instigated four wars, is an illusion”, said Djukanovic. <br>Djukanovic fears that the “international community, could respond too late, as has been the case in all the wars so far:” <br>“Montenegro relies on its powerful democratic movement, which shall, together with our state authorities defend our country, our freedom and shall defend peace”, stated Djukanovic for this daily. <br>“The international community is advising us to stay within Yugoslavia, in the hope that we can influence the democratization of FRY. Of course, our policies are directed in this direction. But if Serbia continues to ignore our proposals concerning the necessary economic and democratic reform, then the citizens of Montenegro have the constitutional right to vote on the issue of Montenegro’s state status at a referendum”, said Djukanovic. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem953554021,33596,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegrin projects have a good chance of obtaining funding</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“<img src="images/euro.jpg" align=left> Montenegro can, most probably, count on obtaining support for projects relating to modernizing the road and rail infrastructure, as well as the building of a regional water system, said Slavica Milacic, the head of the Montenegrin mission in Brussels, in response to the preparations for the donor conference organized by the Stability Pact to be held on 29th and 3th March. <br>“Two meetings have been held organized by the coordinator of the Stability Pact, and there are indications that key infrastructure projects shall obtain support”, said Milacic.<br>Milacic said that this donor conference is the first of its kind as is part of the process of stabilization and long-term economic development of Southeast Europe. He added that the conference presents a test in terms of the credibility of the responsibilities of stability pact members. <br>“The conference is a first step in the process of mobilizing funds, because for every project and initiative after the conference an agency and institution shall be identified which would cooperation with the donors who have expressed an interest”. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem953381733,7714,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Do not endanger Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The secretary general of NATO George Robertson invited the Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic not to endanger democratic development of Montenegro. He also accused the extremist on the both Serbian and Albanian side for trying to provoke the incidents in the region of the administrative border of Kosovo and Serbia <br>On the press conference held in Budapest, where he initiated his conversation with the premiers of the neighboring countries of FRY, he estimated that “the war is not coming closer to Serbia.” <br>Robertson accused Milosevic of imposing the blockade upon Montenegro and he called on the FRY president to withdraw the blockade and to stop disturbing the democratic Government in Podgorica in performing of its activities. <br>When asked whether the NATO would be involved in the possible conflict between Serbia and Montenegro, he said that he did not come to Budapest to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’.<br>However Robertson said that the attitude of NATO is that Dukanovic is the elected president of Montenegro and Serbia has no rights to interfere.<br>By commenting the tension in the south of Serbia, he stated that the KFOR did the inspection of the bases of those factors that wanted to provoke the war in the south of Serbia by using Kosovo, but he did not precise what factor he meant to.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem953381250,12890,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Chance for Montenegrin projects</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">A donor conference “Education and the Stability Pact” was held in Gratz on March 9 and 10. The conference focused on school programs in Montenegro, Serbia and Kosovo. As a matter of fact, this was a meeting of the Task Force I of the Stability Pact for Southeast Europe, whose purpose was to prepare the forthcoming conference in Brussels. A delegation of the Ministry of education and science, headed by deputy minister Radovan Damjanovic, also participated in the conference.<br>“The purpose of the conference was to get information on education in Montenegro, Serbia and Kosovo, so that donors, and different governmental and non-governmental organizations would get to know the subject better. They also wanted to know more about future projects planned in this field so that they can offer some assistance for realization of the projects. We really tried hard to inform them on details of educational system in Montenegro, both with the present situation and with the plans for the future. Apart from this, we also highlighted the priorities of the further development of educational system, pointing out that, at the moment, the most important for us is to invest in people, staff and their potentials. By this we mean constant professional improvement of all those who work in the field of education. We have other priorities as well, such as creating better working conditions, better material bases of people employed in education, construction of new objects etc.”, says Damjanovic. <br>Montenegrin delegation informed the participants on so-far results of the reforms in the educational system.<br>“We used the conference to point out the problems we had in realizing the plans. We stressed that many international organization and foundations helped our educational system, but that help was more humanitarian help. Montenegrin educational system needs a long-term financial, expert and technical assistance. The donors appreciated the intentions of the Ministry of Education and science and, in general, they appeared to be willing to support our plans. We agreed to establish concrete contacts with governmental and non-governmental organization on bilateral bases. The conference in Gratz was another example of cooperation with the countries in Southeast Europe and the region, in general.”, said Damjanovic.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem953293744,9588,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>General Martinovic confirms that there are no Montenegrins left in the army leadership</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">General Martinovic, has confirmed that a “cleansing” of Montenegrin officers in the army leadership has taken place. Milosevic dismissed Martinovic from the position of General of the Second Division of YA in March last year, because he did not follow through Milosevic’s political vision in Montenegro. <br>“It is a fact that within the key positions of the Yugoslav Army there are no Montenegrin generals. It is the same with the federal defense ministry. Why this is the case, should be answered by the former army chief and the present defense minister”, said general Martinovic. <br>With respect to the appointment of the then army chief, General Ojdanic, to the position of federal defense minister, Martinovic, said that he is unsure why the outlined decision-making procedures using the Supreme Defense Council did not take place. “Personally, I am not against the appointment of generals, that is military personalities for the position of the defense minister. But in this particular situation I express my reservations because of the personality in question”, said Martinovic. <br>Responding to the question of the motivations behind forming the 7th battalion of the military police, general Martinovic, expressed his opinion.<br>“It is the norm for the Yugoslav Army to form certain formations, including units for special actions, in line with their needs and in line with concrete decisions reached by the Security Council. It is also the norm for the selection criteria to be based on expertise and professional experience. It would not be natural if the criteria were based on national, religious or party-political orientation and membership. Which criteria are used for the formation of this military police unit of the Second Division, is a question which should be posed to the commander of this division”, said general Martinovic. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem953293704,1232,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>It is not easy for Milosevic to start a war in Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Joska Fischer, Germany’s foreign affairs minister, stated that a civil war would break out in Serbia, “if president Slobodan Milosevic attempted to use force to crush the opposition protest in Serbia. <br>“This would be a terrible tragedy in Serbia. Fortunately, it is not that easy, even for Milosevic, to start up a civil war in Serbia or Montenegro, yet to avoid, jeopardizing his own position, at the same time”, said Fischer in an interview with the Serbian NIN weekly. <br>Fischer expressed support for president Milo Djukanovic. “Djukanovic has shown that, even for Serbia, there is a possible European future. We have to try everything we can to reduce the tension in the region, and not to increase it. What will happen, and what would be our response, if the situation intensifies, I do not even want to try and guess”, said Fischer. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem953206661,4476,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Milosevic’s militant core in Montenegro comprises of only 3 to 4 thousand people</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/burzan.jpg" align=left>“Our strategic interest is to develop good relations with all our neighbors. But this is clearly impossible to carry out with undemocratic Serbia under the dictatorship of Slobodan Milosevic”, said Deputy President of the Montenegrin government, Dragisa Burzan in an interview with the Croatian daily ‘Slobodna Dalmacija’. <br>Burzan said that the installation of check-points at the road towards Bozaje, the walkabout of military transport vehicles through Podgorica and the flying of military planes above the city represent new, very dangerous signs that are a warning. <br>“I see all these economic, media and military ‘activities’ as part of the preparations of the Yugoslav Army in carrying out a coup d’etat in Montenegro. Whether this will be carried out according to the scenario of a “creeping coup”, is not under our control. If things start developing against Milosevic in Serbia, it is possible that the scenario of an open coup will be adopted. The current ‘activities’ are not only about ordinary maneuvers of the army. To anyone following the political relations between Serbia and Montenegro, it is clear that these activities present the implementation of aggression against Montenegro. There are no dilemmas here and there is nothing coincidental about these activities. In this respect, practically all the preparations have been finalized”, said Burzan.<br>“I would not like to sound dramatic” continued Burzan, “but, the Yugoslav Army sees only Milosevic as its supreme commander, and thus this army can be as dangerous as Milosevic is. The new officers which Milosevic recently appointed, without the knowledge and against the will of Montenegro, are installed in key places and speak Milosevic’s language, the language of intimidation”, said Burzan.<br>Burzan, emphasized that he does not believe an open conflict will take place, at this time. “An open conflict is practically conditioned by an armed conflict within Serbia between Milosevic and the opposition there. If things start getting bad there, he may try to use Montenegro as a negative example of what could happen. Milosevic is not in a position to enter into an open conflict with us, because he won’t have the necessary backing for this in Montenegro. Even those who support him indirectly, that is through the SNP, would not back such moves. Contrary to popular opinion, that Milosevic has around 20% of militants in these SNP circles, I believe that there is a militant nucleus of around 3 to 4 thousand people. Milosevic has to count on the fact that, in the case of an open conflict with Montenegro, he will not be supported by all those who have been supporting him so far”, said Burzan. <br>As part of Milosevic’s Plan B and the ‘creeping coup’, an attempt to separate northern municipalities could happen, but Burzan is certain that Milosevic would not have the support in the North which he is counting on.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem953206504,92723,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>OSCE to be involved in local elections</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">President of the Republic of Montenegro, Milo Djukanovic met Secretary general of Austrian Foreign ministry, Albert Rochan, who is also a special envoy of the presiding of the OSCE. They both noted the significance of so-far cooperation between Montenegro and OSCE, which contributed to affirmation of Montenegrin democratic project, and proved Montenegrin readiness for cooperation. Djukanovic expressed the interest of Montenegro in full involvement of OSCE in preparation of legislation for the forthcoming local election in Podgorica and Herceg-Novi. He assured that Montenegrins are to do everything in their power to ensure that these elections are free and democratic, and the participation of OSCE is to contribute to its legitimacy and help that authentic will of citizens is to be expressed. Rochan thanked Djukanovic for <br>constructive cooperation with the OSCE office in Podgorica and confirmed the coincidence of their views related to international community actions undertaken in order to prevent new conflicts in the region. More efficient support and assistance to Montenegrin democratic project is in support of that idea.<br>Djukanovic offered Rochan support and assistance regarding elections that are to be organized in Kosovo. Assistance is related to huge number of displaced people from Kosovo who are staying in Montenegro.<br>They also discussed bilateral cooperation of Montenegro and Austria, and exchanged their views on present situation in Yugoslavia and region. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem953119339,97823,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>We will not be taken in by the Belgrade’s provocation</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“Balkans has unfortunately always been unstable and all of us who live here have reason to be worried and reason for increased responsibility, concerning the stability and mutual peace”, said Milo Dukanovic, president of the republic of Montenegro in interview to the Belgrade TV channel “Studio B”, when responding to the question on possibility of a new war in Balkans. <br>“During the last decade Montenegro demonstrated it had recognized that responsibility and that it had acted responsibly in preserving the peace and stability both in the scope of Yugoslavia and the region. Unfortunately that was not enough since there was always someone who was initiator of new conflicts. Even today we have reasons to be worried about the new conflicts. The actions taken lately by Mr. Milosevic point out to the fact that this must be his new spring provocation. Regarding Montenegro, it will not be taken in by the provocation of Mr. Milosevic, since we are conscious that if, by some nervous reaction, we give an alibi to him and to people in Montenegro who think like him and who are his followers, then it would be the reason for their trying to impose some new states in Montenegro and FRY, (like they did during the NATO intervention), to overtake the control from the legally elected democratic authorities in Montenegro”, pointed out president Dukanovic. <br>When answering the questions regarding the latest blockade of the goods flow from Serbia, Dukanovic said:<br>“Certainly, the damages are large, but what we have to notice is that the damages are not only economical but, for the matter of fact, they are not primarily economical. Damages are primarily political and they endanger the existence of the FRY community. Montenegro will certainly appear at the alternative markets. We have reestablished the economical cooperation with all ex YU countries.”<br>“This is also the attempt of Milosevic’s regime to inform the Montenegrin people that we can not survive if Serbia doesn’t open its border towards Montenegro.<br>“Montenegro has not died. It has low standard of living, but it is significantly higher than the standard of living of Serbia. Montenegro pays off the pensions more regularly then Serbia; Montenegro pays off the public welfare more regularly then Serbia. Today, maybe for the first time in its history, Montenegro has significantly higher average salaries and it pays them off more regularly then Serbia. Therefore, all of this confirms my claim that Montenegro has the economical potentials.”</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem953119249,66451,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Shortages of medication </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“This is the third Tuesday in a row, that I am queuing in front of the pharmacy in order to buy “dilkoran” and “dilakor” because I have weak heart. I doubt I will manage to buy them, because even though a certain quota arrive, they are sold very quickly”, said Djordje Pavicevic, a pensioner who was queuing in the long queue in front of one of the main pharmacies in Podgorica. <br>There were queues in front of all the largest pharmacies yesterday. There are shortages of drugs, especially for those with weak hearts, or those suffering from diabetes. Thus, pensioners are particularly badly hit. <br>“As prescriptions are only valid for seven days, we have to get them extended which is a real pain, and given the shortages we have to do this again and again. The only thing we can do, is to go to the private pharmacies where the drugs are extremely expensive”, explained Pavicevic. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem953036509,9832,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Army must obey the constitution</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/miloprst.jpg" border=1 align=left >“I think a very serious temptation is in front of the Army, and it would be good if their leadership recognize the temptation. The Army must decide if they will obey the constitution or if they want to be Army of a party, or even personal guard of Milosevic.”, said the president of the Republic of Montenegro, Milo Djukanovic in his interview to the independent TV station “Studio ‘B’ ”.<br>“I am afraid that the Army got the attribute of Serbian coalition’s army because of their behaviour over the last six months. If we could accept their excuses for such behaviour during the NATO intervention, we cannot accept them today.<br>The Army of Yugoslavia ceded its radio-diffusion system to an illegal TV station that started emitting the program in Montenegro, breaching the legal establishment in Montenegro in that way. I know it is not recommendable to talk against any kind of media, and our party is aware of that. However, there is not a single request for getting TV or radio frequency at our Ministry in charge that has not been answered. If the initiators of the new TV station had applied for a frequency, I am sure that they would have got the approval.<br>However, they needed to demonstrate force over the legal system, and over Montenegro, in general. Since they do not have their own forces, they used the Army, which is placed in Montenegro. <br>I would like the Army leadership to recognize the nature and the purpose of that kind of policy. If they recognize it, I am sure that the reasonable part of the leadership would get back to the role that Army has according to the Constitution.<br>If they do not do that, than the Yugoslav character of the Army will be doubted. A new question would be opened - if they are Yugoslav Army? If they want to inflict harm to Montenegro, to its statehood, to the will of their citizens, what are they doing in Montenegro at all?<br>It is unacceptable the alibi of some of the Army leaders. They say they are being loyal to federal authorities, and not the republic ones. Federal regulations are quite precise – the Supreme council of defense is commanding the Army, and not an imaginary supreme commander, who placed himself in that kind of position and got the loyalty of some of the leaders of the Army. They cannot get away with it.”, said Djukanovic.<br>“Both of us - Milosevic or myself, we can get the idea to proclaim ourselves Kings, but does it necessary mean the obligation of the Army to follow our crazy ideas? I am afraid that those who obey that kind of policy of invented and unconstitutional military commander will be as responsible as he is.<br>Perhaps we have different views of the future of Milosevic’s policy. Perhaps they think that his policy has some perspective. I think not. Besides, the fact that Milosevic for quite some time cannot go anywhere, not only abroad, but also throughout his country, tells enough the perspective of his policy.<br>These are indications that his policy is coming to an end, and those who support him must think of time that comes.”, said Djukanovic.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem953036421,26751,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro cannot count on obtaining loans because it is not an independent state</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The finance ministers of the countries of the European Union discussed the economic and finance situation in Montenegro at a session held in Brussels yesterday.<br>In a press statement it is stated that the EU will continue to provide support for Montenegro. The ministers confirmed the decision they brought on the session of the ministerial Council held 28th February, that the provision of loans is not the adequate form of support for Montenegro because macro-economic aid is given only to sovereign states. This was emphasized by the European commission’s representative for economic and monetary issues, Pedro Solbes Mira. This is why it is important to mobilize donations from the EU budget or from budgets within individual countries, including countries that are not EU members. The ministers have decided to request an urgent assessment of the needs and different possible options for the provision of assistance to Montenegro from the European Commission. Possibilities of providing assistance especially through the “Obnova” fund and through the provision of humanitarian aid were emphasized. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem952950352,77553,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Problem with Montenegrin regime to be solved in a democratic way, with no force</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Vice president of the Yugoslav Government and a high level functionary of the SNP, Danilo Vuksanovic, accused Montenegrin authorities of using force to forbid application of the Yugoslav Constitution in Montenegro, and of working on the dividing of Yugoslavia.<br>According to Vuksanovic, Montenegrin authorities are outcasts, who use force to forbid application of Yugoslav laws, and with the help of the world centres of power, primarily with the help of the USA they are working on dividing of Yugoslavia. <br>“The federal Government believes that the problem with the Montenegrin authorities can be solved in a democratic way without being forced to impose its constitutional rights with the force.”, said Vuksanovic<br>His assessment is that Montenegrin people support common state and are against the secessionist aspirations of Montenegrin authorities. <br>Vuksanovic also said that the American administration found Djukanovic and the rest of the oligarchy the adequate persons for achieving its interests.<br>“The Americans and the other powers wanted to do the same with Serbia but they did not made it. Serbia is the only country that has its statehood, it does not succumb to foreign influences, it wants its independence and equal relations with other countries.”, said Vuksanovic.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem952950333,28640,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Talks on cooperation between Ljubljana and Podgorica</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Delegation of the board for international affairs of the Parliament of the Republic of Montenegro, headed by the president of the board, Predrag Popovic arrived in Ljubljana, responding to the invitation of the president of the board for international affairs of the Slovenian Parliament, Jelko Kacin.<br>During the visit, the delegation is to meet the representatives of the Ministry for small business and tourism, members of the board for international affairs, as well as a mayor of Maribor. They are also to meet deputy foreign minister of Slovenia, Ernest Petric, the vice president of the Economy chamber, Marta Kos, deputy economy and development minister, Vojka Ravbar, as well as the representatives of the Office for the cooperation with the EU. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem952688918,98164,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegrin independence will be the unavoidable outcome of the current constitutional and legal confusion in FRY</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/milo-11.jpg" align=left>“Of all the federal authorities the only ones still functioning are the Yugoslav Army, the use of the Dinar, in parallel with use of the DM and the Office for Federal Air-traffic Control. I think that there was never a time when there were fewer functions operating at the federal level. This is thanks to the constitutional and legal violence implemented by the Belgrade regime. As per the public opinion in Montenegro, the situation is clear: every day the support for an independent Montenegro is growing”, said Milo Djukanovic, following his meeting with US secretary of state, Madeline Albright, in the Sarajevo Holiday Inn.<br>At a press conference, Djukanovic, stated that he shares Ms. Albright’s concern following the latest moves of the Belgrade regime which include intensified media pressure, as well as economic, political and military pressure on Montenegro.<br>“We have particularly in mind, the intention of the YA to disrupt the implementation of the Decision brought by the Montenegrin government to open up the border crossing with Albania; The army has also lent the military radio–diffusion systems to Milosevic’s regime for the illegal broadcasting of TV programs in Montenegro, which function to increase the media pressure before the up-coming local elections”, said Djukanovic.<br>“It is clear to us that we cannot continue to live within the current constitutional and legal chaos in the long-term. This is why we devised the Platform, which presents our vision of the constitutional and legal framework between Serbia and Montenegro. Unfortunately, until this day we have received no answer from the Belgrade regime, and this tells us that there is a lack of willingness to reach a compromise with Montenegro. I am concerned that their political and media rhetoric, over the last few months seems to say that they have decided to squeeze Montenegro out of FRY rather than to discuss models of a future state with Montenegro. We are not in a hurry and we refrain from taking any hasty moves, which could be used as an alibi for instigating violence in Montenegro. We are protecting the interests of Montenegrin citizens through the current policies we are implementing and at the same time, we are awaiting for an answer on the possibility of Yugoslavia’s survival. If this does not happen, the direction we shall take is clear. Montenegro shall not compromise in terms of its strategic national interests. Our strategic national interests are the reforms, the development of democracy, establishing connections with European and Atlantic integration. If this is possible within the Yugoslav federation, we shall be pleased, if not Montenegro will take this road alone”, said Djukanovic. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem952601798,3689,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Armored vehicles roaming around town</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/atak.jpg" align=left>The Second Division of the Yugoslav Army continues to demonstrate its power in Montenegro and carries on with, what they claim, are ‘regular activities’. Convoys of a few trucks and other vehicles for the transport of soldiers were seen passing through the central streets of Podgorica at regular intervals, yesterday. Occasionally armored vehicles were seen as well. A number of citizens who observed the vehicles and who contacted Vijesti, stated that they noticed, on the basis of the registration plates, that it was the same vehicles passing through town each time and entering center from different directions, in an attempt to leave an impression of numerousness. <br>The two military check-points on the road towards the Bozaj border crossing with Albania are still operative. Soldiers regularly carry out checks and keep records on who is crossing the border. Despite the agreement between Podgorica and Tirana, it is only ordinary passengers who are crossing this border, as was ordered by the Supreme Defense Council in 1997.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem952601688,41195,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Following the explosion at the Bijelo Polje police station, police detains a number of people including two members of the 7th battalion</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Bijelo Polje police have detained a number of people as part of the investigation following the explosion in the parking area beside the Bijelo Polje police station at 9pm on 7th March.<br>Amongst those detained were Jovan Medojevic and Milosav Bajceta, members of the 7th battalion of the YA, who were found close to the police station after the explosion. Medojevic and Bajceta, who were in their civilian clothing, were released after spending 20 hours in the police station.<br>Following the investigation, which was supported by an expert team of the internal affairs ministry from Podgorica, no connection between the 7th battalion and the explosion were identified. <br>No one was injured in the explosion, but some police cars and passenger cars parked in the parking lot were damaged, and the glass broke on the building of the police and a few other adjacent buildings.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem952601665,1345,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Do not go against Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">NATO clearly warned Yugoslav President, Slobodan Milosevic that NATO was to respond to any kind of attack on Montenegro, said the officials in Brussels.<br>“NATO warned Milosevic that he must mot invade Montenegro, because we would take it seriously and we would respond to it.”, said one of the NATO officials who wanted to stay anonymous. <br>“However, we will not say in advance what kind of response it would be.”<br>“We do not want and we do not think it smart that president Djukanovic does anything that might provoke any kind of dangerous situation.”<br>The official did not want to confirm the information of one of the journalists that Secretary General of NATO, George Robertson, had announced military intervention in case Milosevic tried to overthrow democratic authorities in Montenegro.<br>“NATO holds that we can reach a mutually acceptable solution.” He underlined that President Djukanovic had acted cautiously and had been doing his best to represent his own people, and establish democracy. “He appeared to be very cautious and we kept appealing to him to keep doing so. The President Djukanovic does not want to provoke a war, and neither do we.”<br>The NATO official said that a NATO message to president Djukanovic was that NATO Allies supported his effort to liberalize Montenegrin society.<br>“We understand it demands people to restrain themselves from moving faster and more energetically forward. But the message is to act in reserved way and cautiously, but continue with liberalization, as well.”, concluded the official.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem952515475,25323,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Such a blockade has never before been imposed on Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=0 src="images/filip.jpg" align=left>Montenegrin Prime Minister Filip Vujanovic stated that the full trade blockade Serbia has imposed on Montenegro is the most drastic form of economic sanctioning Montenegro has had to endure and that this move shall harm the Serbian economy as well. Montenegro, Vujanovic continued, is compelled to identify alternative markets in order to secure the provision of basic food stuffs and enable the normal functioning of economic life as a whole. In an interview with the British BBC, Prime Minister Vujanovic, emphasized that Montenegro shall not take retroactive measures, but shall behave responsibly. <br>He stated that “Belgrade has consistently tried to destabilize Montenegro in the period of the last two years” and that the latest measures are the most drastic form of an economic blockade. Vujanovic called it a “truly brutal police-imposed blockade”, and added that such economically destructive moves are meaningless, especially when imposed within one country and within the unified Yugoslav market. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem952515367,83895,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Bulatovic would like to exhaust Montenegro economically before the upcoming local elections</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“Everything has finally become clear, and all those stories about how the aim of the blockade was to stop the export of subsidized food from Serbia are clearly untrue. It is now obvious that the blockade is a political game led by the federal government headed by Federal Prime Minister Momir Bulatovic with the aim of exhausting Montenegro economically before the up-coming local elections in Podgorica and Herceg Novi. This explains why the blockade now applies to imports of raw materials for Montenegrin industries and to the exports of Montenegrin industrial goods”, said the industry minister Vojin Djukanovic, in response to Serbia intensifying the trade blockade.<br>Vojin Djukanovic stated that the government in Serbia is allowing only those imports from Montenegro, which are indispensable to them – that is steel and aluminum. He said that the blockade now applies to imports of goods produced by the Obod fridge factory, the salt from Ulcinj, wine and other products. Nevertheless, Djukanovic emphasized, Montenegro shall not impose similar measures against Serbia.<br>Factories that are going to suffer most as a consequence of these measures are the Obod fridge factory and the Iron works factory. <br>“Even though the Niksic Iron Works can sell its steel in Serbia, the factory is in difficulties because it cannot buy its main raw material – old iron from Serbia. The Cetinje factory Obod had a well-established market in Serbia, which has now been taken away. <br>The identifying of alternative markets is inevitable, according to Djukanovic. In his opinion, such a move will take time, and will cost both produces and consumers, despite the provision of government assistance in overcoming this difficulty. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem952426077,31329,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Not a single truck from Serbia has entered into Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=0 src="images/kamion.jpg" align=left>Brodarevo is the first police checkpoint when one leave Montenegro and enters into Serbia. Here the police check driving licenses and identity cards and search through passenger cars. They are concerned about one thing and this is that they do not want any goods transferred from one republic into the other. <br>At the second checkpoint at Kolovrat there are around 60 trucks parked by the road from Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia and their drivers are simply waiting. Here the police are not concerned about passenger cars but only about trucks. <br>“This is a deal between Milo and Slobo, and in this way they will throw Montenegro out of Yugoslavia. In Serbia they have been talking for some time, that Slobo can once again become President only if Montenegro leaves Yugoslavia. This border is about raising political tensions and has nothing to do with the economy”, said Predrag Djurovic from a small Serbian town, who is driving a truck of goods to Italy, through Montenegro, and who obtained all the necessary permits in Belgrade, but to no avail. <br>“We think they are doing all this to instigate hatred between Montenegrins and Serbs”, adds another truck driver from Herceg Novi.<br>Goods were confiscated from a number of drivers, who did not have ‘adequate documentation’. Macedonian drivers passing in transit were told “to wait and see how the situation develops, because the order as from Friday noon is that nothing can get through which is going towards Montenegro”. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem952426043,13293,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Vijesti journalists detained at border with Serbia</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=0 src="images/vijesti.jpg" align=left>Serbian police detained a group of our correspondents for questioning and held them for four and half hours.<br>“What are you doing here? Where are your colleagues”, was the first question the policeman in his gray suit asked. He was not happy with the answer “we want to find out what is happening Kolovrat”, he accused the female journalist for carrying out “propaganda, because one cannot write about what the drivers say”. The policeman said that “it is known to everyone who can make statements for the newspapers”. <br>After this he confiscated the thick notebook from the journalist and started reading. The policeman found notes on Milo Djukanovic’s panel discussion held at the University when someone asked him a question on the behavior of the Yugoslav Army in Montenegro. He immediately ran to the phone, informed the chief of police that he has “a serious case – a detained journalist who has mentioned the behavior of the army” and requested that policemen from the local police station “take over the case”.<br> When the policeman came across the notes relating to the Prime minister’s visit to the Obod fridge and freezers factory in Cetinje entitled “Filip in Obod”, the policeman asked “who’s Filip and what’s Obod”. The journalist tried to explain that the notes are about the Prime minister’s visit to the Cetinje factory and that all the Montenegrin papers covered this story. But the policeman quickly said “Leave your notes, they are the evidence, you go and sit in the corner and shut up, and I shall stick a plaster over your mouth”. <br>When the rest of the Vijesti crew arrived, the policeman left the room to search their car, and they were all sent to the Prijepolje police for questioning. After spending 4.5 hours at the police station, they were allowed home.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem952353469,24136,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>More than 100 trucks are waiting to cross the border into Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The barrier has been permanently down for the last two days for all imports from Serbia into Montenegro at the Kolovrat border crossing. Only trucks loaded with aluminum and iron manage to pass the border in the other direction from Montenegro into Serbia.<br>Apart from the increased number of police and trade inspectors, members of the military police are also present at Kolovrat. There were more than 100 trucks parked by the road, which have been waiting since Friday to see whether they will be able to cross the border. The policemen told each driver that “going to Montenegro with goods from Serbia is prohibited” and that without any further discussion they “have to go back”.<br>The officials present wanted refused to make a statement for Vijesti and to clarify whether the full blockade is the result of the existing decree of the Serbian ministry of agriculture or whether a new decree has been enforced. A policeman simply said, “an order is an order. We have to respect it.”<br>Personal vehicles were also targeted yesterday, as the police and inspectors allow only personal belongings to be brought into Montenegro. <br>In the last three days not a single truck with coal from Pljevlje has gone through, even though until now, they were selectively permitted to cross the border into Serbia. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem952353146,77602,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>“A referendum will not take place, because the government policies are based on cautiousness”</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Director of CEDEM (The Center for Democracy and Human Rights), Srdjan Darmanovic, stated that Slobodan Milosevic’s government has chosen to implement the “policy of conflicts” towards Montenegro.<br>“Milosevic’s regime has been implementing the policy of conflicts toward Montenegro, since it refused to respond to the proposal for dialogue on reforming the relations between Montenegro and Serbia”, said Darmanovic in an interview with a Serbian local paper. <br>Commenting on the possibility of a civil war in Montenegro, Darmanovic said that the situation is “very serious” and added, “such dark predictions cannot be excluded”. He added that he doesn’t believe that a civil war is unavoidable, nor that it is inevitable, but stated that “Montenegro is deeply divided politically between key the main groups opposing each other” and that “there is practically no consensus between them”. <br>Darmanovic assessed that the further distancing of Montenegro from the federal system will continue but added that he does not believe a referendum on independence shall be held, “because the government is following a policy of cautiousness and refuses to go against the interests of the international community and its intentions to ensure a basic level of stability in the region”. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem952175592,12594,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>‘We will be persistent in our demands concerning the Montenegro’s access to the World Bank and International monetary found’</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/filip.jpg" align=left>“Decision of the German government, regarding the credit guarantee worth 40 million DM, is a very big recognition for the state policy of the Montenegro. The outer wall of the sanctions towards Montenegro is significantly abolished and Montenegro is differently treated in comparison to Yugoslavia, since the state guarantee is given for those projects the contractors of which are German companies. This way we have shown that Montenegro is not a highly risky region, but attractive area for the foreign investments. This means that the projects we suggested in the Stability Pact for the Southeast Europe, are becoming the matter of interest of the EU countries,” said Prime Minister of Montenegro Filip Vujanovc. <br>“If different Governments, through their federal institutions, can guarantee the credits which will provide the realization of the various projects throughout the republic of Montenegro, than we have got what we would get from the International financial organizations and World Bank one way or another. They made exceptions concerning the Palestine, Kosovo, Bosnia and Hercegovina before it became independent, so they can use the same principles regarding Montenegro.”<br>He also said that this project would show that providing of the humanitarian help and money for budget is not the only thing Montenegrin government is capable of. The critics of those who set their policy on separate bases concerning the Montenegrin future, can also be discussed, because they would be shown that the Governments of the EU countries would be ready to guarantee the credits for Montenegro.<br>Questioned whether the arising tensions and military movements can discourage the west countries regarding their financial support to Montenegro, Filip Vujanovic said: <br>“Tensions are our reality. They have been lasting for a very long now, and they represent the enduring ambition of Belgrade regime to destabilize Montenegro. I think that we will be wise enough and patient enough, and that we will have enough strength to persist.”<br>“So far we have been getting only the humanitarian and budget help both from the USA and the EU. Now we have what we have been wanting for from the very beginning – possibility to provide the investing in very interesting projects in Montenegro.”</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem952175532,11822,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>USS Dwight D. “Eisenhower” (aircraft carrier) near Dubrovnik</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Podgorica, March 4 (Montena-fax)<br>The next week, a joint military exercise of the American and Croat army is to take place in the waters of the Adriatic. As the world agencies inform, the USS Dwight D. “Eisenhower” (aircraft carrier) is also to sale into the Adriatic.<br>According to the Zagreb papers, the exercise is to start on Tuesday, March 7, and it is estimated that its political significance is bigger than the military one. It is also a specific preparation of Croatia to enter the Partnership for peace.<br>It has been pointed out that announced demonstration of military power, right near the border with FRY, is to be a specific message to Belgrade.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem952175511,86461,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Unfounded accusations</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Several times, Information service of the General quarters and the Second Army informed the public that accusations and critics against the army are unfounded. On that occasion, the constitutional role of the army at the territory of the Republic of Montenegro was also pointed out.<br>In spite of that, some individuals still accuse the Army stressing the idea that army has been politicized. It is rather surprising the fact that some of these people are high level functionaries of the Montenegrin government, among whom there are even those who have nothing to do with defense and the army. These statements are against the federal state and coincide with the stands of certain NATO officials and their propaganda against Yugoslavia. <br>We would like to remind the public at the territory of Montenegro that the army of Yugoslavia is not forming para military units. Statements that the army has been politicized are malicious. The life and the work of its commands, units and institutions, army adjusts to degree of danger that our country is in. The army of Yugoslavia is just having regular activities, which is in accordance with law. Bringing in connection regular army’s activities, especially the activities of the Second army with events in Montenegro is completely unfounded. The Army of Yugoslavia informs that its members follow their constitutional obligations professionally, and will continue to do so. Therefore, we firmly reject all unfounded accusations, says the Information service of the Second army.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem952084265,67260,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Germany approves a 40 million DM loan</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Germany approved a 40 million DM load to Montenegro, yesterday. The loan will be used on projects in which German businesses are engaged in, as was stated in a press conference following the meeting between Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic and German’s foreign affairs minister, Joschka Fischer in Berlin, yesterday.<br>A German foreign affairs representative stated that the Montenegrin President pledged he would refrain from taking steps, which could lead to raising the tensions in Yugoslavia. Fischer and Djukanovic agreed that there are reasons for concern and that the Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic is likely to take action that will intensify the current crisis in Yugoslavia. <br>Fischer warned of the danger of another civil war, and emphasized the importance of doing everything to ensure a conflict is avoided. It was agreed that the democratic development of Croatia, enabled by the parliamentary and presidential elections, would have a positive impact on Yugoslavia and especially on Montenegro. Fischer pointed out that Germany should, as part of European and international financial organizations, continue to call for the provision of assistance to Montenegro.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem952084242,39815,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro is excluded from external sanctions</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“The 40 million DM loan for Montenegro means that the German government shall give guarantees to its companies for the non-commercial risks they take in investing in Montenegro. This effectively means that the external sanctions imposed on Montenegro have finally been lifted, especially in the context that Montenegro was, so far, exclusively treated as part of FRY”, said foreign affairs minister, Branko Lukovac, who visited Germany together with President Djukanovic. <br>“In meetings we had with Germany’s chancellor Gerhard Schreder and foreign affairs minister Joschka Fischer it was agreed that Germany shall provide additional support to Montenegro in value of 10 million DMs for projects which are part of the Stability Pact. Germany shall continue to provide support to Montenegrin projects to be promoted at the donors conference which is to be held in Brussels at the end of this month,” said Lukovac. <br>“We obtained confirmation that Germany will fully support the democratic and reform processes in Montenegro. President Djukanovic confirmed that the Montenegrin government shall not be deceived by the provocation carried out by the army and the Belgrade regime”, said Lukovac. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem952080924,25314,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Un(suitable) officers </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The process of the political differentiation inside the officer cadre has started at the same time with the rising of combat readiness in the lines of the second army. By arriving of “the special corps for people’s events” headed by the ‘executors’ Muncanom and Vaskovic as well as by great number of “suitable” officers from Pristina and other corps from Serbia, head officers of the Yugoslav army inclined to the democratic processes in Montenegro are being exposed to the ‘discipline measures’. <br>With the aim of providing the integrity in consistent executing of the commands of the military and political head from Belgrade, these people have justified fear that, after the establishing of their political ‘unsuitability’, they will be transferred to the corps of the Yugoslav army out of Montenegro. They also fear of being appointed to the lower command positions and of being exposed to all kinds of different provocation.<br> Among the head officers expecting the already announced ‘discipline measures’, for they do not accept, regarding their professional determination, army to be used in political purposes, there are also some objections that the political authorities are not enough engaged in protection of the interests of the Montenegrin citizens who serve their military obligation in the Yugoslav army. <br>However, some competent people from the Montenegrin governing coalition, claim that they supervene the problems the head officers from Montenegro are faced with, ‘with the very much attention and much of understanding’. They also said that these officers are seriously taken into account during the future processes of the total democratic and social reforms in Montenegro. Their passive attitude is estimated to be illusory and to be the result of the current relations between Montenegrin authorities and Yugoslav army. <br>At the same, the engagement of those YA officers who obviously, regarding to their personal interests, work against Montenegro and its citizens, are ‘carefully followed’. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem951999463,54140,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Information Minister Jaredic: The 7th battalion is here to instigate a civil war</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/jaredic.jpg" align=left>The media and the government authorities in Paris have put a lot of emphasis on the situation in Montenegro which is “potentially the flame of a new conflict in the Balkans” or “the next victim”, as one of the representatives of the French foreign affairs ministry said adding that “Montenegro is a model of a multi-ethnic, reformist and democratically oriented society in the Balkans, which should become an essential part of Europe”. <br>The French daily Figaro writes that “the relations between these two brotherly nations have never, in their history been worse”. The correspondent Reno Jirar writes that the relations between Montenegro and Serbia are practically suspended and states that “the only federal institution still operative in Montenegro is the Second Division of the Yugoslav Army (YA) with its ten thousand soldiers. <br>The key question, according to the paper, is whether the Montenegrin police can confront the army. Out of the 15 000 members of the police the majority of them are in special units, and President Djukanovic, whilst founding these forces, “learnt the lessons from his former tutor, Slobodan Milosevic, very well”, the paper states. <br>There are also special units in the army and according to the Information Minister, Bozidar Jaredic this is the 7th battalion of the military police. “This unit is in Montenegro, to, at a certain point, incite unrest and provocations in order to de-stabilize the legal Montenegrin regime and to instigate a civil war. Milosevic is the big master of creating chaos and conflict which he uses in order to stay in power, but we are not going to fall into this trap”, said Jaredic, for the Figaro paper. <br>The Figaro newspaper assesses that this game of cat and mouse will not have terribly harmful consequences and quotes a Montenegrin official as saying “It is true that the Montenegrin society is deeply divided between those promoting the independence of Montenegro and those for retaining strong ties with Serbia, but these differences are not based on hatred, and shall not be resolved through a conflict”. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem951999423,32812,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Documents to be handed in to the Hague tribunal if requested so</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">On the occasion of the Montenegrin-Helsinki committee initiative for documents of two cases to be handed in to the Hague tribunal, Montenegrin public prosecutor, Bozidar Vukcevic, said it did not depend only on the good will of Montenegro, but also on request and wish of the Hague tribunal.<br>“We accept the legality and legitimacy of the Hague tribunal, and we are ready to cooperate. If the international court for war crimes in the Hague asks for documents that Montenegrin justice department has, these documents will be handed in by all means.“, said Vukcevic. He reminded that the trial against Nebojsa Ranisavljevic is about to end, and the verdict is about to be brought.<br>Vukcevic also repeated that Montenegro cannot and will not extradite its citizens to foreign countries but it is ready for extradition to the Hague tribunal since it is the institution of the United Nations.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem951827299,24343,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro and Serbia should cooperate like two [separate] countries</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">At an international conference of the future of FRY, the Montenegrin Foreign Minister, Branko Lukovac explained the difficult position Montenegro is in. “It is in the interests of Montenegro to establish good relations with Serbia, and to development cooperation like two [separate] countries. Citizens of Montenegro cannot be content whilst living in such a joint state, where the government of the other federal unit closes airports, initiates a media war, sends us officers that aligned with political parties and tries to fire up conflicts based on divisions between ancient clans”. The departure of Slobodan Milosevic as the pre-condition for the resolution of the issue concerning the relations between the two federal units of FRY, was the main agreed thesis of the conference which looked into the relations between Montenegro and FRY. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem951827086,65441,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro and Serbia should cooperate like two [separate] countries</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">At an international conference of the future of FRY, the Montenegrin Foreign Minister, Branko Lukovac explained the difficult position Montenegro is in. “It is in the interests of Montenegro to establish good relations with Serbia, and to development cooperation like two [separate] countries. Citizens of Montenegro cannot be content whilst living in such a joint state, where the government of the other federal unit closes airports, initiates a media war, sends us officers that aligned with political parties and tries to fire up conflicts based on divisions between ancient clans”. The departure of Slobodan Milosevic as the pre-condition for the resolution of the issue concerning the relations between the two federal units of FRY, was the main agreed thesis of the conference which looked into the relations between Montenegro and FRY. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem951743394,47887,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Army installs check-point at border with Albania</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/atak.jpg" align=left>Last night members of the second division of the Yugoslav Army (YA) closed the road to Bozaje, a village five kilometers from the border with Albania. YA soldiers installed a check-point on the road and they didn’t even allow the locals, who live close to the border to cross. <br>In the district behind Tuzi towards the Albanian border, the YA have significantly increased the concentration of its troops, which have occupied the surrounding hills and peaks and installed artillery over the last few days, after the Montenegrin-Albanian agreement on opening up border crossings was signed. Two tanks were parked beside the main road towards Tuzi and two armored vehicles were stationed at the army barracks where a check-point was installed. <br>More than one hundred officers from Serbia have arrived in Montenegro over the last few days and have joined the Second Division of the Yugoslav Army. The whole Second Division is in a heightened state of readiness, troop movements are also spotted in other parts of Montenegro.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem951743369,77541,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>A letter from Havier Solana to EU finance ministers</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The high-level representative for EU’s foreign and security policy, Havier Solana, sent a letter to the finance ministers of the EU states in which he calls for the increase in flexibility and creativity in finding ways of providing macro-financial assistance to Montenegro. <br>Support to establishing stability in the balance of payments in Montenegro is key to the success of the reform program of the democratic government in Montenegro, yet its status as part of FRY prevents access to relevant financial institutions, states Solana. On the other hand the EU, is clear in terms of its stance that Montenegro should remain part of FRY “and act as a catalyst for change within”. But, Solana continues, defending this view will become increasingly difficult, given that Podgorica is aware its current state status is the main barrier to securing macro-financial assistance. In other words, the continuing lack of substantial support could push Montenegro into independence, which acts as a pre-condition for access to international financial institutions. <br>In order to get out of this vicious circle Solana has requested from the EU finance ministers to express more flexibility within EU and international financial institutions in order to overcome present difficulties and provide Montenegro with assistance it needs.<br>The issues brought up in Solana’s letter will be discussed at tomorrow’s session of the ministers for economy and finance of EU states.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem951743354,7769,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The international seminar “Main aspects of the relations between Montenegro and Serbia” begins today in Podgorica</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The participants of the International seminar “The main aspects of the relations between Montenegro and Serbia” arrived in Podgorica yesterday. The seminar that begins today and will last for two days is organized by the institute “East-West” from Prague. Participation of about a hundred politicians, diplomats and economic and law experts from about 20 countries has been announced. <br>John Edwin Mrose, the president of the “East-west” Institute in New York, pointed out that West is very much worried about the recent events in Serbia and Montenegro. He added that they should be provided with the appropriate help. In his opinion, it is very important for Montenegro and Serbia to have strong mutual relations as well as strong relations with the rest of the world.<br>“This extremely important political event confirms that democratic Montenegro has become one of the very important factors in establishing of new relations in FRY and, judging on many other facts, it has become one of the important factors in regulating the relations in the south-east Europe” said Predrag Popovic, vice president of the Montenegrin Parliament.<br>Predrag Popovic also said that relations between Montenegro and Serbia were never worse. He considers that the main problem, not only of the Montenegro and FRY, but also of all Europe, is the dictatorship of the Serbian regime. According to the vice president Popovic, it is cause of all the conflicts in the region and the main disturbance in establishing of the normal and regular relations between Montenegro and Serbia. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem951485199,44726,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The army refuses to observe Montenegrin parliamentary law: Despite the Amnesty Act, military police arrests youngsters</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/vj_stit.gif" align=left>About ten members of the military police surrounded the house of the Markic family in Ulcinj on Wednesday around 6am. Without giving any explanations Dragan Markic was arrested and taken away. At the same time the military police armed with machine-guns surrounded the house of Pavle Marnikovic and in the same way arrested his son Stevo. <br>The families later found out that the youngsters were taken to the Masline army barracks in Podgorica and that they were warned they would be put on trial at a military court if they refused to put on YA uniform immediately. <br>Sandro Markic, Dragan’s brother stated that the families have no information from the military authorities on their arrested family members. According to brother Sandro, Dragan was mobilized for 82 days during the NATO intervention last year, and he left the army 27 days before the bombing ended. He was compelled to respond to the mobilization call because Dragan was drafted as soon as he finished his standard military service. During a short visit home, he decided he was not going to return to the army. The family was told that Dragan will have to “be recruited for those days and be sent to Sid”, but it was unclear whether the army would bring charges against this youngster. <br>Whilst the Markic family are doing everything to find out more about Dragan’s whereabouts and welfare from the military authorities, Sandro asks whether the Amnesty Act, adopted by the Montenegrin Parliament is just rhetoric. The youngsters who were taken from their homes received no protection from the Montenegrin authorities that are responsible for enforcing the Amnesty Act. <br>When uniformed members of the YA surrounded the house, the Marnikovic family called the Ulcinj police, and were told that the “police can do nothing, as it is not within their authority to act in such situations. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem951485136,38564,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Italy shall support Montenegrin projects in the Stability Pact</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The preparations for the financial conference on the Stability Pact for Southeast Europe, as the support Italy shall give to projects for Montenegro were the main themes during the visit of foreign minister, Branko Lukovac to Italy. Branko Lukovac visited Italy with Miroslav Ivanisevic, finance minister, following an invitation from Italian foreign minister Umberto Runieri. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem951396563,95702,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Democratic Party calls on officers and soldiers not to enter a new war</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Democratic Party (part of governing coalition) concluded that the first decision the new army chief, General-Colonel Nebojsa Pavkovic, made, was to give orders for the installation of the JUL TV broadcasting transmitters on military grounds in Montenegro. In their opinion this only proves that General Pavkovic has an intention to transform the army into a revolutionary guard and to serve as the instrument of JUL (The Yugoslav Left – the party of Milosevic’s wife). The Democratic Party invited the army to refuse invitations by irresponsible generals and politicians who are forcing them into a war between Serbs and Montenegrins. They added that the duty of the Yugoslav Army is to protect the country and not to serve as the technical staff on the installation of transmitters of Mira Markovic’s (Milosevic’s wife) TV channel. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem951396520,32226,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The Development Secretariat on the financing of new projects</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Development Secretariat has financed the opening of 1200 new employment vacancies and the Fund for Development has financed the opening of an additional 2500. This initiative was implemented through support to small and medium sized companies. Dusan Simonovic explained that citizens of Montenegro have got used to the concept of entrepreneurship and there is substantial interest in applying for funds for the development of the small and medium firms. We finance many projects and we actually provide logistic support on behalf of the Government and their development projects. All of this is not enough, but if we take into account the difficult conditions we are working in, we can be satisfied. <br>Mr. Simonovic also said that the Development Secretariat started the implementation of establishing a national accounts system. This is a key project of regional significance to Montenegro. Mr. Simonovic pointed out that regardless to the fact that Montenegro is small, there are very big differences in terms of unequal development. This should be changed. At the end, he added that a project on the development of an information system which was adopted five years ago is planned for implementation.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem951311906,38351,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>SNP warns: Montenegro will shrink to its size before the Balkan wars</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/snp.gif" align=left>A dynamic parliament discussion took place yesterday, around the motion introduced by the SNP (Socialist People’s Party – the Montenegrin pro-Milosevic opposition) which proposes the withdrawal of all the recent monetary policies introduced recently and the termination of the dual-currency system in Montenegro.<br>Momcilo Vucetic, explained the background to submitting this motion, and stated that the economies of Montenegro and Serbia are highly interdependent and that this interdependence amounts to 77.1%. Vucetic concluded that, with the introduction of the dual-currency system, Montenegro has destroyed the unified Yugoslav market, and thus that no one has the right to blame Serbia for introducing the trade blockade. <br>“Dinars from Montenegro are converted into deutsche marks in Serbia, because goods are bought for dinars in Serbia and then sold for deutsche marks in Montenegro. Who, then, has the right to attack Serbia for the blockade at Kolovrat. This is a typical form of economic aggression imposed on Serbia, which is a continuation of the NATO aggression that the Montenegrin government has become part of… You are robbing Serbia”, Vucetic accused the government and stated that, apart from inflation, the unequal rise in pensions, in relation to salaries is another negative consequence of the dual currency system.<br>Savo Paraca from the DPS (Djukanovic’s governing Democratic Party of Socialists) wanted to know what steps the SNP has taken to lift the sanctions imposed by Serbia, which are worse than those which were imposed by the international community in the past – because then – at least the import of food was permitted. Vucetic then warned that “the time when Montenegro shrunk to the size it was before the Balkans wars” may be back, but refused to respond to queries on who would divide up Montenegro in such a way. <br>SNP warns: Montenegro will shrink to its size before the Balkan wars<br>A dynamic parliament discussion took place yesterday, around the motion introduced by the SNP (Socialist People’s Party – the Montenegrin pro-Milosevic opposition) which proposes the withdrawal of all the recent monetary policies introduced recently and the termination of the dual-currency system in Montenegro.<br>Momcilo Vucetic, explained the background to submitting this motion, and stated that the economies of Montenegro and Serbia are highly interdependent and that this interdependence amounts to 77.1%. Vucetic concluded that, with the introduction of the dual-currency system, Montenegro has destroyed the unified Yugoslav market, and thus that no one has the right to blame Serbia for introducing the trade blockade. <br>“Dinars from Montenegro are converted into deutsche marks in Serbia, because goods are bought for dinars in Serbia and then sold for deutsche marks in Montenegro. Who, then, has the right to attack Serbia for the blockade at Kolovrat. This is a typical form of economic aggression imposed on Serbia, which is a continuation of the NATO aggression that the Montenegrin government has become part of… You are robbing Serbia”, Vucetic accused the government and stated that, apart from inflation, the unequal rise in pensions, in relation to salaries is another negative consequence of the dual currency system.<br>Savo Paraca from the DPS (Djukanovic’s governing Democratic Party of Socialists) wanted to know what steps the SNP has taken to lift the sanctions imposed by Serbia, which are worse than those which were imposed by the international community in the past – because then – at least the import of food was permitted. Vucetic then warned that “the time when Montenegro shrunk to the size it was before the Balkans wars” may be back, but refused to respond to queries on who would divide up Montenegro in such a way. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem951311635,1147,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Canak: Montenegro needs help urgently</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“Montenegro will avoid a potential conflict with Milosevic, but it will not be subservient”, said the SDP (Social Democrats – part of the governing coalition) Deputy President, Ranko Krivokapic at yesterday’s meeting of the Stability Pact working group on Human Rights and Democratization. <br>Krivokapic, who was heading the Montenegrin delegation at this conference, stated that “patience is the virtue of the wise, and miss out is the irreparable error of those who are defeated”. <br>As part of the conference session on Montenegro and the Serbian opposition, the Montenegrin delegation warned of the impossibility of the survival of the present joint state with Serbia. “We emphasized the paradoxical situation we are in: the more democracy there is in Montenegro, the bigger the danger to peace in Montenegro and the region. As an example we gave the introduction of military television in Montenegro, and thus the re-introduction of the discourse of hatred and war propaganda in the media. We warned that this contamination of media space in Montenegro jeopardizes the successful implementation of projects on strengthening civil society and the development of democracy”, said Krivokapic after this session was finished. <br>The two-day conference in Budapest finished with the conclusion that Montenegro needs concrete assistance in implementing projects, which support the development of democracy. It was proposed that an action plan be devised for the implementation of urgent assistance to Montenegro. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem951222239,26669,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The issue of Prevlaka is to be resolved very soon, says Croatia’s consul in Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/hn.jpg" align=left>The newly appointed Croatian Consul, Petar Poljanic has opened the Croatian consulate in Kotor. “I welcome the democratic steps Montenegro is taking, and given that such moves are very clear, I am sure that the relations between Croatia and Montenegro shall improve, irrespective of the fact that the wounds are still fresh. But we who have survived are there to ensure these wounds are as painless as possible and to ensure we leave our descendents with merely scares,” said the first Croation Consul in Montenegro, Petar Poljanic for Vijesti. Petar Poljanic was the mayor of Dubrovnik ten years ago, upon which he was the Croatian consul in New York.<br>Following the recent meeting between Prime Minister Racan and Prime Minister Vujanovic in Zagreb it was stated that the problem of Prevlaka would be resolved exclusively between Zagreb and Podgorica. How long will Prevlaka (disputed land between Montenegro and Croatia at the mouth of the Boka Bay) be the unresolved issue between Croatia and Montenegro?<br>“The problem of Prevlaka is set to be resolved. The status and ownership of Prevlaka are clear, there are only a few details in relation to the sea-border which need clarification. I believe we are in the end phase for resolving this issue”, said Petar Poljanic. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem951222196,55114,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The so-called Yugoslav TV is nothing but media violence</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The President of the Social-Democrats, Zarko Rakcevic stated that, in terms of what is happening in Belgrade over the last month, everything points to further heightening of a very undemocratic political trend.<br>“This is a policy of confrontation, instead of a policy of cooperation, and it is clear that, without mercy an open conflict is being planned within Serbia with those who think differently and are not part of the red&black governing coalition. Additionally, the policies applies are intended to do everything to de-stabilize Montenegro”, said Rakcevic, adding that it is clear that the regime in Belgrade has decided to take an even more hard-line position. <br>“And finally media violence has been introduced with the installation of a so-called Yugoslav TV, without the knowledge of Montenegrin authorities”, said Rakcevic.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem951129479,26791,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Regime in Belgrade embarks on war propaganda as a means of carrying out a ‘creeping coup’</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/burzan.jpg" align=left>The regime in Belgrade which is planning a ‘creeping coup d’etat’ has come to the conclusion that it has failed to reach its aims through imposing economic pressure and attempting to destroy the Montenegrin economy. Now it is entering into the second phase of war propaganda. This move is taken a few months before the local elections [in Podgorica and Herceg-Novi]; but it is also a response to the increasing popularity of the governing coalition in the north of Montenegro, which is traditionally a pro-Milosevic stronghold. <br>“This is not any kind of federal or Yugoslav television. They want to install the war propaganda media which is already present in Serbia”, said Deputy President Dr. Dragisa Burzan, for Vijesti, following the broadcasting of the “Yugoslav Television” channel in Montenegro. The legitimate Montenegrin authorities have taken no part in this project.<br>The whole federal apparatus is there to force Montenegro to be under Belgrade’s control, says Burzan. “This television has no Yugoslav-related aim, but rather it is a means of implementing war propaganda for the execution of a ‘creeping coup d’etat’. This is completely clear. There are no legal basis upon which this television can broadcast, because the Montenegrin Industry Ministry has not issued the permits for the allocation of the adequate TV frequencies.” <br>The transmitters for this television are installed on military grounds. Does this mean that the Yugoslav Army has definitely sided against the legitimate government of Montenegro?<br>“The army has been behaving like that for quite some time. It is failing to act in line with the laws and the Constitution. The army is an instrument of the Belgrade regime. This is expressed not only through the reshuffling of army commanders but also through acting upon decisions that are not in line with the law. The army shouldn’t be interfering with our rights in such a way. <br>Has the government officially responded yet?<br>Not yet, because there are a lot of factors that need to be taken into consideration and we have to assess these within the next few days, and decide what our official reaction will be. In any case we are unable to allow the illegal installation and the takeover of TV frequencies which are in Montenegrin ownership. We have to defend the law, but also be careful about the possible consequences of any of the steps we take. A political approach is sometimes powerless in front of those who do not respect logical reasoning or law. We shall do our best to defend the interests of the citizens, just as we have so far.<br>How will you respond to the potential criticisms that a democratic government should not be prohibiting any media?<br>There is no democracy if something is outside the boundaries of the law. Democracy doesn’t mean allowing anarchy. Milosevic, has quite a lot of media space in Montenegro, but it seems like it hasn’t been much use to him. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem950983082,20602,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Prevlaka to be discussed without Belgrade</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/zagreb.jpg" align=left>After the inauguration of a new Croat President, Stjepan Mesic, Montenegrin Prime Minister Filip Vujanovic had a brief meeting with him. According to Vujanovic, Mesic is to support further contacts between the two governments.<br>Vujanovic also talked to the Croat Prime Minister Ivica Racan, which was the first official meeting of Zagreb and Podgorica, and, as Vujanovic said, “the contact which Montenegro needed”. Racan himself insisted on this meeting. Vujanovic suggested Montenegro and Croatia to solve disputable matters by direct dialogue, without Belgrade interfering. Two Prime Ministers agreed that talks on Prevlaka should be continued at the expert level and than raised up to the government level.<br>Montenegrin Foreign Minister Branko Lukovac talked with the Croat Foreign Minister on further bilateral contacts between Zagreb and Podgorica.<br>Vujanovic also met Slovenian President Milan Kucan. Vujanovic said to believe that Slovenia would provide a seven million DM of credit to Montenegro. A guarantee from Slovenian Government is expected, and when received it should be guarantee enough for Slovenian businessmen to invest in Montenegro. <br>On that occasion, Kucan announced Slovenia is soon to open its mission office in Montenegro.<br>“Montenegro needs understanding and support in order to bear the pressure and blockade from Belgrade.”, said Slovenian President.<br>Vujanovic met the Macedonian President Boris Trajkovski. They agreed to urge Bernard Kouchner to help establishing a traffic corridor between Montenegro and Macedonia via Kosovo. <br>Vujanovic also met German Chief of diplomacy, Joschka Fischer, and President and Prime Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Alija Izetbegovic and Svetozar Mihailovic.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem950983046,84224,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The session of Montenegrin Parliament </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The discussion on the effects of the duel currency system, and Central Bank and Currency Board was continued in the Montenegrin Parliament. Liberal Alliance MP Miodrag Zivkovic, criticized the draft of the Act on the Central Bank, since the Montenegrin President is in charge of appointing the members of the executive board. According to him, it is direct interfering of policy into economic and monetary matters. Ljubisa Krgovic, the vice president of the Government, explained this draft to be only the first version, which would be submitted to the Parliament for the approval.<br>Zivkovic also accused DPS of using the changes in the federal government as an alibi not to call for referendum. Liberal Alliance MPs demanded holding the parliamentary elections first, and then calling the referendum.<br>People’s Party MP, Momir Djurdjevac accused SNP of destroying Yugoslavia by supporting Slobodan Milosevic, Momir Bulatovic, and Vojislav Seselj. SNP MP, Predrag Bulatovic responded to this and stated that SNP would never put the interests of the Party in front of the interests of the people. He also said the citizens of Montenegro lived worse since the duel currency system had been introduced. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem950874185,81508,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Vujanovic visits Zagreb</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/mesic.jpg" align=left>Following an invitation from the Croat authorities, Montenegrin Prime Minister, Filip Vujanovic will visit Zagreb in order to attend the inauguration of the Croatian President, Stjepan Mesic. Prime Minister Vujanovic will go in the place of the Montenegrin President, Milo Djukanovic, who, has been prevented from attending. <br><img border=1 src="images/filip.jpg" align=right>Vujanovic will also have a series of bilateral meetings with high level representatives attending the inauguration from the other countries.<br>The Montenegrin Foreign Minister, Branko Lukovac, and foreign policy advisor, Milan Rocen, will accompany the Montenegrin Prime Minister.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem950874098,69670,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Predrag Bulatovic: SNP is not against independence if it is obtained through democratic means </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“The SNP (pro-Milosevic Socialist People’s Party) has nothing against citizens of Montenegro living in an independent state, but only if this is achieved in a way which is in line with the Constitution and is democratic and if this is a condition for stability in the region”, said the Deputy President of the SNP, Predrag Bulatovic, as part of a parliament debate. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem950874075,10708,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Momir Bulatovic: The SPS and SNP programs are practically identical</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The successful cooperation of the coalition in the federal government and the federal parliament confirms that political unity is the best defense from the partitioning our country and putting it into a position of submission”, stated Momir Bulatovic, federal prime minister and president of the SNP (pro-Milosevic opposition in Montenegro – Socialist People’s Party) at the Congress of Milosevic’s SPS (Socialist Party of Serbia).<br>Bulatovic said that the “SNP is the strongest political party in Montenegro” and that its program is practically identical to the program of SPS which focuses on safeguarding Yugoslavia, as a state of two republics and ensuring its citizens are equal, which is both in the interests of Serbia and Montenegro”. <br>Bulatovic stated that the SPS has proved that “it knows how to and can be the factor which brings together differing political options and contributes to the creation of political and national unity as the best defense from action against our country, our freedom and the dignity of our people”.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem950790036,33587,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Possible signs of a conflict to come </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/atak.jpg" align=left>Serbian opposition parties are all concerned about the consequences of the recent key appointments Milosevic has made. <br>The Democratic Party stated that “the appointment of the two generals to the highest defense positions is another indication of the fear and panic existing within the regime”.<br>“The new appointments are not going to lead to increases in officers’ salaries or increased military readiness, they will increase the war threats directed at Montenegro and at the democratic forces in Serbia. The military forces function to defend a failed regime”, it is stated in the press release of the Democratic Party. <br>The Social-Democratic League of Vojvodina assessed that the “naming of General Dragoljub Ojdanic as Defense Minister, and General Nebojsa Pavkovic as army chief is the final step of a regime which is not going to abandon politics based on war”. <br>The Liberal Alliance of Vojvodina (LSV) states that with the appointment of the new army chief, it is clear to everyone what kind of country we live in. “These appointments point to an outbreak of a possible war with Montenegro, because these generals have, in the statements they have made, specifically been against the legitimate Montenegrin leadership, and especially against Milo Djukanovic. All this hints that tough times are to come in Serbia and Yugoslavia”, concludes the LSV.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem950789868,5429,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Airport in Tivat reopened</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/ativat.jpg" align=right>After a three-day blockade, the airport in Tivat has been re-opened for air traffic. Unexpectedly, the afternoon flight for Belgrade got the clearance to take off, just like all the flights were cancelled on Monday.<br>The Federal Administration blocked the airport in Tivat, allegedly for safety reasons. According to them, NATO aircraft were unauthorisingly using the air space and jeopardizing the civil flights in the region of Southeast Adriatic.<br>Belgrade has not explained the decision of reopening the airport yet.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem950789718,47539,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro is in charge of its frequencies</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Commenting the news that a TV station "New Yugoslav Net" will soon start emitting the program in Montenegro, Bozidar Jaredic, the Montenegrin Minister for Information, has said that nobody has officially contacted Montenegrin Government, which is in charge of frequencies, regarding a frequency for the new TV station.<br>"Montenegro has nothing against the Yugoslav Television. But for that kind of television we need legal Federal Government, agreement of both sides, and the participation of both, Serbia and Montenegro, in executive and other boards.", said Jaredic. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem950704141,7897,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>For and against the deutsche mark</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Montenegrin parliament started the second extraordinary parliament session at which the proposed resolution to annul all monetary policies recently introduced by the government, was discussed. <br>The Deputy President of the SNP (Socialist People’s Party), the party which submitted this motion, stated that the decision to introduce a dual currency system was a political one and not an economic one. Srdja Bozovic said that with this Decision, the Constitution and laws of FRY have been violated, the relations between Serbia and Montenegro jeopardized. In the debate, the ministers and MPs of the governing coalition argued that this government decision was a consequence of the bad monetary policies at the federal level, the abolishment of the independence of the National Bank of Yugoslavia and the uncontrolled printing of money in Belgrade. <br>The Employment and Social Security Minister, Predrag Drecun, assessed that Bozovic’s conclusions on the establishment of the dual currency system and the introduction of monetary sovereignty as being harmful for the people, were wrong. He said that the destruction of the monetary system and the fact that Montenegro is unable to participate in devising monetary policy, meant Montenegro had to introduce such a decision in order to defend itself. The economic and monetary policies were so catastrophic at the federal level, that Montenegro had to find a way out, and this doesn't mean that [the government] is begging, but rather that it is concerned about its citizens. Montenegro turned to economic and not political sovereignty, concluded Drecun.<br>Because of other responsibilities of members of the Liberal Alliance party, the parliament is to continue its work on Thursday, 17th February, rather than tomorrow. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem950704072,91966,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Vukovic: Appointing people in key places, without considering the will of the people in Montenegro, means that FRY no longer exists</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">President of the Executive Board of the governing DPS (Democratic Party of Socialists), stated that the will of legitimate Montenegro has once again been ignored, with the latest appointments of the Defense Minister and army chief. <br>“To designate and appoint people at such key positions without considering the will of Montenegro, and failing to consult the relevant authorities as outlined in the Constitution, means that the FRY, as was defined, no longer exists”, said Vukovic to Serbia’s Beta news agency. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem950616917,26501,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>“We know what is in our interests much better than someone from London or Washington”</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/rakcevic.jpg" align=left>The issue of the state status of Montenegro is the “issue above all other issues”, said Zarko Rakcevic, President of the Social Democratic Party, which is part of the government coalition.<br>In an interview with the Montena Radio in Niksic, Rakcevic said that “Montenegro is not a member of any Paris or London Club, nor of the International Monetary Fund nor the World Bank”, adding that it can only be a member of such institutions as an independent state. The leader of the Social-democrats has for the first time publicly stated that officials in Washington clearly stated to Montenegrin representatives at a recent visit that Montenegrin independence would be treated as “a unilateral act of secession”. In connection with this, Rakcevic said that the SDP would abandon the governing coalition, if the government fails to organize a referendum in the near future. <br>Rakcevic said that Montenegro is in a difficult position because the international community is pushing it into an improvised state called FRY, and is refusing to accept the possibility of Montenegrin independence. The international community is, according to Rakcevic, assuming Montenegro takes up three missions, Montenegro is unable to carry out.<br>“First, it wants Montenegro to democratize Serbia, which is completely impossible. Second, it wants to create a refugee camp out of Montenegro, giving for example 200 000 DMs for the building of the refugee camp in Vrele Ribnicke, for 10 000 Roma people”. Rackevic added that “Italy has 53 million citizens and about 0.5% are refugees, in Germany it is around 2%, yet in some of our towns like Herceg Novi, Bar and Tivat the refugee population is around 28%, which is a precedent Montenegro must not accept”. The third mission Montenegro is given is to be a camp for the de-stabilization of Serbia, which Montenegro does not need. “We would like a democratic Serbia, but we cannot accept that we organize their opposition here so that they can overthrow Milosevic. In the same way as we do not like them to brutally interfere in internal issues of Montenegro”, said Rakcevic, arguing that through the gathering of Serbian opposition here that is precisely what Montenegro is doing – brutally interfering in internal issues of Serbia. <br>“The SDP has always had the view that the future of Montenegro needs to be decided in Podgorica, Cetinje or Niksic and not in London or Tirana or Belgrade. We know what the interests of Montenegro are much better than someone from Brussels, London or the State Department” said Rakcevic, adding that more than 60%of the citizens want either Montenegrin independence or to live in a confederation with Serbia. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem950616762,59859,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The army disapproves of the strengthening and the arming of the Montenegrin police</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Yugoslav Army has denied the “untrue and malicious accusations and speculations made by certain former members of the Yugoslav Army and the highest representatives of the Montenegrin government about the alleged paramilitary units the Yugoslav Army is convening on Montenegrin territory”.<br>In a statement made by the army headquarters, the army claims such assertions are aimed to “threaten the citizens of FRY and spread fear amongst the general public”. <br>“All the units the army is convening are completely regular ones and are not paramilitary units. The commandment and the units of the Yugoslav Army in Montenegro are on their own territory. Therefore each unit, which is established by the Yugoslav Army, is formed in line with the operational needs and the formation criteria, represents a part of it and is constituted under a unified command”, it is stated in the press release. <br>“The attempts to present the organizational changes in the YA on Montenegrin territory as the creation of paramilitary formations, is done for political purposes with the aim of influencing public opinion”, it is stated in a statement from the Information Office of the Army. <br>“Some former members of the army, who have made up such claims have forgotten what paramilitary units are, so they can promote themselves and achieve their dirty objectives”, it is continued in the statement.<br>“On the other hand, they refuse to see where the numerical strengthening and arming of members of the Montenegrin Ministry of Internal Affairs [police] is going to take us. This is why it is not surprising identical claims are made by certain Montenegrin officials, some former members of the Yugoslav Army and some heads of states that carried out the evil aggression directed at our country”, it is stated.<br>The army states that it shall continue to adapt the work of the commandment, the units and the institutions to the level of insecurity existing in the country and that it shall do this in line with existing regulations which apply to the whole territory of FRY. <br>“The military police battalion which is consistently referred to is a constitutional part of the Yugoslav Army. The regulation of its establishment and use is outlined in existing provisions. In terms of joining these units equal access exists for all Montenegrin citizens. We have publicly stated this on numerous occasions. But some people refuse to listen and let alone understand”, concludes the statement. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem950529223,65389,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Serbian missiles were aimed at Ranieri’s plane, NATO was ready to intervene</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/g4.jpg" align=left>Several days ago, the NATO base soldiers in Italian town Vicenca were put on alert , and Atlantic Alliance monitored the entire Serbian –Montenegrin space , while at the same time Belgrade authorities directed their missiles at the Italian plane with Italian Foreign Ministry Undersecretary in it, Umberto Ranieri , reveals Italian press.<br>Regarding the incident which happened on February 8, “La Stampa” writes that, on his way back from Romania, Ranieri was to meet with Montenegro foreign minister Branko Lukovac. In the capital of Montenegro everything was ready for Ranieri’s visit, and Ricardo Sesa arrived from Belgrade to Podgorica for that occasion. But the Belgrade authorities prohibited the Italian plane proceeding towards Montenegro without previously landing in Belgrade. Belgrade is attempting to prevent direct diplomatic contacts between Podgorica and Rome, writes “Las Stampa”.<br>Minister Lukovac has contacted Ranieri by the phone, informing him on everything and the meeting was postponed. Since Serb missiles were aimed at the Italian plane, the plane changed its route and returned to Italy. The NATO was ready to intervene, and “La Stampa” writers that the relationship between Rome and Belgrade additionally tensed. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem950529194,96855,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro does not visualize its future as part of the federation</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Deputy premier of Montenegro Dragisa Burzan said yesterday in Banja Luka that Montenegro does not visualize its future as part of the Yugoslav Federation, not even with democratized Serbia . Burzan has said in his interview for the Reuters that sanctions introduced by the West against Serbia because of Slobodan Milosevic’s policy affect ordinary people and that they destroyed the economy.<br>“It is not possible for Montenegro and Serbia to co-exist in any form of federation whatsoever” , said Burzan.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem950529142,57280,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Skoplje wants a railway line to Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The question of whether Macedonia will have a direct railway line with Montenegro, through Kosovo, has been discussed in Skoplje over the last few days. <br>The possibility of building the railway, that is building the necessary links to existing railways, has become a theme of discussion since the Prime Ministers of Macedonia, Montenegro, and Albania met in Ohrid. At this meeting it was decided that, as part of the Stability Pact, such an infrastructure project should be submitted. The issue that brings some uncertainty is the fact that the linking of Macedonia and Montenegro by railway would mean the building of a rail-track trough the territory of Kosovo which would cost around 300 million dollars. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem950273234,57717,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Momir Bulatovic: The one who ordered this crime has no reason to breath a sigh of relief </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/momotuzni.jpg" align=left>The leader of the Socialist People’s Party and the federal prime minister Momir Bulatovic held the commemorative speech at the cemetery in Gornji Rovci where the federal defense minister was buried. “The unknown assassin has fired shoots of death. It is clear that he was led by some other, secret and powerful hand, that does not think twice about carrying out such crimes. During the NATO aggression, many innocent civilians died and many Yugoslav army soldiers and Serbian police died and were wounded. Their so called victory, that is their all-round defeat in the military, political and diplomatic sense, which they were aware of during their 11 weeks of evil deeds, rises again as a vampire in the shape of other dishonorable motives and disgraceful passions. And when the conditions for peace were established, they continued with their aggression. They are ruining us economically through prohibitions and punishments, and they are instigating treason through using those who see the destiny of their wallet as more important than the future of their people and their country; they make up the worst kind of lies about those who love Yugoslavia, the most honorable ones they threaten with some kind of courts, with arrests and with assassinations,”, said Bulatovic. <br>“A man who was the symbol of the defense of our country has been killed. … When they shot at Pavle Bulatovic they did not have a single concrete reason. There may have been many of those who opposed the values which he fought for, but no one could have found any personal reason to be against him. This is why this was not a shot at a man, but it was a shot at a symbol. It was a shot at the Yugoslav Army, our system of defense and security, at FRY, at the unseparable unity between Montenegro and Serbia, at all the patriots, so that they become fearful and stop and accept the killers of our country and our people in a humiliating way. The shot was aimed at honorable and exalted Montenegro, which Pavle Bulatovic and the SNP safeguarded and represented”, continued Momir Bulatovic.<br>“The results of this crime are opposite to what the evil ones had expected. Our will, our readiness and ability to defend FRY is even stronger. Our decisiveness and unity to fight against terrorism is even more powerful. The one who ordered this crime, has no reason to breath a sigh of relief”, concluded Bulatovic.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem950273111,30575,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Milosevic has isolated Serbia and is now trying to do the same to Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Dragisa Burzan, Montenegro’s Deputy Prime Minister said that the refusal of the Federal Office for air transport to issue a permit for the flight of the plane which was to transport an Italian government delegation to Montenegro, was politically motivated and ordered by the regime in Belgrade. <br>“This is not only a reciprocal measure introduced because of the EU prohibition of travel imposed on Milosevic’s associates, but yet another, in a range of activities directed against Montenegro”, said Burzan. He said that Belgrade “is doing everything in their power to destroy the economic stability and disable the reconstruction of the Montenegrin economy”. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem950183636,53539,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The latest opinion poll: the citizens of Montenegro want a referendum, independence and want to go in the direction of the European Union</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/anketa.jpg" align=left>The holding of a referendum on independence is a logical step forward according to 45.7% of the citizens, whilst 23% believe the referendum is the solution but that we need to wait a bit. Another 21.5% believe “Montenegro has to stay in the state with Serbia with no alternative and no conditioning”, whilst 10.4% has no concrete opinion about this. <br>This opinion poll was carried out by CEDEM (Centre for Democracy and Human Rights in Podgorica) in collaboration with the Damar agency at the end of December last year. One thousand individuals were questioned from municipalities across Montenegro. <br>Responding to the question: “Do you support Montenegro as an independent republic, that continues as part of the joint state with Serbia on the basis of the 1992 Constitution”, 36.6% of those questioned responded positively, whereas 41.5% responded negatively. The remaining individuals questioned either did not have a view or said they would not vote at such a referendum.<br>Responding to the question of whether “you support that Montenegro and Serbia continue as one state on the basis of the Montenegrin government proposal”, 38.3% were for and 35.4% against. <br>If the question at the referendum was “Are you for Montenegro being an independent and sovereign state” 45.4% responded positively, 37% against. The rest were either are undecided or would not vote at such a referendum.<br>“What party would you vote for if parliamentary elections were to be held next week”, 36.28 would vote for the present governing coalition, 22.83 for the Socialist People’s Party, and 10.88 for the Liberal Party. 4.16 would vote for other parties, 14.4 would not vote and 11.41 were undecided. <br>More than two thirds of those questioned supported Montenegro’s entry into the European Union (76.5%) and only 9.8% would be against. <br>An entry into the Russia and Bielo-Russia alliance was supported by 28.8% of those questioned whilst 46.3% were against and 24.9 undecided. <br>According to the opinion poll Montenegro’s membership in NATO would not go down very well, and was supported by only 24.4% with 49.5% being against and 25.9% undecided.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem950183091,72530,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Moscow: Pavle Bulatovic could have prevented a conflict with Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Moscow papers have covered the death of the Yugoslav defense minister, Pavle Bulatovic in detail. As one of the possible versions they propose a political motive to the assassination. <br>The “Nezavisna Gazeta” writes that it had already been decided that the General of the Army Dragoljub Ojdanic, and that Bulatovic was to take over the role of the wounded Director of the Yu Garant Banka, Vuk Obradovic.<br>According to this paper, the federal government had already decided to have the defense ministry responsible for some “economic issues” and that Bulatovic had started making a list of companies of strategic importance which were to be, “in this way or that, handed over to the state sector”. <br>This paper concludes that because of this “it is not excluded that the motive of the murder could have been the dissatisfaction of those who were losing out in this re-distribution.”. <br>The paper states that Bulatovic “was an important figure” in the relations between Belgrade and Podgorica,and that, despite his sharp criticisms of the Montenegrin leadership, he could have been “a factor in preventing” a possible military conflict between the federal and Montenegrin governments. <br>“In the case of another crisis which appear occasionally between Milosevic and Milo Djukanvoic, Bulatovic would have ensured it does not turn into a full scale civil war. And now in the Defense Ministry, in the case of deteriorating relations, the ones who support radical measures may well win”, the paper concludes.<br>The paper “Komersant” concludes that this was a political murder, and that the government in Belgrade could use this as an excuse to implement a state of emergency and then act against their opponents. <br>The paper states that Bulatovic was soldier no.1 only formally and that all key decisions were made by Milosevic, “which is probably why he wasn’t indicted by the war crimes tribunal in The Hague”. <br>Bulatovic was close to Prime Minister Momir Bulatovic, who was Milosevic’s man for Montenegro, which means that Milosevic’s supporters could use Bulatovic’s murder to provoke unrest in Montenegro, concludes the Komersant.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem950100125,18932,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>6. Dr. Mijat Sukovic: For the right, honor and freedom of Montenegrin nation</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">An open letter and a public invitation for Academician Dejan Medakovic, President of the Serbian Academy of Science and Art and Academician Vasil Krestic, Secretary of the History Department and the Director of the Archives of the Serbian Academy of Science<br><br>The need for existence<br><br>By denying Montenegrin nation, its rights and obligations which are the same as those of Serbian or any other nation, but without providing any facts or scientifically based evidence for this purpose, your claims, alone, and in particular within the context of the current social reality, are the message, request and invitation to people, articulated by the two scientists, to act, from the aspect that national Montenegrin feeling of identity is in itself detrimental for Serbism. And in line with that , with nationalistic Serbian anti-Montenegrin orientation. I am underlining, not Serbian anti-Montenegrin orientation but nationalistic Serbian anti-Montenegrin orientation. <br>You want to strengthen and spread the existing spiritual matrix, essentially ideological and political , for actions which will be taken to deny Montenegrins their national, cultural and political personality which differentiate them from Serbian people.<br>Scientists, writers, professors and other representatives of national-cultural elite shape this orientation. <br>I am obliged to respond to such claims. I have expressed my response in this letter with which I openly invite you that together or separately, publicly give the facts on the basis of which your claims are grounded. I oblige myself in advance that I shall publicly express my view with regard to the facts you would refer to. <br>Lets determine relevant facts, relations among them, and thus their meaning and truth. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem950100059,99510,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Still no clues on who killed the Federal Defense Minister</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Belgrade police is continuing the investigation on the murder of the Federal Defense Minister and is searching for any clues which could point in the direction of the assassin, but the authorities have not yet announced what could have been the motive behind the crime. It is most likely that the assassin fled through the forest close to the football club’s restaurant, where the murder took place. The forest was searched but it is unclear whether anything of relevance to the murder was found. <br>It has already been stated that two other individuals, Vuk Obradovic, Director of YU Garant Bank and a general-major according to his military rank and Mirko Knezevic, the manager of the restaurant was also lightly wounded. It has now been unveiled that another person, Sasa Laketic was lightly wounded. <br>Bulatovic was a regular guest at this restaurant. No one was surprised he had been dining with Vuk Obradovic as Bulatovic was also a high level official in the YU Garant Bank which was responsible for financial transactions connected to the army and the federal authorities and in 1998 became a regular bank. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem950016379,50438,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Federal Minister of Defense assassinated last night in Belgrade</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/pavleb.jpg" align=left>The Federal Minister of Defense, Pavle Bulatovic was shot at, at 7pm last night at the restaurant of the Rad football club in the district of Banjica in Belgrade. He died an hour later in hospital. <br>The Director of Yu Garant Bank, Vuk Obradovic and the manager of the restaurant, Mirko Knezevic, who were sitting at the same table with the minister, were wounded. <br>The assassin, most probably used an automatic Kalasnikov, and shot at the victim from the outside of the restaurant through the window. <br>Although there were other guests in the restaurant, none of the witnesses could describe the assassin or see whether there was more than one attacker, because it was dark outside. The police used police dogs that managed to trace the assassin’s escape route for about 200m, but it is unclear whether this helped the police locate where the assassin fled. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem950016288,45235,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>5. Dr. Mijat Sukovic: Misuse of faith and church</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><br>An open letter and a public invitation for Academician Dejan Medakovic, President of the Serbian Academy of Science and Art and Academician Vasil Krestic, Secretary of the History Department and the Director of the Archives of the Serbian Academy of Science<br><br>The contents of your quoted claims would not have a positive impact or soothing impact on a current confrontation between the supporters and believers of Serbian on the one hand and Montenegrin church on the other. But on the contrary. This instigated me to address this problem thoroughly and point out what might the negation of Montenegrin nation in such setting evoke.<br>There is a set o values contained in the political principles in both worldly laws and church cannons, though differently expressed. More than one argument can prove , in this concrete case, that it would be preferable if we referred to them as a starting point for removing the cause of the mentioned conflicts and confrontations. These values are expressed as follows: (1) people can freely practice religion and belong to any church they want to : not a single individual can be stripped of this freedom, neither by church or state, even when a group of believers want to practice religion in a church which is disputable from the cannons aspect, but which factually exists, its factual existence is supported by its believers, and if its existence does not inflict any violations with regard to the state order.(2) everyone is forbidden to misuse faith and church in political purposes (3) each religious institution which factually exists, and no matter if the institution is grounded on cannons, and recognized or not on such basis, and its clergy are obliged to abide by earthly laws with regard to civil relations and property.<br>It is important to promote these values instead of claiming that Montenegrin nation does not exist. You have therefore expressed claims that Montenegrin nation does not exist and that it was “artificially” established. In these times in which the tensions have reached their peak, both nationally and militarily. And when the negation of Montenegrin nation , objectively, stirs up aggressively destructive nationalism. Irrespective of what your point was, your claims are supportive of nationalism in the name of “Serbism” and are a temptation to Montenegrin national feeling. Such claims are supportive of nationalism whose ideology is –ethnocentrism and the project of Great Serbia. <br><br>One but worthy<br>In the passage precisely next to the Maritime Museum, the first and for the time being the only antique shop recently opened. With an interior meticulously arranged, with antiques carefully organized, it is a perfect illustration of how beautiful passages of Kotor can gain in their undeniable value.<br>Dusan Stankovic, the owner has established excellent co-operation with Maritime Museum staff and on each 15th and 16th day in the month, they have the assessment of the antiques carried out. Experts Commission is in charge of it. Director of the Maritime Museum, Mileva Vujosevic said that the Museum too works on improving its collections. For example, the Museum bought its prayer book from the year 1889 with covers of ivory and silver decorations. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem950016210,59383,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>A monetary institute instead of a central bank</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">European Union experts have proposed the founding of a “Monetary Institute of Montenegro” rather than a currency board or central bank. The monetary institute would work in line with instructions from the European Central bank. The monetary institute would not carry out the emission of money, but would be responsible for adapting economic performances for Montenegro’s entry into the zone of the Euro. <br>According to EU experts, the introduction of a local currency has a number of drawbacks. One of them is the high price of reserve funds, which would protect speculative blows on the new currency, and another is the problem related to establishing the initial exchange rates. Also interest rates would be higher because of the higher risk assessments as investments cannot fully rely on promises made by relevant Montenegrin authorities. <br>As from 2002, when the euro becomes legal tender in Germany, it would be also introduced in Montenegro. This is why the main role of the monetary institute would be to prepare Montenegro for the introduction of the euro. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem949945216,87111,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>3. Dr. Mijat Sukovic: For the right, honor and freedom of Montenegrin nation</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">An open letter and a public invitation for Academician Dejan Medakovic, President of the Serbian Academy of Science and Art and Academician Vasil Krestic, Secretary of the History Department and the Director of the Archives of the Serbian Academy of Science<br><br>Montenegrin Church Sovereignty<br><br>First, Orthodox Religion and Church in Montenegro, have for centuries had, just one religious reference. The religion was Orthodox Religion and its official name was Orthodox Church in Montenegro. The name Montenegrin Orthodox Diocese , as the institution of Orthodox Church in Montenegro, determined and marked its location, its seat and the jurisdiction territory from 1766 until the sovereignty of Montenegro was abolished. <br>This confirmed its substantial feature of both orthodox religion and Church in Montenegro. <br>The Diocese’s Doctrine from that time outlined it. This was in conformity with Constitution of the Principality of Montenegro from 1905 (Article 128-136)The Constitution explicitly outlines that it is “Eastern Orthodox Church in Montenegro”. There is no mention whatsoever about Serbian Church or Serbian religion in Montenegro in neither official doctrine nor in the Constitution . <br>These were the names, features and orientation of the Orthodox Church in Montenegro and Montenegrin Orthodox Diocese . It was independent and with no limitations of its such character by any additional reference. With these names, features and its such place within the church system, the Montenegrin Church dignitaries thought their believers to be Orthodox Christians. They un-rooted the roots of hatred. With its name as such, with such orientation they truly strengthened the spiritual progress in Montenegro during the Petrovic Dynasty. They have enormously contributed to Montenegrin self-awareness and spirituality. They have continually expressed the commitment and loyalty to Montenegrin state. <br>With such an orientation , commitment to Montenegro and its interests, the bishops and all church dignitaries, addressed equally all Orthodox believers in Montenegro. <br><br>Church of Montenegrin people<br><br>With such an overall orientation and results, the Orthodox Church in Montenegrin and Montenegrin Diocese, the church served Montenegrin Orthodox Christians. <br>With such an overall orientation, Orthodox Church in Montenegro and Montenegrin Diocese was promoter of the state of Montenegro and its spirituality and enjoyed high reputation amongst all the Orthodox citizens in Montenegro and other religions. There are scores of evidence proving it. These efforts deserve permanent appreciation. There is no reason to shadow it, not in the slightest degree. <br>The change seems slight with character of shade. It is presented as a consequence of organization. It has however, essential and more in-depth meaning. This change has been carried out to have a strategic meaning rather than insignificant organization change. <br>Secondly, that Orthodox church and religion in Montenegro are “Serbian” has neither organizational nor religious purpose. In the first place, this reefers to national and state issues.<br><br>By adding within political activities, certain references[Serbina], the meaning and role of Orthodox Church in Montenegro were re-oriented. Orthodox Church in Montenegro was affiliated within “Serbism.” In multiplex meaning – national, cultural spiritual and state.<br>“Srbism” as ideology was attached to Orthodox religion. That church was ordered to spread in Montenegro Serbian ideology and policy, they destroyed national and cultural heritage of Montenegro.<br>Such re-orientation was aimed at convincing Orthodox Christens that they are Serbs as their believers and supporters. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem949945166,15038,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>4. Dr. Mijat Sukovic: For the right, honor and freedom of Montenegrin nation</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">An open letter and a public invitation for Academician Dejan Medakovic, President of the Serbian Academy of Science and Art and Academician Vasil Krestic, Secretary of the History Department and the Director of the Archives of the Serbian Academy of Science<br><br>Through historical processes of adapting church organization to the state organization system, East Orthodox Churches “de-fragmented” , on the basis of national and state criteria, into as many separate churches as there were states. All Orthodox Churches were organized within state and national borders. Each church was a synonym for a nation or a state which territory was under its [church’s] jurisdiction (Russian orthodox Church, Greek Orthodox Church, Bulgarian Orthodox Church…Serbian Orthodox Church (it has been renamed, not without reason. Its former name had not included word “Serbian”)was one of them.<br>Montenegrin Diocese has been affiliated within its[Serbian orthodox Church] organizational structure from 1920. Even now, its incorporation within Serbian Orthodox Church has been the consequence of the abolition of the state of Montenegro and its being incorporated, by having been stripped off its state identity, into the state of Serbia. Through Serbia it had entered the then unitary Yugoslav State. It pertained to this organizational status after the unitary Yugoslavia was gone, Montenegrin breaking away from Serbia and reestablishing the state of Montenegro as part of federative Yugoslavia. Montenegrin Diocese remained as part of and incorporated within Serbian Orthodox Church, although groundlessly.<br>The fact that all Orthodox churches are national , organized within the individual state borders, which is the case with the Serbian Orthodox Church as well, raises the question the more so- why Montenegrin Orthodox Church too is not organized on such basis when Montenegrin state has been renewed for over half a century now, which is the basis for the existence of Montenegrin Orthodox Church. This is even more important because the church is one of the elements, which determines state’s physiognomy. Affiliating Montenegrin Orthodox Church within Serbian Orthodox Church has not been conditioned by the system of organization. Nor was it conditioned by apostrophizing, through propaganda, Serbian religion and Church in Montenegro, with political and national meaning, which has been articulated throughout the past decade. <br>But, passionate propagators of the “Serbism” through religion and faith less and less explain the marked re-orientation with organizational reasons, introducing new titles[St. Sava, Serbian Orthodox Church St.]. This affiliation is explained by “general belief” that Montenegrins are Serbs, that Montenegrin Church has always been “Serbian”, and that affiliation is something which should “be as it is, although not evidenced through history.”</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem949923955,22479,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>“We shall either take control of our destiny, or we shall waste decades in isolation”</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Branko Lukovac, the newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, has returned from Slovenia, where he was Montenegro’s diplomatic representative. <br>“Montenegro, as part of the federation, is no longer widely accepted by the international community, as the federation is characterized by conflicts and is isolated. Montenegro has a decision to make: either waste the coming years and decades in such an environment - as any radical change in the near future would be close to a miracle- or to fully take control of our destiny”, said Lukovac, in an interview for Vijesti. <br>Responding to the question of how limiting the unresolved state status is for implementing foreign policy, Lukovac said: “The current state status is a serious factor. Not so much for foreign policy related activities as for our internal economic development. There were times in the past when being part of Yugoslavia would open business opportunities. Now, any - even virtual links disable us from any serious business collaboration, unless these are linked with removing the sources of the crisis”. In terms of when Montenegro can expect to move from a user of humanitarian aid and financial assistance to a serious candidate for euro-atlantic integrations, Lukovac said that this would be when “the crisis in the region is seriously resolved, or when Montenegro decides to take the independent road to becoming a sovereign state”. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem949751841,23104,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>2. Dr. Mijat Sukovic Excerpt from the feuilleton titled : For the right, honor and freedom of Montenegrin nation</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">An open letter and a public invitation for Academician Dejan Medakovic, President of the Serbian Academy of Science and Art and Academician Vasil Krestic, Secretary of the History Department and the Director of the Archives of the Serbian Academy of Science<br><br>First, you have articulated your claims in a scientifically based tone. The issues that you address are such that it would be appropriate to address them merely on scientific basis. The greatest scientific achievements and highest functions within the most authoritative scientific institution , have the power of making pressure to forcefully impose as scientific, unalterably everything you say.<br>However, you have not articulated your claims in the way which would be appropriate for a scientific method of drawing conclusions. <br>You have articulated the clams more as judgements and verdicts. Without referring to any facts - state, morals, politics. As a verdict for the existence of Montenegrin nation! Without any proof!<br>Secondly, you have articulated your claims, that have been quoted, in times when cultural and political elite in Serbia, and its regime-not Serbian people-developed a diverse activity to achieve and secure state, political and cultural and spiritual hegemony over Montenegro, and Montenegrin people, to carry out state, national and cultural assimilation in Montenegrin-Serbian space. As if he same such doings in 1918 did not bring bitterness. Both to Serbian and Montenegrin people. As if it did not have immeasurable consequences with sacrifices on both sides. Not less from a hundred up to over a thousand lost lives.<br>The activities which are undertaken today, in order to prevent the state of Montenegro and the citizens of Montenegro to exercise their historical and civilization right, which is guaranteed by the Constitution, to , through democratic procedure and sovereignty, decide on the future legal status of the state of Montenegro, and thus on the future for the citizens of Montenegro.<br>Such activities are not based on Serbian national feeling which is a natural feeling or on cultural-spiritual, political and ideological platform, but are rather based on destructive and aggressive nationalism in the name of Serbism and achieving single Serbian national space.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem949751785,91441,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro will cooperate with the tribunal</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Montenegro Premier Filip Vujanovic has stated in The Hague that Montenegro will fully cooperate with The Hague Tribunal irrespective of the attitude of the official Belgrade.<br>“I have expressed a known position of Montenegrin leadership to extradite all the war criminal suspects whose arresting would not instigate internal conflicts in Montenegro and mass killings”, said Premier Vujanovic at the press conference with Carla del Ponte.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem949670862,70946,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Excerpt from the feuilleton titled 1 Dr. Mijat Sukovic: For the right, honor and freedom of Montenegrin nation</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">An open letter and a public invitation for Academician Dejan Medakovic, President of the Serbian Academy of Science and Art and Academician Vasil Krestic, Secretary of the History Department and the Director of the Archives of the Serbian Academy of Science<br><br>In the interview published in the “Dan” daily , from September 1, 1999 asked “if Montenegrins are Serbs and if , by that analogy, there is Montenegrin nation”. You, Academician, Dejan Medakovic, President of the Serbian Academy of Science and Art, have said “I have always liked Serbs from that area. I have always wanted to understand their particularities that I have always felt to be part of the mosaic of one common national destiny.” Further on you talk about the “Kominterna based conclusions” with regard to the issue of national identity within Yugoslavia”, “a thoughtfully elaborated system of instigating divisions and planned hatred”, ”servants of ideology”. Finally, with an expression of regret, you have observed: “Who can now, in this phase of overall confusion, gather strength to direct things back into some other, rational and scientifically grounded courses.”<br><br>Therefore, you have claimed that Montenegrins are Serbs nationally, a unique milieu of one national identity and individuality. That is , that we do not have Montenegrin nation, and that due to “Kominterna based conclusions”, “servants of ideology” created a setting which now should be directed back into some “rational and scientifically supported courses”. You are taking away from Montenegrins their national and cultural identity and individuality and as to the state of Montenegro, you are taking away from it its Montenegrin national personality. You have ascribed to them, implicitly, a moral vice, that they have claimed to be theirs, on the “Kominterna based conclusions”, and to the detriment of Serbian people, something which is not a part of their heritage , something which does not belong to them. By expressing regret that you lack the strength to “direct things back” into rational courses, you are essentially sending Montenegrin people a message that they should accept Serbian national feeling , that that would be “rational” and in line with “scientifically supported developments”.<br>As if collective national personality is not something that you live through and is as thus constituted, but is rather decided upon externally!<br>Merely by using the attribute “scientific” you are referring to your statement as scientifically grounded. <br><br>Elaboration without any proof<br>You have not given neither the contents nor any other proof of “Kominterna” based conclusions”. You unquestionably identify your factual observation, that there is one nation, with purposefully thought out and illegal decree based establishment of non-existing nation. You have not given a single proof , nor have you referred to any sources. The contents of the quoted part and all other parts of a quite a long interview does not imply anticipating the fact that Montenegrin people , as well as Serbian people, or any other people has a civilization right to be what they believe they are , that no one has legal or legitimate right to take that away from Serbian or any other people. It[the contents] does not imply that the quoted claims followed search for the answer to the question: what is moral and cultural, political and legal state-doing on the basis of which one nation as a whole is stripped away from what that nation believes it is, its identity? And other question: even if one has the right to negate what Montenegrin people believe they are, don’t we have here a behavior which is beyond the such imagined right?<br>You, Academician, Vasilije Krestic, in the interview published in the same daily, of 17 October 1999, answering the question in which it is claimed that by the end of 20th century, Montenegro, an anti-Serb state with the signs of a quite widespread intolerance for “Serbian ethnos”, you have said: Montenegrin nation is the creation of a party’s decision” with an anti-Serb purpose. Montenegrin-ism.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem949668435,45247,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>A stable situation in Montenegro is in the interests of the US and EU</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/capside.jpg" align=left>After the meeting with American state secretary Madeline Albright, Prime Minister Vujanovic said that keeping to the current policies means the US will continue to be a significant ally. “Mrs. Albright supports the democratic and economic processes in Montenegro and shall do everything in political and economic terms to back this support. She said we should continue down the road of a peace-oriented policies which will not instigate conflicts and will take Montenegro in the direction of a secure future. The US and the State Department will be a significant ally in following such policies”, said Vujanovic. <br>With respect to the additional assistance in value of 62 million dollars, Vujanovic expressed his belief that this assistance will be provided. “This request is based on a realistic assessment made by experts from the US and EU who are in a position to look in to the current situation in terms of exports, the balance of payments and the current state of our budget”, said Vujanovic. “I wanted to make it completely clear that these are our expectations and that our economic and social stability depends on this assistance. All the meetings I have had so far, allow me to conclude that this request shall be supported by the Americans”, concluded Vujanovic. Responding to the question of whether the American state secretary has provided guarantees for securing the security situation in Montenegro, Vujanovic said: “The very need to safeguard democracy binds the US and EU to be concerned about our security. They have stated this many times, and I think this is clear both to Belgrade and Milosevic”. With respect to Montenegro’s state status, Vujanovic said that “both sides agreed that one should be cautious and make careful steps and one should not hurry in the direction of something that could lead to disaster”. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem949668349,89745,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Peace under a constant threat</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">In his address to the Committee for Military Issues of US Senate, Wesley Clark NATO Commander has argued that “slow implementation of civil authorities in Kosovo cause problems. There is no civil government and police, criminality is a serious problem, the infrastructure is poor”, said Wesley Clark among other things.<br>Asked by a Senator about the danger of Milosevic going for another military adventure in Kosovo in the spring, NATO Commander said the following :”Such a possibility is taken into consideration and KFOR is ready to effectively oppose any possible action which would be undertaken by Serbian forces. Anyhow, Milosevic’s threats, including those towards Montenegro, are a constant danger for the invested efforts to improve the situation in that part of the Balkans.”</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem949668329,29201,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The renewal of cooperation</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The meting with the businessmen from Sarajevo who arrived a day before as guests of Herceg Novi Business Association till February 5. The delegation is composed of over 80 representatives from 41 companies , Chamber of Commerce and Sarajevo local Government.<br>As usual, businessmen are the first to re-establish cut ties, said Dragan Jankovic at yesterday’s opening ceremony.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem949578706,54662,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>“Any hasty moves would bring harm to the internal stability of Montenegro” </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/miloprst.jpg" align=left>The future state status of Montenegro will be resolved this year, according to the words of the Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic. <br>“It is realistic to expect the crisis in the Yugoslav federation to be resolved in the year 2000, said Djukanvic in an interview with the Deutsche Press Agency. <br>Djukanovic said that a possible way of getting out of the crisis would be the holding of a referendum, but he did not specify when this could take place. “One should not be in a hurry. Any hasty moves could bring harm to the internal stability of Montenegro”, said Djukanovic. <br>Djukanovic said that he is aware the Montenegrin population is divided on the issue of independence. “The majority support the idea of life in an open, European society, but there is a minority which one should not ignore, which strongly supports living in a country with Serbia. Milosevic can quite easily manipulate this part of the population and abuse it for his own objectives”, said Djukanvic. <br>Djukanovic belives, given how unscrupulous Milosevic is, one cannot exclude the possibility of an armed conflict. Djukanovic assessed that Montenegro’s police force and the people are ready to defend democracy and that Montenegro is ready for such a confrontation. He expressed his believe that the outside world would support Montenegro. “The international community which sees Montenegro as part of its strategy in the Balkans, would not accept an attack on Montenegro”, said Djukanovic. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem949578663,50286,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>“We were promised the refugees would leave Montenegro”</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">State representatives of former Yugoslav republics, the EU, Canada and a number of international organizations and institutions supported Montenegro’s request that refugees who are currently in Montenegro would return to their homes. We were given the promise that conditions in the domicile countries would be met in the nearest future to ensure the refugees could return home”, said the Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Veselin Sukovic. <br>Sukovic said that the programs of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina for the return of the refugees need to be all-encompassing. He added that an additional problem was a psychological issue that also needs to be dealt with and that is that the refugee communities in Montenegro have become very settled. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem949578644,75066,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Members of the Congress to support request for additional assistance</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Prime Minister Vujanovic’s third day in Washington was spent meeting with highly regarded members of the Congress and the Senate and in the American Finance Ministry where he met with the Deputy state secretary Stuart Eisenstat. <br>Key members of congress, Bill Yang and Soni Callahan and senators Mich McConel and John Warner, pledged they would support Vujanovic’s request and would call for the assistance for Montenegro to be approved as soon as possible. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem949492347,63723,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro cannot wait for Milosevic’s departure</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/csis.gif" align=left>Janusz Bugayski, a highly regarded analyst from the Center of Strategic Studies in Washington supported Montenegrin independence in a panel discussion organized by the Helsinki Committee at the American Congress yesterday. “If Montenegrin independence is not based on nationalism, but on principles of democracy and pluralism, multi-ethnic and international cooperation, then this would be a key factor contributing to the stability of the Balkans”, said Bugayski. Bugayski urged the international community to clearly warn Milosevic that any provocation in Montenegro would be followed by NATO attacks on Serbian targets and with direct military aid to Montenegrin security forces. <br>Srdjan Darmanovic, Director of the Montenegrin NGO CEDEM described Djukanovic’s political approach as the politics of obscurity and assessed that the Montenegrin government is playing a dangerous game with Milosevic’s regime. “The politics of obscurity is dangerously limited because it takes small and cautious moves. It shall bear fruit if the international community supports Montenegro economically and in terms of security. Without an active peace, the Belgrade regime could, sooner or later, decide to destroy the Montenegrin government or to initiate conflict within Montenegro itself”, said Darmanovic. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem949492203,2902,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Hasty moves would take Montenegro straight into the hands of Milosevic’s machine</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Montenegrin government has been advised by Pentagon to be extremely cautious over the next few months, as this would ensure that Milosevic’s regime isn’t given the slightest opportunity to provoke an armed conflict”. <br>As part of the Prime Minister’s visit, Filip Vujanovic met with the Deputy Defense Secretary, Walter Slocomb, who expressed his concerns over of Belgrade’s intentions to instigate another conflict in the Balkans. This is why Slocomb advised the Prime Minister to avoid hasty moves in resolving the state status, because this would “take Montenegro straight into the hands of Milosevic’s machine”. <br>As was the case with Djukanovic’s visit to London, western state officials in the US also expressed their hope that the Montenegrin government would not make any incautious moves which could, at this moment in time, serve Milosevic’s interests, such as the decision to hold a referendum. Therefore, question of security has become the main democratic issue, as the future of the reform process is directly dependent on the peaceful resolution of the Serb-Montenegrin crisis. <br>The Montenegrin Prime Minister had a range of meetings in Washington yesterday, the most important being at the Agriculture Ministry. Assistance comprised of 35 tons of wheat, enough for the needs of Montenegro for 4 months was the focus of the meeting. “Such assistance is very important for us, because it would mean that we could keep the price of bread frozen for a significant period of time”, said Vujanovic, just before his meeting with Deputy Minister, August Schumaher. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem949492182,29586,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>SNP enrolls criminals in its paramilitary units </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">A member of the Executive Board of the DPS (Djukanovic’s Democratic Party of Socialists) Andrija Perisic warned of the “intensified action, increase in numbers, and increase in arms of the paramilitary SNP (Socialist People’s Party) units. <br>“Under the direct supervision of the Federal Ministry of Defense and the so-called Federal Government and as part of the 7th Battalion of the military police, the YA (Yugoslav Army) is training and arming these paramilitary units. Recruitment is carried out on the basis of SNP membership, and the criteria used is fearlessness and being criminalized Serbian nationalists, who have demonstrated their hatred towards Montenegro and towards everything that is associated with Montenegro and democracy. The recruitment selection process and other organizational tasks key to the functioning of this paramilitary unit are carried out personally by the leaders of the SNP”, said Perisic. Perisic said that the reasons for such activities are the nervousness of Milosevic’s regime because of the increase in living standards that is the successful economic reforms. <br>Perisic said that the DPS and the coalition as a whole will do everything to ensure that problems are resolved through dialogue and negotiation. “But at the same time, we shall not succumb to the outbreak of violence or allow anyone within or outside Montenegro to jeopardize the stability and peace and to play around with the future of young generations and with the future of Montenegro”, concluded Perisic. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem949409188,50939,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Tomas Pickering: the US would respond against military action against Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/capside.jpg" align=left>Tirana, Roiters, The US pledged that it would decisively oppose any military action the Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic directs against Montenegro. <br>Responding to the question of whether the situation in Montenegro could explode into another Balkan conflict the US State Under Secretary for Political Issues Tomas Pickering said that Washington believes “any further conflict in the region needs to be avoided”. <br>“We are ready to decisively oppose any military action Milosevic could instigate in the region”, said Pickering to journalists during his visit to Tirana. <br>Pickering said the US support the decision of President Djukanovic on re-defining the basis of the relationship between Montenegro and Serbia, but do not support Montenegrin independence.<br>Djukanovic has not set a date for a referendum on independence, following the advice of foreign leaders who fear another Balkan conflict could break out.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem949409049,64009,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>“It will be difficult to withstand the pressure for Montenegrin independence”</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">In an interview with the Washington Times, Prime Minister, Filip Vujanovic said that there is significant internal pressure for independence. “The pressure for Montenegrin independence is two-fold: on the one hand it is the dissatisfaction of our citizens and the lack of support for a joint state with Serbia, which has been instigated by Milosevic’s politices; on the other hand the pressure comes from our coalition partner, the Social Democrats. They believe a referendum should be held and independence proclaimed as soon as possible. The assessment of the other two coalition parties is that one should be very cautious, and make sure Milosevic is not given the opportunity to start another war. But if the social and economic environment of Montenegro does not improve it is unlikely that we shall withstand from these two internal pressures”, said Vujanovic. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem949323684,56911,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Support for reforms</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/capitol.jpg" align=left>Premier of Montenegro, Filip Vujanovic will be visting Washington where the paths have been quite cleared for him, the paths that he will be taking from Monday to Thursday , in otherwise snow whipped Washington.<br>As his predecessor and later as the President of the republic, Milo Djukanovic passed these paths more than once and met with high officials from the US Administration and Congress who have in the meantime expressed their not only verbal but a concrete readiness to help the initiated democratic and economic reforms in Montenegro.<br>An American administration official has said for SENSE that the government in Montenegro is a democratically elected government. He has further argued that President Djukanovic’s proposed reforms enjoy great support. USA is ready to see to it that the reforms are successfully carried out and is very much interested in the safety of the region of the South-East Europe. By providing political and financial assistance to this republic, by exempting it from the sanctions which are introduced against Yugoslavia and by supporting the participation of Montenegro in USA global economy they are demonstrating the benefit that the rest of Yugoslavia will be able to count on when one day the democracy in Serbia wins. USA is supportive of democratic Montenegro within democratic and reformed Yugoslavia, said among other things the American Administration source.<br>American budget for the year 2000 plans to earmark financial assistance to Montenegro in the amount of 55 million dollars. Signing of the agreement on major part of that assistance is planned to take place on Monday afternoon in the USAID head office. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem949323645,58391,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>We do not have federal state</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">President of the Committee for Internal Policy of the Parliament of Montenegro, Academician Slobodan Blagojevic – former judge of the Federal Constitutional Court and former President of the Montenegrin Constitutional Court has found the latest decision of the Federal Constitutional Court, to declare the decision of the Government of Montenegro to introduce a dual currency system in Montenegro as unconstitutional, completely illegitimate <br>In his statement for Montenegrin TV he has said that we factually do not have the federal state any more i.e. that federal bodies are unconstitutional .</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem949143359,87160,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>“By the end of year 2000 we will have resolved our key political dilemmas”</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/milo-govor.jpg" align=left>President Djukanovic, assessed that the relations between Serbia and Montenegro are soon to be resolved in a speech held in the Port of Bar, yesterday. <br>I believe that we shall get out of the state of internal political confusion. Either the federal authorities will show a constructive approach towards the proposal Montenegro has made, which would result in the stabilization of Yugoslavia or Montenegro will conclude that there is not enough interest in the proposal for the further development of the joint state and Montenegro alone will create the conditions for dynamic economic and political development”, said President Djukanovic as part of a presentation entitled “The Port of Bar in the 21st Century”. <br>“I am certain that key issues will be resolved this year and that by the end of year 2000 we will have resolved our capital political dilemmas. We will have created the conditions, either at the federal level or at the level of the republic to secure support in creating a corridor so that the Port can start the process of dynamic development”, said Djukanovic. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem949143308,8767,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Seselj: Milosevic, JUL and I believe the secession of Montenegro to be an impossibility</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The President of the Serbian Radical Party and the Deputy President of the Serbian Government, Vojislav Seselj, in an interview with the Serbian “Nin” said that he believes “the reasons for practicing the rule of law towards the obviously separatist regime in Montenegro have existed for some time”. <br>“Of course there are threats coming from NATO and threats coming from the Americans, but our coalition partners are primarily concerned with the will of the people”, said Seselj. “We are all convinced, Milosevic and I, and the Socialist Party and the Serbian Radical Party and the Yugoslav Left (JUL), that the Montenegrins voting for independence at a referendum is an impossibility”, said Seselj.<br>“Anyone who understands the situation even a little knows that this is impossible. Therefore I cannot see that there disharmony between us”, concluded Seselj. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem949059275,86507,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>A response to the decision of the Federal Constiutional Court</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/vlada.jpg" align=left>There is no Federal Constitutional Court for Montenegro<br>Podgorica, Jan 28 (Montana-fax) – Concerning the decision of the Federal Constitutional Court to declare as unconstitutional the decision of the Government of Montenegro to introduce a dual currency system as well as Amnesty Act passed by the Parliament, Montenegrin state officials did not respond to the decision of the Federal Constitutional Court, reiterating that such a decision was not a novelty for them and will not be valid in Montenegro – reports Montena-fax.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem949059226,49169,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>DPS gave up the position of the Minister of Religion for the Minister of culture</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">By majority votes, Parliament passed late last night Premier Vujanovic’s proposal to replace four ministers and one deputy premier. Ljubisa Krgovic from the Monetary Council will replace Predrag Goranovic and take up the position of the Deputy Premier for Finance. Branko Lukovac, now former Montenegrin representative in Ljubljana took up the position of the foreign minister to replace Branko Perovic, Rade Gregovic is appointed to the position of the Minister of Urbanism instead of Radovan Bakic. Budimir Dubak will replace Slobodan Tomovic by covering the position of the Minister of Religion. Radojica Luburic was elected Minister of Culture from his position of the Director of the Montenegrin Institute for the International Scientific, Cultural and Technical Cooperation.<br>SNP’s[Socialist People’s Party, pro-Belgrade party] and Liberal Alliance’s seats were empty during voting, whilst the representatives of Albanian parties supported Vujanovic’s proposal. Apart from expressing his gratitude for the ministers who left his cabinet, Vujanovic did not offer any explanation wahtsoever as to the motives for the reconstruction of his cabinet. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem948985777,44506,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>DPS Main Committee did not reach an agreement on a thorough reconstruction of Vujanovic’s cabinet</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Branko Lukovac, the representative of Montenegro in Ljubljana will be a new Montenegrin Minister of Foreign Affairs and is to replace Branko Perovic who recently resigned . Ljubisa Krgovic, a member of the Monetary Council will be Deputy Premier for Finance, instead of Predrag Goranovic , and the Mayor of Budva, will get the position of the Minister for Urbanism and Physical Development, instead of Radovan Bakic who will take up parliamentary duties within DPS.<br>DPS Main Committee reached agreement last night to make only these changes in Premier Vujanovic’s cabinet prior to today’s extraordinary meeting of the Parliament which is scheduled in order to vote for or against the Government’s proposal.<br>It was agreed at the Main Committee that DPS Presidency will have to find the replacement for Slobodan Tomovic, Minister of Religion, today , before the meeting of the Parliament.<br>The present Minister of Culture Budimir Dubak in separate meetings with the Head of his party, Novak Kilibarda, and Premier Vujanovic rejected yesterday to take up the position of the Minister of Religion explaining that he has not got the Amfilohije’s [Head of Serbian Orthodox Church in Montenegro] blessings to cover that position.<br>An impression that DPS leadership can not reach the agreement on a thorough reconstruction of the Government at this point was not eased by the conclusion that another reconstruction is soon to follow.<br>Proposal to enter the Government was rejected by several members of the top leadership of DPS among which are Dragan Djurovic , who did not want to leave the position of the Chief of DPS parliamentary group , in which he was energetically supported by Svetozar Marovic, President of the Parliament. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem948985758,37597,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Great Britain has made another step towards supporting Montenegro and safeguarding British interests in Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Great Britain has made a step towards supporting Montenegro in its efforts to link up with Europe through democratic and economic reforms.<br>This was an obvious impression with which Djukanovic left yesterday London after his two-day visit. <br>It was for the first time that we heard in London that Britain will from now on safeguard in Montenegro their interests which view resulted from the engagement of British companies in Montenegro. <br>Also, as to the future of Montenegro and its national identity , British leaders have argued that this decision has to be taken by the citizens of Montenegro- Montenegrin president took great pleasure in commenting on the talks he had had with the British premier Tony Blair and Foreign Minister Robin Cook<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem948985734,62160,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Djukanovic is advised not to provoke Milosevic</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">British analysts rather deal with other side of the story of the West’s economic assistance to Montenegro. Yesterday’s “Daily Telegraph” and “Independent” in their reports about Djukanovic’s visit to London stressed safety aspect , mentioning the possibility of another Balkan’s conflict breaking out. It is stressed that at this point, the West shivers at the thought of Serbian-Montenegrin confrontation and that Djukanovic was advised not to provoke Milosevic to attack Montenegro by taking tactless moves, because in that case NATO back-up might fail to come.<br>Montenegrin President was praised for his cautiousness in this regard, but his words that patience has its limits are quoted, as well as that Montenegro will not scarify its future by remaining within Milosevic’s cage. <br>“Independent” stresses that the West will distance from speedy proclamation of Montenegrin independence , with an observation that Montenegro found itself in a strange situation ; it is neither independent , nor is it realistically a part of Milosevic’s FRY.<br>Everyone agrees about one thing: this will be the year of the resolution of the Serbian-Montenegrin crisis. The moves in the finals have to be taken with filigree preciseness.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem948891616,29827,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Djukanovic:I do not agree with determined attitude of the international community that FRY has to be safeguarded</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/miloint.jpg" align=left>“There are certain international community’s reservations towards Montenegrin referendum on independence , because it might be risky for the stability of the Balkans. But I do not agree with certain determined formulations coming from international community’s certain places and which attitudes are determined that FRY has to be safeguarded. If this is international community’s determined attitude then it is simple to reach its goal: Milosevic should be assisted to suffocate democratic development in Montenegro and then we will have a unique FRY, but as a last dictatorial country in Europe. I am therefore sure that overall international community is against it . Since Belgrade has shown their resistance towards Montenegrin proposal on new relations, our patience and waiting can not go on for ever and we shall, at a given moment , in line with constitutional solutions, call a referendum at which the citizens of Montenegro will declare in which state they want to go on living”, said Djukanovic talking to a group of foreign- policy editors from leading British papers and TV stations.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem948891558,60445,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Momir Bulatoivc:Referendum in Montenegro – immediately leads to a conflict</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Podgorica, January 26 (Montena-fax) –President of the Socialist People’s Party, Momir Bulatovic, threatened with conflict, if Montenegro called a referendum on independence, at the same time claiming that as many as 65% of the citizens are against it! He has stated that the referendum on independence of Montenegro will not solve but only - as he put it –“additionally complicate the situation”. Bulatovic has argued in his interview for the latest issue of “Daily Telegraph” , that an attempt to proclaim independence for Montenegro “immediately leads to a conflict” – reports Montena-fax.<br><br>Pointing out that “Montenegro is constitutionally entitled to determine the will of the citizens through a referendum and to proceed with state independence”, as well as that “ public surveys show that 65% of the people is against it”, Bulatovic has specified:<br><br>“Referendum can not solve, but only further complicate the situation. An attempt to make of Montenegro, within the present geopolitical setting in the Balkans, a cartoon-like state, would immediately lead to a conflict”, observed , among other things, Momir Bulatovic.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem948891532,44707,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Momir Bulatovic for “Daily Telegraph”</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Within its police force, Montenegro has paramilitary formations <br>Podgorica, January 26 (Montena-fax) – President of the Socialist People’s Party, Momir Bulatovic, has said that he is afraid that NATO could cause another war, estimating that then, as he put it, “under the shower of bombs” the municipalities in the north of Montenegro, which are for Yugoslavia, would suffer damage. In his interview for “Daily Telegraph”, Bulatovic has said that Montenegro has paramilitary formations that he refereed to as "personal Djukanovic'’ guard”, claiming that there are 2,400 people in one of the three such formations - reports Montena-fax.<br><br>Asked to comment a possible confrontation between the Army and the police force in Montenegro, Bulatovic has said that “he is not worried about Djukanovic’s police force”, but rather about the fact that NATO plans to safeguard democratically elected Montenegrin Government, and that they might stage another conflict in this region.” <br><br> “It means that an ultimate conflict in Montenegro does not depend on Djukanovic, but rather on NATO. I am seriously worried that NATO could evaluate that it needs another war to shed a little bit more blood and sell a little bit more of its weapons”-said Bulatovic. He has in particular stressed that “he is afraid that north of Montenegro would then suffer damage, and that municipalities that have publicly opted for the survival of Yugoslavia might find themselves under the shower of bombs.”<br>Asked if there are paramilitary formations in Montenegro, Bulatovic has answered positively, specifying that “Djukanovic has his personal gourd among 15 to 20 thousand police officers,.”<br><br>“These formations are located in Podogirca, Mojkovc and Danilovgrad. Only one of them numbers 2,400 people. They wear black uniforms, without visible police signs, which is illegal”, said Bulatovic claiming that “most of them came from elsewhere” i.e. that most of them do not speak Serbian .</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem948808219,41253,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Talks with Blair and Cook about a more considerable assistance to Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/bler.jpg" align=left>President of Montenegro, Milo Djukanovic will be staying today and tomorrow in London, where he will have his planned meetings with the Premier Tony Blair, Foreign Minister Robin Cook, Chairman of the Foreign Policy Committee in the Parliament, Donald Andersen and other high officials from British political and business circles, said the announcement issued by the President cabinet staff.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem948808206,39410,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>DPS leaders reject to take up ministerial positions</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Two days before the announced reconstruction of his cabinet is to take place, Premier Vujanovic found himself in front of a problem: the highest DPS officials [Democratic Party of Socialists], that Vujanovic wanted to see in his team , still have dilemmas , or have categorically rejected taking up ministerial positions.<br>As “Vijesti” finds out, Premier Vujanovic talked to Milica Pejanovic Djurisic , but did not get a positive answer from her to his proposal that she takes up the highest position in the Foreign Ministry. Svetozar Marovic, President of the Parliament’s talking her into it did not help either.<br>Dragan Djurovic and Zeljko Sturanovic DPS high officials have also rejected Vujanovic’s proposal to take up functions in the Government. <br>“Vijesti’s” source says that Vujanovic does not hide his anger because of such attitude of his party’s highest officials. Will these Premier’s candidate change their mind in the long run, and who else will get in the Government or who will be withdrawn from it-remains to be seen tomorrow , after President Djukanovic returns from London , when the meetings of DPS Presidency and Main Committee are scheduled. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem948728236,59365,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Marovic keeps trying to convince Milica to take up the office of the Foreign Minister</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/grbmali1.gif" align=left>Today, the leadership of DPS [Democratic Party of Socialists] will be having its last consultations regarding new names in Premier Vujanovic’s cabinet. The party’s Main Committee will verify the decisions, so that the Parliament will finally confirm the reconstruction of the government at its Thursday session.<br>The leadership of the party, in the first place, has to propose the future Foreign Minister. The most serious candidates for this position are Dr. Milica Pejanovic Djurisic, Goran Rakocevic, Director of the Montenegro TV and Branko Lukovac, the representative of Montenegro in Ljubljana.<br>Milica Pejanovic Djurisic was yesterday in Zabljak in the company of the President of the Parliament, Svetozar Marovic who was trying to convince her to take up the office of the Foreign Minister.<br>The most serious candidate for the office of the Minister of Religion is Dr. Vuk Minic that SDP[Social Democratic Party, pro-Montenegrin party which is within the ruling coalition] and People’s Party approve of. A decision is yet to be made about other candidates. <br>SDP and Peopl’s Party did not announce any replacements of their ministers.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem948728094,18484,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Check Association called Friends of Montenegro announced that they planned activities in order support Montenegrin independence</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Protests in support of Montenegrin independence will be held in front of the FRY Embassy in Prague on March 23.<br>The Association called Friends of Montenegro will be organizing protests against increasing military police forces in Montenegro, establishing pro-Belgrade para-military formations, punishing Montenegrins who rejected to take part in Kosovo war and for the full renewal of Montenegrin Church.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem948728048,69503,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Seselj: No one can separate Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The fifth Congress of Serbian Radical Party which was held in Belgrade yesterday, simply adopted a resolution which points out that the Serbian people and the state must oppose further disintegration of Serbian territory and American’s attempt to separate Montenegro, as backed by this entity’s leadership.<br>“In order to save the common state, Serbian radicals will support a dialogue between all the relevant political bodies with FRY, but also by applying all the constitutional mechanisms” says the resolution. <br>“We are sure that federal parliamentary elections which are to be held by the end of this year will confirm the will of the Serbian people from the two federal entities, to go on living in a common state,” the resolution of the Serbian Radical Party says.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem948728008,14788,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The temperature in Podgorica is below zero: The capital of the Republic – a huge skating rink</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Podgorica, Jan 24 (Montena-fax)- Most of the streets and pavements in the capital of Montenegro have been wrapped in ice this morning , which is quite unusual for Montenegro.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem948541908,70607,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>If Montenegro is set upon by Milosevic, NATO and USA will not intervene</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/nato.jpg" align=left>Montenegro should not be expecting from NATO or USA to save it, if it proclaims independence from Yugoslavia, said yesterday a NATO’s high official.<br>He has said that the West will be intervening but rather by means of further introducing economic sanctions against Serbia then through military intervention, if Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic attacks this small republic. <br>Whilst the West is supportive of the efforts invested by President of Montenegro, Milo Djukanovic to establish democracy, autonomy and market economy, he would have to be very careful not to cause conflict, because he should not be counting on USA or their allies in saving him. <br>This is the second warning this week against the referendum on independence of Montenegro.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem948541686,56170,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Zarko Rakcevic: We will not be participating in the federal elections</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">SDP[Social Democratic Party of Montenegro] will not be participating in the federal elections , said the leader of the Party, Zarko Rakcevic.<br>On the occasion of yesterday’s statement of the Serb Deputy Premier, Vojislav Seselj that federal elections might be held in autumn this year, Rakcevic has said that at the SDP Congress held late last year his party gave their position in this regard, which is not to participate in the federal elections.<br>“For us, FRY is past. Improvement of the relations between Serbia and Montenegro is necessary, but it is possible only when all the issues are defined, among which is the international recognition of Montenegro”, said Rakcevic.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem948541665,68447,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Momir Bulatovic: We will have federal elections held in Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Federal Premier Momir Bulatovic argued yesterday that federal elections would be held in Montenegro too, pointing out that there is plenty of time since they are planned to take place late October.<br>“Elections have to be held, constitution has to be abided by”, said Bulatovic.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem947865125,20547,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>I shall urge the issue of economic assistance to Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">In his first address to the OSCE Permanent Council, Foreign Minister Wolfgang Schuessel and OSCE Chairman during his presentation of official program under the Austrian chairmanship has said that main preconditions for FRY getting membership in OSCE are radical changes in the country with democratization and switch of power in Serbia after holding fair and free elections.<br>Austrian Foreign Minister has said that OSCE will in the forthcoming period pay a great attention to the situation in Montenegro. <br>Asked by Beta’s reporter which are OSCE planned activities under Austrian chairmanship, Schuessel has explained that Montenegro is an important part of FRY, and that Montenegrin authorities latest moves announce that there is hope for better future in Serbia.<br>He has argued that OSCE has its mission in Montenegro and that OSCE is worried about economic situation there. “It is extremely important to do something urgently”, said Schuessel.<br>He has pointed out that OSCE itself can not do anything to improve the economic situation in Montenegro, but that they will closely cooperate with EU “which have to support the authorities in Podogrica.”<br>“At the next meeting of EU foreign ministers, I shall initiate the issue of assistance for Montenegro because I believe that one can not just observe the developments by standing aside, but rather undertake concrete measures, said Schuessel.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem947765780,16186,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>SNP and their backers will be in the square – Serbian Orthodox Church believers in front of St. George Church in Podgorica</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/podg.jpg" align=left>Under the auspices of the Socialist People’s Party (SNP, pro-Belgrade party) , tonight in the central square in Podgorica, a great event will be organized with the religious motto and it is intended to mark two milleniums of Christianity i.e. the celebration of Orthodox New Year. It has been announced that the program with 40 performers will begin at 19:00 and last till 2:00. SNP has announced that it will not be a political meeting, but they did announce that they would remind themselves of the developments from two years ago in front of the Parliament building.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem947765713,55163,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Republika Srpska authorities are lodged another request for assistance in “Strpci Case”</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Podgorica, January 13 (Montena-fax) –Minister of Justice in the Government of Montenegro, Dragan Soc has stated for Montena-fax that a Higher Court from Bijelo Polje (north of the Republic) lodged another request to Republika Srpska authorities to provide assistance and cooperation for the purpose of resolving the “Strpci case” i.e. to produce evidence regarding the suspension of the trial against Nebojsa Ranisavljevic, who is indicted for kidnapping and killing a group of twenty passengers from the train in the railroad Belgrade-Bar , late February 1993.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem947765621,1220,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The first vessel from Croatia is to arrive tomorrow</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/hn.jpg" align=left>Bijela, January 13 (Montena-fax) – A ship from the Shipyard May 3 from Rijeka is expected to enter tomorrow the shipyard in Bijela for overhaul, which will mark the follow-up of a successful cooperation with Croatian shipyard, which had lasted until ten years ago, when it was suspended due to war and disintegration of Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia-reports Montena-fax.<br>Renewal of once good business relations if confirmed by Brodo-Split announcing that they will soon have one of their vessels in Bijela for overhaul. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem947682081,62566,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Lukovac as Foreign Minister, Tomovic retires</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/filip.jpg" align=left>Montenegrin Parliament will be debating the reconstruction of the Government at its following early session which is scheduled for January 26.<br>It was announced yesterday that early session of the Parliament is scheduled at the request of the Premier Filip Vujanovic, and one of the items of the agenda will be “appointments and removals”.<br>In this way DPS [Democratic Party of Socialists] Main Committee’s initiative from the month of September will be realized. Their main idea at that time was to have more of DPS ministers known for their sharp criticism in the Parliament, so that some of the mayors and managers can be released from their parliamentary obligations. <br>Branko Lukovac, the representative of Montenegro in Ljubljana might be Branko Perovic’s successor.<br>If Vujanovic were to listen the voice of his coalition partners, he would be considering the removal of Slobodan Tomovic, Minister of Faith who favors one church.<br>There are rumors that a few more ministers are to be removed, but Premier Vujanovic is to give his final say after consulting DPS leadership. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem947682047,54995,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>SDP will not leave the coalition</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">It is realistic to assume that a sharp attitude and the estimation of the President of SDP [Social Democratic Party-pro-Montenegrin party within the Coalition] Zarko Rakcevic regarding the unpleasant event in front of the King Nikola’s Castle in Podgorica , on the Christmas Eve, does not represent that party’s position. A Coalition party can behave in the way which is appropriate for it, but I am convinced that SDP reckons that doing away with the coalition would be highly dangerous for peace and order in Montenegro at this moment, said Prof. Novak Kilibarda, the President of the People’s Party at yesterdays press Conference.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem947682014,63057,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The Hague Tribunal is not interested in “Vlahovic case”</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Podgorica, January 12 (Montena-fax) – Minister of Justice in the Government of the Republic of Montenegro, Dragan Soc has said for Montena-fax that International Tribunal for war criminals , seated in The Hague, did not express any interest whatsoever in “Vlahovic case” , that is, in a possible taking over Veselin Batko Vlahovic’s trial, who is in prison in Spuz , and who was in Bosnia indicted for war crime committed in Sarajevo. Minister Soc has pointed out that Vlahovic’s trial will be taking place in Montenegro because as public prosecutor reckoned that we lack legal prerequisites for Vlahovic’s extradition.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem947595435,3497,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Zizic: We will not be celebrating Serbian New Year but rather 2000 years of Christianity</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/zizic.jpg" align=left>Zoran Zizic, Vice President of SNP (Socialist People’s Party-pro-Belgrade party) has said for Vijesti that they will not be celebrating Serbian New Year but rather 2000 years of Christianity. He has argued that <br>SNP will be organizing the celebration of Orthodox New Year and 2000 years of Christianity on January 13 with religious motto at the main square in Podgorica. There will be a New Year’s concert with around 40 performers and fireworks. <br>He has pointed out that the gathering will be organized under the auspices of SNP because “this party is deeply rooted in Montenegro and because the principles of Christianity will be marking this year which are God’s justice, freedom, truth, peace and hope for human kind which are at the same time historical and traditional values of Montenegro and Montenegrins.”<br>Besides, this will be the third time that SNP will take part in organizing the celebration of Orthodox New Year, therefore this has already become traditional , Zizic has argued. “Also we will remind ourselves what was done with people two years ago in front of the Parliament building “ explained Zizic.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem947595380,60369,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The Federal Government did not do a thing for Prevlaka Peninsula</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Advisor to the President of Montenegro, Miodrag Vukovic has reckoned that a proposal to extend the mandate for the international observers in Prevlaka Peninsula is “ at this moment the only rational solution” and proposed the follow-up of negotiations between Croatian and Yugoslav experts on this topic.<br>“There are several reasons which led to proposing this decision [extension of mandate of observer mission] and the first one is that the issue of Prevlaka has not been solved yet.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem947595344,60610,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>We are expecting to meet with Army and we want a good cooperation with JAT</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Manager of the public company “Montenegro Airports” has said for “Vijesti” that the company has not started functioning on normal basis so to say , and has been preparing documentation for its registration. At the same time we are working on elaboration of the status of the airports and making necessary estimations on the basis of which we will make further moves, said the Manager.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem947595315,86882,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Successful cooperation with different known world firms</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Kotor, January 10 (Montena-fax) – Joint Stock Company “Jugopetrol” from Kotor has established cooperation with several different firms, among which is “Alfons Harom” from Hamburg. “Jugopetrol” will represent the same company in Albania, Macedonia, Bosnia and Southern Croatia.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem947503875,91457,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Croatia needs quiet border with Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/granic.jpg" align=left>“Concern about Croatian territorial integrity and sovereignty is the most important task of the president of the Republic, and I shall pay a great attention to this issue, if voters put their trust in me, which I believe they will …”, Croatian presidential candidate said and current Minister of Foreign Affairs of Croatia, Mate Granic said yesterday after his visit to a border crossing with Montenegro called Kofin.<br>He has said that Prevlaka Peninsula is rather security than territorial issue which will be solved after presidential elections with the assistance of the international community. Granic has argued that he will pay a great attention to solving this issue pointing out that last year was not much of a success in this regard due to known circumstances in FRY and NATO intervention in Kosovo. <br>However, he has pointed out that relationship between Croatia and Montenegro improved after opening up border crossings called Debeli Brijeg and Kofin which was welcomed by the international community.<br>He has argued that Croatia will steer this course “because we need quiet border. We want to develop normal relations with FRY but under new circumstances.”<br>Asked about opening the consular missions of the Republic of Croatia in the towns of Kotor and Subotica, dr. Mate Grnic has said that they are awaiting confirmation from Belgrade, saying that in the meantime they will work at somewhat lower diplomatic level in these two towns.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem946558704,40676,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>If war breaks out in Montenegro, the west’s response will come late</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/slobo-mrgud.jpg" align=left>President of FR Yugoslavia, Slobodan Milosevic still holds on tightly to his power, and changes will not take place next year either – says Austrian daily “Salcburger nahrihten.”<br>“Milosevic won over the bombardment of FRY, which he needed in order to strengthen his power He is the one who beats time and keeps throwing international community into new contemplation and he is pleased when the West keeps insisting on embargo although this has become counter productive, says daily pointing out that Belgrade regime lives from isolation. <br>It says that NATO “cannot rejoice over even alleged success in Kosovo, because over-forced administration of UN from day to day gives autocrat new arguments to autocratic and for his propaganda machinery.”<br>Pointing out that only “outsiders” still keep Belgrade regime company such as Byelorussia, North Korea, Libya and Iraq, “Salcburger nahrihten” argues that FRY expects from their friends economic gains and to get oil from Baghdad and Tripoli , as well as that they got humanitarian assistance from China in the amount of 300 million dollars.<br>“Alliance of free states” is supposed to enable Milosevic to extend his power in the next round. During the year 2,000 he will be beating time in the Balkans, and as to Montenegro, his supporters have been preparing for the fifth war, within only ten years, says the daily and points out that “it is obvious that dissatisfaction rises in Serbia” and the need for radical changes is expressed.”<br>If war breaks out in Montenegro, or if the civil war breaks out in Serbia, it is most likely that the West’s response will come late again-concludes “Salcburger nahrihten.”</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem946558378,83257,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Parliament adopts budget for next year</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/skupstina.jpg" align=right>Montenegrin Parliament MPs adopted by majority vote late last night the budget for the year 2,000 in the amount of 393 million and 970 thousand DM. Opposition voted against it.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem946472609,37463,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>SNP announced organizing a gathering on January 13</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/mbulatovic.jpg" align=left>Socialist People’s Party(pro-Belgrade party) will be organizing on January 13 the celebration of Orthodox new Year at the main square in Podgorica, Predrag Bulatovic, the party’s Vice president announced it yesterday in the parliament. <br>He has promised that the gathering will be peaceful, but reckoned that the authorities raise tensions so that people could forget about the social crisis in Montenegro.<br>“All we want is to celebrate, but if you deploy police force, we will think about our further political engagement. It is needless to deploy police force on the main square on January 13…” said Bulatovic.<br>Prmier Vuanovic who came yesterday to Parliament at Bulatovic’s invitation in order to comment on the allegations that SNP will initiate a civil war, he has said that organizing public gatherings is even more risky than last year, and said that Ministry of Interior will take all the measures as if the celebration of Orthodox New Year can be misused. <br>“Belgrade missions are still going on. We are sent malicious messages . We had riots two years ago. 48 police officers got injured on that occasion. It is possible that this can happen again. If police officers are aggressively assaulted, they will have to defend themselves , but they will not provoke incidental situations, “ said Vujanovic.<br>He has said that the government will do everything to pacify the tensions in the Republic and asks Predrag Bulatovic to make effort within his party so that Momir Bulatoivc’ s (President of the Party)threats do not come true. <br>He has said tat he believes that SNP will make efforts to safeguard peace in Montenegro , pointing out his anticipation that they will not have ally in Belgrade’s SNP.<br>Ranko Krivokapic from SDP (Social Democratic Party) has said that Montenegrins celebrate Serbian New Year in Podgorica’s squares and Serbs in Belgrade don’t celebrate it. It turns out that Montenegrins are greater Serbs from Serbs themselves. He has argued that SNP has to realize that they represent the most insignificant party in Montenegro which is slowly disappearing from political scene.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem946471666,97966,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>NATO keeps a watchful eye on the developments in Montenegro </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/clarck.jpg" align=left>General Wesley Clark has said for the New Year’s issue of the Monitor weekly that Yugoslav Army will not go back to Kosovo any more and if they do so, they will be prevented , reminding of the signed agreement according to which Yugoslav Army obliged itself to leave Kosovo.<br>American general has said that NATO keeps a watchful eye on Milisevic’s presence and moves towards Montenegro.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem946382826,32851,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro’s future to be resolved in the forthcoming months</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/miloprst.jpg" align=left>Montenegrins who do not want Montenegro to be the last scene of Yugoslav bloody disintegration appeal to the West to understand that they can not wait forever. The pressure for Montenegro to break away from Serbia increases, and the forthcoming months will be of key importance for Montenegro’s future. “Impatience grows in particular among young people who are not ready to sacrifice another decade as Milosevic hostages” said a close associate of Milo Djukanovic.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem946382740,7949,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Europe does not want conflicts to break out in either Montenegro or Serbia</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/euro.jpg" align=left>EU are sure that the prerequisite for economic and social change and for future democratic Serbia and FRY is the change of regime through elections.<br>Europeans do not wish, and this is in particular pointed out, any conflicts in neither Serbia or Montenegro and in particular not in Kosovo. <br>Democratization of Serbia and settling the things in Kosovo are the prerequisites for permanent stabilization, recovery and linking up with ”European integrations”.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem946382609,45153,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>11% of young people take drugs</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/droga.jpg" align=right>Association for Creative Development called Fortune, from the town of Niksic has recently initiated a project on drug addiction. The public opinion poll which covered 913 people , from 12 to 26, showed that 104 of them or 11% took drugs. Out of 11% of those who experienced drug addiction , 29% consumed drugs more than once, 12% have been taking it for a year with the same percentage of those that are on it for two or more years.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem946297896,15319,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Arrested Vukovic should be extradited to Montenegro where he is sentenced to 20 years of prison</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The head of the Police Force in Foca, Zoran Mandic has said that Zoran Vukovic who was arrested by SFOR on Thursday and deported to The Hague should be extradited to Montenegro where he is sentenced to 20 years of prison in case of switched identity. Mandic has said that Vukovic was three and half years ago sentenced in Montenegro for his involvement in murder of three members of a Muslim family Klopuh from Foca,in April 1992, in Scepan Polje , the territory of Montenegro.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem946297637,12472,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>American flour</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">SNP (Socialist People’s Party) can confirm a shocking fact, that there is a huge amount of old American flour in bread which is sold in Montenegro. The quality of this flour is such that bread cannot be made unless domestic wheat from Vojvodina is added", said Dusko Jovanovic, the SNP’s MP.<br>The American flour, which is delivered into Montenegro as a humanitarian help, is not for humans. However, the citizens have no alternative. They must eat bread, and each loaf contains the American flour.<br>"High quality and healthy flour from Serbian wheat is packed in bags marked as American humanitarian help, and, with the help of the Montenegrin Government and Bernard Kouchner, go to Kosovo, where it is sold for foreign currency.<br>The Albanians in Kosovo get healthy flour, and the Montenegrins get American one, which is poisoned. However, Montenegrin Government does not care for that. They only care how to fill their pockets with hard currency, and someone else should worry about the citizens of Montenegro. Preferably, the international community.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem946033657,5340,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>A century without national program</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/milo-govor.jpg" align=left>Montenegro has been in some form of transition for almost two centuries now. It has been a state in which inferiority was imposed and accepted as well as unrealistic hope that others can solve its problems. It was accepted that it can exist only as a part of a state union. The carriers of great Serbia projects ,at detriment of Montenegrin national and state identity, encouraged such attitude. Montenegro was sincerely committed to former Yugoslavia, because it realized some of its integration ideals being part of it. However it has again subordinated its interests to general ones more then other republics did. When former Yugoslavia project failed, Montenegro linked its destiny with present Yugoslavia, hoping that thanks to close, cultural, traditional and other ties it would achieve its state, national, economic and other interests. However, it immoderately became clear that Serbia’s intentions were different and that the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia is the stronghold of Belgrade dictatorship – the last political anachronism in Europe using nationalism as an instrument to keep the power. In such creation headed by such state policy , Yugoslavia is seen as extended Serbia. Because of all these illusions Montenegro is perhaps the only state which will end this century without its state and national program.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem946033333,20324,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Perovic: I did not do anything on my behalf or for my account</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/bperovic.jpg" align=left>Minister of Foreign Affairs, Branko Perovic, at the meeting of the Parliament offered his resignation to the position of Foreign Minister yesterday, rejecting all the accusations about his alleged connection with Italian Mafia and involvement in cigars smuggling.<br>He explained that with this act he wanted to relieve MPs that he would take advantage of his position to cover up the case.<br>“I offer my irrevocable resignation to this position , thank you for cooperation and I sincerely wish you the best”, said Perovic turned towards SNP benches.<br>After his name had been called so many times that he was accused in Italy of collaboration with Mafia, after so many offensive qualifications on his behalf were heard, Perovic came to the Parliament yesterday by the very end of the session which was devoted to the proposal of the budget for the next year<br>Pointing out that attempts were made to turn the Parliament into court room, Perovic has said that he decided to come after Dusko Jovanovic, SNP’s MP has claimed that Perovic threatened Montenegrin moral sovereignty.<br>“This is why I am here in front of you . In the first place to categorically reject all the accusations expressed on my behalf in this house, press or elsewhere. In fact, what have I done? Did I do anything for my account? Do you have any evidence to prove that? No gentlemen, I have not done anything on my behalf or for my account. I have just helped one Montenegrin firm to charge its claims in the period from 1992 and 1993 and to buy equipment,” said Perovic<br>Premier Vujanovic has assessed Perovic’s act as correct, honest and utmost moral and said that he was accused of something which is a “part of big political game ..”<br>Dusko Jovanovic and Emilo Labudovic spoke on behalf of SNP. Jovanovic has said that it is normal to resign after an affair is revealed, whilst Labudovic said that his act was highly moral, pointing out that Perovic had to sacrifice his position in order to cover up for someone else. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem946033217,71678,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Dacic: We have no contacts with DPS</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Spokesman of Socialist Party of Serbia, Ivica Dacic has said yesterday that they have no communication with DPS (Democratic Party of Socialists) “because Montenegrin leadership is toobusy establishing different contacts through which they are taught how to cheaply sell their national and state interests.”</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem945955807,26559,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>NATO troops should enter Montenegro and be deployed at the border with Serbia</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/panic.jpg" align=left>In Yugoslavia, Montenegro can be the center of liberal reformist movement. At the same time, Montenegro can help Kosovo through Albanians in Montenegro. It can help Albania. Small centers with leaders such as Milo Djukanovic can help a great deal, said former Yugoslav premier, Milan Panic in his interview for Belgrade daily “Danas”.<br>He has warned that the recent “Golubovci incident” shows Milosevic’s attitude towards Djukanovic’s reforms and how dangerous it is for Montenegro to turn into another battle field in the territory of former Yugoslavia. According to him it is necessary for the West to respond to these threats more decisively. Panic believes that it is necessary that NATO troops be deployed at the border between Montenegro and Serbia.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem945955725,36977,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Liberal Alliance to press charges against Vukovic</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">With local early elections approaching in Podgorica and Herceg Novi, parties protagonists have launched their tested strategy of calling divisions among people between two parities in order to rule out the third, and the best option for Montenegro which is Liberal Alliance, said the leader of Liberal Alliance Miodrag Zivkovic. <br>He has said that from now on Liberal Alliance will defend itself from false statements through court announcing that they will press charges as early as today against Miodrag Vukovic head of Executive Board of DPS (Democratic party of Socialists) because he has said that Liberal Alliance’s boss resides in Belgrade.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem945782923,45782,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegrin Orthodox Church is against introducing religion in schools</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=0 src="images/mihailo.jpg" align=left>At Serbian Orthodox Church insisting to introduce religion in schools as a subject, Montenegrin Orthodox Church has announced their disagreement with such an initiative. Montenegrin Orthodox Church holds that, to say the least, Serbian Orthodox Church motives to insist on introducing religion classes in schools are suspicious, says Montenegrin Church announcement as a response to information that Minister of Education in Montenegrin Government and Head of Serbian Orthodox Church in Montenegro recently touched this issue. Head of Montenegrin Orthodox Church Mihailo has said that the aim of this initiative is to go on with Serbianization of Montenegrins through schools.<br>Montenegrin Orthodox Church holds that systems of high school and university education should be reformed and that through history, philosophy or other related subjects or perhaps through a new one, the study of great world religions should be introduced.<br>Finally, Metropolitan Mihailo has said that his church does not seek and need Serbian Orthodox Church or any other East Orthodox Church recognition. However, Montenegrin Orthodox Church seeks and needs that its natural, inalienable, legitimate and legal rights be finally recognized by Montenegrin state, i.e. Montenegrin authorities.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem945782896,52385,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro will not be a hostage of Belgrade’s failed politics</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=0 src="images/filip.jpg" align=right>"Montenegro is entering a new millenium with firm commitment to achieve its strategic goal of democratization, economic reforms and integration into international community. We have to implement, as soon as possible, what has been initiated in the past several years. I believe we will soon get a clear answer from Serbia about the future of our common state. If we steer our course on our own or with Serbia is dependant upon their answer", said Filip Vujanovic , the Prime Minister of the Government of the Republic of Montenegro.<br>He has also said that if the citizens of Serbia opt for further isolation, and autocratic regime, they cannot expect Montenegro to accept the role of a hostage of Belgrade’s failed policy, and that Montenegro must have the right to go on its own. If Serbia becomes democratic, and if it wants common state with Montenegro, based on the equality of the states and the citizens, there is not one reason why we should not safeguard the common state. On the contrary, many links with Serbia, such as historical and economic ones would justify this. Finally, Vujanovic has said that Montenegrin authorities are committed to integration, which would be quite natural with democratic Serbia.<br>Numerous insinuations from Momir Bulatovic are in service of Belgrade's regime that wants to destabilize Montenegro both politically and economically. Vujanovic has said that they want to take away Montenegrin state identity, and turn it into a Serbia’s region.<br>As to Socialist People’s Party, Vujanovic has argued that he is convinced about the division in SNP between Belgrade and Podgorica, adding that Podgorica wing’s position towards future of Montenegro is more realistic. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem945346710,6930,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Yugoslav Army was ready to shoot at police</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/filip.jpg" align=left>Regarding the recent incident at Podgorica's airport and the other day's interpretation of that event by General Colonel Spasoje Smiljanic, Montenegrin Prime Minister Filip Vujanovic sent a letter to Dragoljub Ojdanic, Yugoslav Army Commander –in- Chief in which Vujanovic has argued that he could not believe that due to obvious misunderstanding an unnecessary activity of Yugoslav Army took plce at Podgorica airport, the activity which was described by Smiljanic as a military state of emergency . Vujanovic has said that this statement confirms that Army was ready and determined to attack Montenegrin police officers.<br>In his letter Vujanovic has said that he can not believe that they gave an order to soot at police officers. Vujanovic has reassured Ojdanic that Montenegrin state leadership would never make such a decision against Yugoslav Army. <br>Vjanovic has also argued that there are evidence that the Military Police 7th battalion, formed by one party, was to be militarily engaged in Podgorica airport in order to instigate conflict.<br>Finally, Vujanovic has argued that Montenegrin police force is not deployed near airport.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem945346692,25970,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegrin Constitutional Court responding to General Smiljanic’s threats</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Montenegrin Constitutional Court severely condemns Yugoslav Army Air Force Commander’s statements and warns that “ unconstitutional activities in the territory of Montenegro mean further violating constitutional order and initiating conflict with terrible consequences.”<br>Yugoslav Army Air Force Commander’s statement says that Yugoslav Army will follow the orders of competent authorities. In this regard, Montenegrin Constitutional Court is warning Yugoslav Army leadership that it is outlined in the FRY Constitution that decisions are made by the Defense Supreme Council which is composed of the president of the federation and the presidents of the republics. The violation of this constitutional principle would be the violation of FRY Constitution.<br>Montenegrin Constitutional Court points out many constitutional violations which have been highly detrimental for the Republic of Montenegro, such as Belgrade regime not recognizing the will of the citizens of Montenegro expressed at the latest elections, appointment of Momir Bulatovic as a federal Premier although his party did not win the elections and forbidding legally elected MPs to represent Montenegro in the Upper House. This is the violation of the essential constitutional principle which is outlined in Article 14 of FRY Constitution as well as of all elementary principles of multi party system.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem945260469,45043,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>If a conflict breaks out we shall close airport in order to avoid civilian causalities</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/vj_stit.gif" align=left>“Military units at “Golubovci” Airport are obliged to protect the facilities, people and military equipment in line with the federal Constitution, Defense Act and in line with service regulations. Yugoslav Army will fully follow all the laws and regulations in line with the federal constitution”, said Spasoje Smiljanic, Air Force Commander at yesterday press conference. He has argued that the Army will be committed to protecting the land and the facilities they utilize, until the legal procedure is employed and until Montenegrin Police Force gets the permit for the construction of hangar by the federal authority. Yugoslav Army will make the greatest effort not to initiate conflicts with Montenegrin Police Force. He has said that in case of an incident or illegal activities, Yugoslav Army will act in line with their regulations.<br>Smiljanic has pointed out that it is in the interest of the Yugoslav Army to resolve the problem reasonably, at the satisfaction of all Yugoslav citizens. Smiljanic has said that Yugoslav Army soldiers are deployed at “Golubovci” airport and that they are at guard as well as Police Force units. <br>“If a conflict breaks out we shall close down the airport in order to avoid civilian casualties”, said Smiljanic. <br>Asked to comment on Montenegrin parliament proclamation that the airports are Montenegrin ownership now, Smiljanic has said that the land will be in Yugoslav Army’s ownership until it is sold, it can not be forcefully confiscated.<br>Asked if a compromise can be reached if Yugoslav Army abides by federal laws and Montenegrin Police by republican laws, Smiljanic has argued that they will have to find a compromise. It would be disastrous to get into conflict. Montenegrin administration together with federal authorities will have to resolve the problem. He rejected to answer the question if “Golubovci” Airport brigade is at guard, promising that elite parachute units will not be deployed in Podgorica unless conflicts with Montenegrin Police Force break out.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem945260439,25515,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Whenever Bulatovic visits Montenegro he spreads hatred and fear</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">“People’s party believes that Momir Bulatovic’s speech in Niksic , and in particular his statement that Montenegrin Police Force ran away “like dogs” in front of the army, from the Airport would in peace time deserve nothing but scorn …”, said Dr. Savo Markovic, a member of the Main Committee of the people’s party at yesterday’s press Conference. However, Markovic has added, in view of present developments his words raise concerns and anxiety. <br>He has said that it is obvious that whenever Bulatovic visits Montenegro he on purpose spreads fear and hatred and immediately leaves for Belgrade where he“from distance awaits the fruits of the earth.”</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem945174337,24145,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Patience is more important than anything else</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img src="images/filip.jpg" align=left>"We have to establish principles that common state of Montenegro and Serbia would be based on,” said Prime Minister Filip Vujanovic in Niksic. He has further said that this means that we have to have our sovereignty in and equality the common state. “If this is not in the interest of Serbia, then there is no future for the common state", said Vujanovic.<br>"If Serbia wants a unitary state or if it wants to be independent, then it is clear in which direction we will steer our course. Why do I think that it is in our interest to have a common state”, wondered Vujanovic. “I believe that this interest is based on our economic communication guaranteeing better future for both Montenegro and Serbia. I think that it is obvious that our economies are compatible, with lots of things in common with good development prospects. However I believe that precisely thanks all our historic, ethnic, cultural, economic and other ties with Serbia we must have to safeguard our equality. If this is questioned, then we would have to steer the course which would secure it. We fulfil all the conditions to be independent."<br>Vujanovic also said that economic sovereignty was not easily reached, because the so-called federal government tried to economically exhaust Montenegro. For example, they did not discharge their duties with Montenegrin Pension Fund, the federal administration banned import of raw material, telecommunication equipment and they tried to prevent visa sovereignty of Montenegro.<br> “We resisted all these pressures and despite them, managed to establish customs sovereignty taking over the authority of customs service. Beside that Montenegro has achieved Monetary sovereignty which had to be done in order to prevent inflation in Montenegro which threatened our economy.<br>Commenting on functioning of dual currency system in Montenegro, Vujanovic has said that it has its weak points, because of unequal position of the companies with DM and dinar proceeds but that this is a project which has prospects , adding that it is a very sensitive process which takes time. He has said that unless this measure has been taken Montenegrin economy would have gone bankrupt. Thanks to economic sovereignty we have time now and need not rush with referendum “because we believe that everything should be done to safeguard the common state of Montenegro and Serbia. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem945084309,85698,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Federal Premier and SNP’s Leader Momir Bulatovic for “Vijesti”</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/momotuzni.jpg" align=left>In his interview for “Vijesti”, Federal Premier and the President of Socialist People’s Party Momir Bulatovic has said that local elections in Podgorica and Herceg Novi are of strategic importance and that they will make efforts to do away with elections fraud which characterized the latest elections. <br>What will be you answer to Yugoslav Left Party’s invitation for coalition with them in Montenegro? Will there be coalition between Socialist People’s Party and some other party?<br>Bulatovic has said that the Socialist People’s Party proposed for the parties which were Yugoslav oriented to ally at the latest elections, which was rejected, and that it is likely that they will make the same proposal again.<br>Can these elections be some kind of preparation for the referendum on Montenegrin state identity? What is your comment on leadership’s statements that holding a referendum is not so urgent any more?<br>“Holding a referendum is so absurd that those who threatened with it simply gave it up, because their foreign advisors told them so. And they told them not to do so because they know that referendum means opening new conflicts.”<br>Can you comment on observations that there are two wings within Socialist People’s Party? Do you think that your position within Socialist People’s party has been shaken?<br>“It is an utter nonsense. The relations in Socialist People’s party’s leadership are good…”<br>How much are the speculations that your Vice President Predrag Bulatovic approached Milo Dukanovic true?<br>“That is also nonsense.”<br>The latest incident at Podgorica Airport indicates a bloody outcome of crisis in FRY. Can you comment on it?<br> “The facts are undeniable.” Bulatovic has argued that Montenegrin leadership is accountable for the fluctuations in the relations between Serbia and Montenegro. ”This is done by the Government of Montenegro, naively and terribly stupidly hoping that in the case of a conflict, they will protect their interests because NATO will help them. But in the case of conflict, only Montenegro would be damaged.”<br>Can war break out n Montenegro according to you?<br>This depends upon those that do not respect law”<br>At the party’s meeting in Niksic, you have warned NATO that they would be resisted here.<br>Bulatovic has said that those in Montenegro who believe that NATO is better ally from their neighbors and friends are wrong. “NATO bombs are not so smart to differentiate between those who are for Milo and Momir”, said Bulatoivc.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem944911815,83940,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Supreme Allied Commander in Europe General Wesley Clark comments on latest tensions between Belgrade and Podgorica</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/clarck.jpg" align=left>The incident with Yugoslav Army, at the Podgorica airport occasioned USA Government expressing support of Montenegrin reformist Government once again. <br>“We are supportive of political and economic reforms implemented in Montenegro, hoping that Montenegro could serve as a model and incentive for reforms in the remaining part of Yugoslavia”, said James Dobins , USA President and Secretary of State for the Balkans.<br>This political support given by USA Administration has been backed by General Wesley Clark’s message, Supreme Allied Commander in Europe. Regarding temporary blockade of Podgorica Airport, he has confirmed that NATO’s Command has ready plans in case that Milosevic’s regime attempts to forcefully stand in the way of reformist processes in Montenegro and jeopardize legally elected President Djukanovic’s government.<br>“We are familiar with Milosevic’s threats and intimidation from Serbia…” , said Wesley Clark at the press.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem944826448,48711,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>USA concerned for the situation in Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/albright.jpg" align=left>American State Secretary Madeline Albright has said that the USA is concerned because of Belgrade 's attitude towards Montenegro.<br>"We are worried about what is going on in Montenegro", said Albright at the press conference after the talks with the Egyptian President Mubarak. <br>"We supported Montenegro in its economic and democratic reforms, and we hold that it should serve as a model for future Yugoslavia. We watch the situation very closely, and when I go back to the USA I will commit myself to this case", said Albright.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem944826274,92705,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Fight broke out in Montenegrin Parliament</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/skupstina.jpg" align=right>Political leader of Liberal Alliance of Montenegro, Miodrag Zivkovic by the end of yesterday’s session of the parliament hit vise president of the parliament Predrag Popovic in the chest.<br>Zivkovic did it after vise president of the parliament, as the Chairman of the session turned off Zivkovic’s microphone preventing him to speak further, because Zivkovic said “thieves” which word is forbidden by parliamentary regulations. <br>Other MPs and security prevented further conflict. <br>On their way of the of the parliament building, Liberal Alliance MPs Zivkovic and Perovic encountered with vise president of the parliament Predrag Popovic who referred Perovic by insulting him. This led to another fight, which was prevented ones again.<br>Yesterday’s session of the parliament was marked with the debate on elections legislation respectively proposed by the Liberal Alliance and Socialist Party of Serbia. It was agreed that Committee should be formed by the end of February composed of all the parliamentary parties which would work on the amendments of existing elections legislation.<img src=""></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem944741258,79973,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Confrontation between Police and Army at Podgorica Airport </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/g4.jpg" align=right>At the order of the Federal Flight Control, Podgorica Airport was closed down for traffic last night. This Belgrade’s decision followed the confrontation between Army and Police, which took place in Podgorica Airport. <br>Air force Commander in Podgorica, threatening with armed soldiers, tried to prevent the construction of the civil airport station for helicopters and planes which arein ownership of the Government of the Republic of Montenegro. The Commander wanted to prevent the construction of the station because, according to them, Podgorica Airport authorities did not have the necessary licenses for the construction of the station, which are issued by the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Defense. With armed soldiers on the one side and armed police officers on the other, the negotiations started. <br>Montenegrin Minister for Transportation Jusuf Kalamperovic said last night around 9 p.m. that tensions calmed down and that he hoped that the agreement with military authorities would be reached.<br>The Director of the Podgorica Airport has expressed his expectations that traffic will be normalized as of today. <br>As to Podgorica Air force Commander, he demonstrated power in the eve of transfer of ownership of the airports in Podgorica, Tivat and Berane into the ownership of the state of Montenegro. Appointment of the management of the public company Montenegro Airports is on the agenda of today’s meeting of the government. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem944652708,12560,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Inflation is unavoidable</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">"Exchange rate, as well as prices will have to go up", this is what Prof Dr Ljubomir Madzar has said for “Pobjeda”, commenting printing of money in Topcider.<br>The national product has gone down by one third, which is drastic. On the other hand, the amount of money has been enlarged from 10 billion, by the end of 1998, to 16 billion, at this moment. Offer has drastically gone down, whilst there is an increase of factors which enlarge demand. Combination of the two makes great inflation pressure that even the best structured economic policies cannot resist.It is possible to resist it for some time, through some administration mechanisms. However, once the mechanisms become ineffective, the inflation will be even worse. <br>Madzar has criticized the situation on the black foreign currency market in Montenegro, and arresting of dealers. He has said that we need the policy of market exchange rate, the kind of policy where dealers will have nothing to do, where everybody who has dinars could buy unlimited amount of Deutsche Marks, or dinars for Deutsche Marks.<br>He has also said that there are some risks of duel currency system, reminding that Montenegro has a drastic deficit in foreign trade, and there is no surplus backing in DM needed for the functioning of dual currency system. He has predicted problems in long term, since he is convinced that Montenegro will not manage to adjust its foreign trade, and if it happens that dinars are withdrawn from the circulation, he has said he does not know how Montenegro will enlarge the supply of Deutsche Marks, which is necessary for economic development.<br>"Interruption of financial transactions with Serbia is not in anyone’s interest but can only damage both Republics, in particular Montenegro. I believe that Montenegrin authorities expected similar reactions from Serbia, otherwise they would have been terribly naive", said professor Madzar. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem944652672,16168,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Currency exchange which was carried out in the street slowly moves into banks</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Montenegro Bank is still the only bank in Podgorica which purchases foreign currency. In this bank the citizens can sell 1DM for 20,50 dinars. The formal sales exchange rate is 22 dinars but is not applied yet because the bank does not sell foreign currency yet. In Niksic bank, in the town of Niksic, the citizens can both sell and buy foreign currency. Yesterday’s exchange rate was 20,20 dinars and 21,20 dinars for 1DM. At the town square in Niksic there are not more dealers.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem944652638,75011,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegrin Delegation to participate in the Stability Pact Conference in Bari</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Montenegrin Delegation will participate in the work of the Conference on security for the countries of the Adriatic region . “Vijesti” unofficially finds out that an agreement on the cooperation between Montenegrin and Italian Police Force in their struggle against organized crime will be signed. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem944570892,93291,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>EU’s meeting in Berlin with Serbian opposition and Montenegrin authorities</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/euro.jpg" align=right>EU foreign ministers decided yesterday in Brussels to intensify the dialogue with democratic forces of Serbia and Montenegro. The representatives of leading Serbian opposition parties and coalitions as well as Montenegrin democratic authorities are invited to Berlin where there will be the first trilateral meeting on December 17 at ministerial level. At that meeting all 15 ministers of foreign affairs should be participating at the meeting with the leaders of Serbian opposition and Montenegrin authorities. <br>In the conclusions from yesterday’s meeting of the Council of Europe in Brussels, it was specified that the cooperation with Serbian opposition and Montenegrin authorities should be focused on three things: immediate assistance to the opposition; support of democratization of FRY; and planning post-Milosevic era. <br>Council of Ministers have condemned the activities of Belgrade regime to frustrate the first oil delivery to Nis and Pirot. <br>A decision regarding financial assistance to Montenegro in order to stabilize its dual currency system will be made after the completion of on-going talks of experts between Brussels and Podgorica and following European Commission’s presentation of their assessment of economic and financial assistance to Montenegro.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem944483057,83046,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Member of Group 17 Nebojsa Medojevic comments on dual currency system</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=0 src="images/bijelop.jpg" align=right>Bijelo Polje, December 6 (Montena-fax)- A member of group of economists, G-17, Nebojsa Medojevic has said that implementation of dual currency has not so far secured any of the planned goals, and that monetary sovereignty can be achieved only through monetary independence. “Although a decision of the Government of the Republic of Montenegro regarding the introduction of dual currency was aimed at introducing monetary sovereignty, safeguarding the living standards of its citizens , creating a stable macro-economic setting , attracting foreign investments, as well as preventing gray economy, on the basis of the experience with dual currency so far, none of the planned goals will be achieved”, said Medojevic for Bijelo Polje local magazine.<br>Saying that “Montenegrin economy is about to go bankrupt” and that stable macroeconomic setting is difficult to achieve, Medojevic has said that it is difficult to imagine even for the greatest optimists that there will be any foreign investment at all as long as Montenegro is in common state with Serbia.<br><br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem944482960,29040,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro Bank pays 18 dinars and a half for 1DM</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Bijelo Polje, December 6 (Montena-fax) – In the branch office in Bijelo Polje , a decision of the Government of the Republic of Montenegro regarding currency exchange is carried out, therefore 1DM is 18.50/19 dinars.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem944324838,37157,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Round table with the motto “Montenegro in political and ethnic setting of the South-East Europe”</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/budva.jpg" align=right>Milo Djukanovic, President of Montenegro has pointed out at the inauguration of the Conference on ethnic relations in the Balkans which is held in Budva, that Montenegrin’s policy starting point is cooperation, in the first place with its neighbors. He has further argued that the fact that Montenegro is the host of the Conference can prove that Montenegrin multiethnic harmony is recognizable and respected. <br>President Djukanovic and American organization Project of Ethnic Relations (PER) organize round table with the motto “Montenegro in political and ethnic setting of the South-East Europe”. Representatives of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Italy, Israel, Hungary, Romania and USA will be taking part in its work. <br>Djukanovic has said that Montenegrin multiethnic harmony has been shown at the latest parliamentary elections when Muslims and Albanians in Montenegro voted for the concept of civil and democratic state rather than for their national parties’ programs and fact that there are 70 thousand people from the territory of former Yugoslavia. <br>Djukanovic has argued that one of major tasks in the Balkans is to safeguard multiethnic setting in Kosovo because “all those that are committed to great nationalistic project can see the price that Serbian people had to pay because of such a program of their regime.”<br>He has also added that making things in Kosovo stable is of key importance for the entire region, because unless ethnic cleansing of non-Albanian population is stopped this might threaten not merely the development of democracy in FRY but for the stability of the Balkans and the implementation of Dayton Agreement. <br>He has pointed out that “a decade long bloody anti-civilization disintegration of FRY left Montenegrin-Serbian issue unresolved”.<br>“This is the confrontation between to national policies. Montenegrin national concept which is democratic, open for integrations , turned towards future and on the other hand Milosevic’s autarchic, dictatorship-like and isolating policy which subordinates people’s and state’s interests to his staying in power. This is why we have offered a platform on new relations within the federation, but Belgrade has not shown yet readiness to absorb democratization process.”<br>Alan Kaso, President of PER has pointed out in his introductory speech that “the purpose of the Conference in Budva is facilitates dialogue among ethnic leaders in the Balkans which was proposed by President Djukanovic a year ago”.<br>“ The key issue is if the people from the Balkans can take their destiny into their hands and if ten years after the fall of the Berlin wall this paert of Europe can integrate too. Part of the answer to this question wil depend upon the developments in Montenegro in the forthcoming period”.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem944132945,6588,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>There is no alternative to democratization processes in Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/miloprst.jpg" align=left>In President Djukanovic’s introductory speech at a public debate held in Danilovgrad yesterday, Djukanovic mainly discussed the issue of Platform for redefining relations within the federation. Since the Cultural Center was crowded and there was no space for everyone, several hundred people were attending the public debate outside over the video screen.<br>Djukanovic has said that commitment of Montenegrins to live in Yugoslavia has been taken advantage of many a time so far by Serbian authorities. Federal constitution, Montenegrin equality and the will of Montenegrin citizens expressed at latest elections have been violated. This led to Platform on the basis of which an effort has been made, according to Djukanovic, to redefine relations between Serbia and Montenegro. Djukanovic has argued that this step was undertaken in order to prevent spontaneous disintegration of Yugoslavia. This was done as the last means of finding the way to prevent the destruction of the third Yugoslavia, said Djukanovic pointing out that he thinks that it is needless to make any mention of all the acts which were undertaken by Belgrade regime for the past seven or eight years, and which were aimed at doing away with the federal institutions including Yugoslav Army, customs, overall federal judiciary. Therefore, Djukanovic has continued, Montenegrin leadership decided that a Platform should be designed and express the way that Montenegrin authorities can perceive the future common state. The platform’s main starting point is a greater degree of autonomy in both member states for the purpose of upgrading the functioning of both the republics and the common state in general. At the same time the Platform outlines redefinition of economic, political and security system and how to make it compatible with modern European systems, said president Djukanovic. He has reminded that it has been almost four months now since Montenegrin initiative has been forwarded to Belgrade authorities without their having responded to it yet. Belgrade authorities have not expressed any anxiety whatsoever for the future of Yugoslav federation. Instead of the Government of Serbia having responded to the platform, a month ago there was an inappropriate response to the platform and a dialogue was offered but between the parties. It is clear that this is another typical manipulation of Milosevic aimed at gaining time and discouraging the platform said Djukanovic. Unfortunately, Djukanovic has argued, there has not been any other serious answers to Montenegrin initiative up to now which can imply an optimistic outcome of this project. As a matter of fact everything that has happened in the meantime was against the platform, such as economic blockades in trade and financial transactions and other warnings and threats by allegedly responsible actors of Serbian regime. Djukanovic had in mind Milosevic’s coalition partners in the first place. He has reminded that in the meantime, while waiting for reply, the Belgrade regime attempted to undermine Montenegrin leadership. <br>The last attempt is irresponsible printing of money and production of hyper inflation which would have been concentrated in Montenegro, and which would have, to a great extent, affected the living standards which would have been supported by Belgrade’s media propaganda and destabilized democratic authorities in Montenegro. Similar scenarios were performed before. Therefore, Montenegro has resorted to undertaking the control of the monetary policy which followed undertaking authorities of more or less all other federal functions such as customs, foreign trade, as well as other functions. Monetary authority in Yugoslav Central Bank was carried out without any participation of the representatives of Montenegrin authorities. Therefore, Montenegrin Government did what it had to do, introduced its double currency system in Montenegro. He has pointed out that DM was in function prior to this measure, though illegally and that this has been legalized now. <br>Speaking of democratization processes in Montenegro, President Djukanovic has pointed out that a great deal has been done in democratization of Montenegro. What is important is that the international community has recognized this, said Djukanovic. <br>At the end Djukanovic has said that the democratization has started in Montenegro and that there is no turning back.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem944046193,51919,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Serbian paramilitary troops on alert in Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/tigar.jpg" align=right>Experienced members of Serbian paramilitary troops are gathering in Montenegro, preparing for a de-stabilizing campaign, to be launched when the relations between the small pro-western republic and the Belgrade government deteriorate, according to the London Daily Telegraph. The Telegraph correspondent states that “many of them are veterans from Bosnia and Kosovo where they instigated conflicts and implemented ethnic cleansing following orders from Slobodan Milosevic” and that their infiltration is “worrying the West, which is concerned that they will be let off the chains to instigate unrest if Montenegro starts implementing the planned referendum on independence”.. Quoting the Humanitarian Rights Fund, the Daily Telegraph, states that among those infiltrating Montenegro are members of “notorious paramilitary groups such as Arkan’s Tigers, Frankies, and members of the Lightening group”.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem944046135,63536,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Seselj, once again warns of possible civil war in Montenegro </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/seselj.jpg" align=left>The Deputy President of Serbia, Vojislav Seselj stated that “an attempt at Montenegro seceding would lead to a civil war in Montenegro itself”, and assessed that the Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic is aware of this and which “the main reason for his hesitance”. In an interview with Kragujevac TV he said that “the FRY Constitution does not acknowledge the possibility of secession of either of the federal units, which means that secession cannot be a legal act”. Seselj, who is also the Leader of the Serbian Radical Party, added that the USA is currently against Montenegrin independence because they believe it will “be easier to overthrow the regime in Belgrade” if Montenegro stays part of FRY. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem943621998,29986,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro in political seting of the Europe</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/budva.jpg" align=left>Budva , November 26 (Montena-fax) – Budva will be the host of the international round table on the subject of “Montenegro in its political and ethnic setting of the South East Europe “ organized by the non-governmental organization from the USA “The Project for ethnic relations”, with the main ofice in Prinstone.<br>The gathering will be attended by senior officials from Montenegro, Italy, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Macedonia, Croatia, Bosnia and Republika Srpska as well as the representatives of the The Project for Ethnic Relations.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem943621899,86223,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Obod ready for production</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Podgorica, November 26 (Montena-fax) – The circumstances have been secured for the electrical appliances company to start working early December, said Vojin Djukanovic, Minister of Economy in the Government of the Republic of Montenegro. The Government has secured the import of the raw material, secured money for supplemental purchase of employment service for 64 people, secured money for 24 wages for 281 workers surplus as well as money for wages for the month of September. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem943533418,75679,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegrin Parliamentary Spokesman addresses inter-parliamentary forum as part of debate on Balkans</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/sveto.jpg" align=left>The inter-parliamentary forum "The Balkans - from stability to reconstruction", which was organized by the French parliament has brought together parliamentarians from EU countries and Central European states that are candidates for EU membership as well as politicians from Balkan countries. <br>Parliamentary spokesman, Svetozar Marovic, used his eight minute address to emphasize the Montenegro's views which were similar to those of the French parliamentary spokesman and Foreign Affairs Minister. "Montenegro is multi-ethnic. Our aim is to strengthen the democratic institutions, reform the economy and to go down the path of European integration. We need understanding, support and assistance from the international community on this road of political stabilization which we see as Montenegro's contribution in the hope that a stable economic renewal of the whole of Balkans will start", said Marovic. <br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem943445473,77300,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegrin security forces can protect both its people and state</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/novak.jpg" align=left>Under Montenegrin laws and the Constitution, Montenegrin authorities should differentiate between the Yugoslav Army on the one hand and paramilitary units on the other regardless of the fact that they share the same Commander, as well as to secure the protection from those paramilitary forces. This is what Prof. Dr. Novak Kilibarda, the Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro stressed, when asked to comment on the statement of the former Commander-in-Chief of the Yugoslav Army, Momcilo Perisic regarding the formation of the paramilitary units within the Yugoslav Army whose main guidelines are based on Momir Bulatovic party’s ideological postulates and which are to initiate the confrontation with Montenegrin Police Force . <br>When asked, ten days ago, what he knew about the paramilitary units in Montenegro, Kilibarda has said that he did not have any data whatsoever regarding their presence in Montenegro but that his common sense tells him that the units are deployed in Montenegro. From the experience of former Yugoslavia republics, which Milosevic wanted to forcefully keep under his control with his paramilitary forces, it is easy tell that he is doing the same thing with Montenegro, said Kilibarda<br>Kilibrda has said that Momcilo Perisic, former Yugoslav Army Commander-in-Chief’s statement regarding the formation of paramilitary forces did not take him by surprise, but, on the contrary, confirmed his suspicions. Now, the question is what to do with the paramilitary units. Kilibarda has argued that we should not equalize the paramilitary units with those of Yugoslav Army, because we should trust, in particular, young officers and Serbs that they will neither gladly nor easily shoot at Montenegrins. We should keep an eye on the paramilitary units, said Kilibarda, but one must not forget that readiness of the citizens not to wage civil war is the main preventive measure against paramilitary units.<br>One should also stress that the security forces in charge of citizens and country’s safety are significant and that they would have both the power and the skill to protect both people and the state from the paramilitary legions which disseminated death and criminal wherever they were. Of course, we should cooperate with Yugoslav Army in order to stand in the way of paramilitary formations which are not envisaged by law , said Prof. Dr. Novak Klibarda. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem943445312,68236,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>A paramilitary force has been formed under the auspices of Momir Bulatovic</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">President of the Movement for Democratic Serbia and former Commander-in-Chief of the Yugoslav Army, Momcilo Perisic has said that the Yugoslav Army would not intervene in Montenegro on behalf of Serbian regime, but that a paramilitary unit which has been established within the Yugoslav Army might do so.<br>The Army is trained not to be against its own people, said Perisic. He has argued that to use the Army in order to prevent Montenegro to separate from the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia would be illegal. <br>Under the auspices of Momir Bulatovic a paramilitary force within Yugoslav Army has been formed. SNP’s (Socialist People’s Party, pro-Milosevic party) ideological concepts are the main guidelines for this paramilitary unit whose purpose is to initiate the confrontation between the Yugoslav Army and Montenegrin Police Force. It is paradoxical that the strongest supporters of the separation of Montenegro from the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia are exactly Montenegrins from the Federal Government, said Perisic for “Blic”.<br>“Forming paramilitary forces is the greatest evil of all for the outbreak of internal hostilities and fighting”, said Perisic.<br></font><br></p> <a name="newsitem943357477,55520,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Cooperation between Montenegro and Serbia within Yugoslavia still stands a chance</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/miloint.jpg" align=left>"My program is positive: I would like us to develop democracy. If Mr. Milosevic prevents Montenegro in achieving this, I think he will have to leave the political scene", said Milo Djukanovic, the President of Montenegro, in his interview for the Munich ZIE DEUTSCHE ZEITUNG.<br>Answering the question if he would extradite Milosevic to The Hague Tribunal, Djukanovic said:"Milosevic has a moral obligation to his people to go to The Hague voluntarily. The crimes were not committed by Serbian people, but by certain persons, that is, certain persons ordered them and, therefore, Milosevic has to go to the Hague, stressed Djukanovic and added that Milosevic, in the event that he did not go voluntarily, must be extradited.<br>The President of Montenegro believes that the cooperation between Montenegro and Serbia within Yugoslavia still stands a chance. Djukanovic has said that he thinks that the common state of Montenegro and Serbia could go on, if it were a democratic society, with market economy and policy which is based on integration into Euro-Atlantic structures.<br>The President Djukanovic thinks that one has to be patient when it comes to communication with Belgrade, because Montenegro is divided between those that are Europe orientated and the followers of Milosevic. "We do not want these two groups to turn against each other, said Djukanovic adding that the International community is supportive of the common state. “However, this does not mean that referendum on independence will not be held, said Djukanovic." Montenegro will not sacrifice its future in order to remain within the common state which is without any perspectives".<br>Djuknovic has finally said that he expects Montenegro to be supported in the event that Milosevic attacks it, adding that there are many reasons for the international community to take preventive measures in order to prevent its Balkans policy from failing once again.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem943273053,56991,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Serbian orthodox church priest physically attacks Montenegrin metropolitan</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/mixma.gif" align=left>The Serbian Orthodox Church priest Dragan Stanisic physically attacked the Head of Montenegrin Church Mihailo yesterday around 9:30 a.m.<br>Stanisic has tried to prevent Montenegrin clergy to come to the Cevo Church and physically attacked the Head of the Montenegrin Church.<br>“The priest Stanisic has waited for us there, said one of the priests from the Montenegrin Church. He knew that we would come since the residents of Cevo (20 km away from Cetinje) invited us to serve the Sunday liturgy in their church. Stanisic was standing in front of his car with which he blocked the road not permitting us to proceed towards the church. Our Metropolitan has advised him to give up the whole thing telling him that all the residents are with Montenegrin church when Stanisic physically attacked him and hit him with his fist. It all took a minute. The police acted duly and circled him because two police officers and two senior inspectors had already been in Cevo, said the priest”<br>In the meantime, as the priest has said, that the Metropolitan Mihailo appealed to the residents to calm down and be reasonable saying that Stanisic is just following Serbian Orthodox Church Head Amfilohije’s orders. <br>Afterwards Stanisic went to our car and stoned it, breaking the windows. The police officers have observed it from the distance of ten meters and carried out the investigation twenty minutes later, said the Montenegrin Church priest. <br>After the incident, Metropolitan Mihailo and his clergy served their liturgy in the local church in Cevo.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem943272999,22277,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The meeting on FRY started in Strasbourg</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Sixty representatives of the so called non-governmental organizations and media from Serbia and Montenegro, as well as the representatives of Montenegrin authorities have initiated yesterday under the auspices of the European Council in Strasbourg a two day discussion on the roads that can take the isolated Yugoslav community back to Europe. <br>The intention of the organizers of the meeting, the East-West Institute and the European Council, to have a discussion in which Montenegrin and Serbian activists will participate and present the differences in opinion within Yugoslavia to the representatives of the European institutions proved to be reasonable. As early as after the first part of the meeting, it became clear that that Montenegrin and Serbian participants of the second forum within the “Bratislava Process” which was initiated in July this year have utterly different perceptions of future actions and developments.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem943012690,31911,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Momir Bulatovic would support the violence inflicted on Montenegro </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/momo.jpg" align=left>The Vice President of the Democratic Party of Socialists of Montenegro, Milica Pejanovic Djurisic has accused the so called Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the President of SNP(pro-Milosevic, Socialist People’s Party) Momir Bulatovic that he would even support the violence inflicted on Montenegro.<br>“I do not think that the whole SNP would be supportive of any Milosevic’s request, in particular, the most radical one which means causing conflicts and violence in Montenegro. I think that one part of SNP leadership would not be following Milosevic in any request of his, however Momir Bulatovic would support any Milosevi’s request, said Milica Pejanovic Djurisic in her statement given for the latest issue of the weekly “Nin”.<br>She has said that Momir Bulatovic would realize any of Milosevic’s (President of FRY) scenarios, no matter how radical they are. <br>“He (Bulatovic) will support Milosevic in order to get hold of power in Montenegro , he needs the power in order to get back to the citizens and his political opponents in Montenegro”, said Vice President of the Democratic Party of Socialists of Montenegro, Milica Pejanovic Djurisic.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem943012305,3961,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>"Europe convinces us that it is better if we remain in FRY, but it is not doing enough to economically stimulate such public opinion"</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/osce.gif" align=right>The Montenegrin President, Milo Djukanovic, attended the OSCE Summit in Istanbul as a guest of the Czech President Vaclav Havel, where he had a series of meetings with high level European and international officials.<br>Responding to the question of the Vijesti correspondent on how the representatives of the international community view the fact that public opinion in Montenegro is moving in the direction of supporting independence, in the context of the repeated views of the international community that it is committed to securing the future of FRY, Djukanovic said: "I repeated, what I have, on a number of occasions told the Montenegrin public. Public opinion in Montenegro is moving in the direction of supporting independence. And this is not a question of an awakened belated national romanticism, but rather in seeking a better future, independence is seen as the solution. The European Union convinces us that it is better if we stay in FRY, but it is not doing enough to, through economic support, stimulate such a view amongst Montenegrin citizens". </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem942921437,27770,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Madeline Albright and Djukanovic to make peace between Djindjic and Draskovic?</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/mix1.jpg" align=left>Will a reconciliation meeting between Draskovic and Djindjic take place organized by Madeline Albright with the assistance of Milo Djukanovic? <br>According to the statement of the State Department Spokesman James Rubin, the USA are "expecting" that Vuk Draskovic will be attending the OSCE Summit and are "counting on" a meeting between Draskovic and high level US State officials. A source from the US Administration has stated unofficially that this could be Madeline Albright her self, in a joint meeting with Djukanovic, Djindjic and Draskovic. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem942921406,42931,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Intense lobbying needed in order to get to an independent Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">"The position of the State Department is clear on the issue of an independent Montenegro. The American Administration is, at present, not ready to support the idea of an independent Montenegro. They refer to this as to a need to stop with further disintegration of the Balkans", said Deputy President Dr. Dragisa Burzan who is currently in an official visit in Washington. "In talks I had on Tuesday with the Special Envoy of the American president James Dobins, I clearly and directly expressed my disagreement with this position", added Burzan. <br>Commenting on the many meetings he had with US officials, Burzan has assessed that "a swift change in the position of the American Administration on the issue of Montenegrin independence is not going to take place". <br>"I have to add, that only through persistent representation of Montenegro's rights and persistent lobbying not only in Washington but in other key world capitals, can we reach a solution which is beneficial for us. I believe the only real solution is an independent Montenegro", concluded Burzan.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem942839096,21554,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Havel invites Djukanovic, Djindjic and Draskovic as special guests to OSCE Summit</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/osce.gif" align=left>Czech President Vaclav Havel has invited President Djukanovic, and the Serbian opposition leaders, Djindjic and Draskovic to participate in the forthcoming OSCE Summit in Istanbul as part of the Czech delegation. According to Havel's spokesman Ladislav Spacek, this would mean that Yugoslavia, which was expelled from OSCE, would once again have representatives on the Summit of this pan-European organization. Havel's proposal is still being considered, even though the Summit is to start on Thursday.<br>The FRY Government has protested to OSCE for not being invited to the Summit, according to Serbian state television. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem942839024,91423,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Our aim is to be helpful</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/karl.jpg" align=left> Carl Bildt has commented for “Pobjeda” the results of his two day visit to Montenegro. He has said that on this occasion he was enabled to visit different parts of Montenegro and to familiarize with the activities that were undertaken here such as humanitarian, political and monetary. He has argued that his visit was a successful one and constructive, adding that he will inform of it in a few days the Secretary General. During Bildt’s visit to Kotor he has discussed with his host the issue of Prevalka peninsula and the idea to establish a children’s village entertainment center there, which would according to those instigating the initiative do away with threatening with weapons. Bildt has commented that he was not familiar with that idea, but he was glad to hear about it and said that it was good that the issue of the borderline between Montenegro and Croatia is discussed elsewhere apart from Belgrade and Zagreb.<br>He has pointed out that the program should be forwarded to the Untied Nations and promised that he will inform UN of the idea of Children’s village entertainment centre and discuss it with Croatian authorities as well. Asked to comment the position of Montenegro in the Balkans, Bildt has said that Montenegro is the first sign of democratization in the area, not only in the area of former Yugoslavia but in the Balkans. It is a bright spot and Bildt has said that he wished there were more like it, in particular among former Yugoslavia.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem942838949,58281,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>SNP: The western democracies are not supportive of independent Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Pljevalja, November 17 (Montena-fax)-Vice President of SNP (Socialist People’s Party, pro-Milosevic) has said in Pljevlja that the West is not supportive of independent Montenegro and accused the present Montenegrin authorities that they will accept any form of state system just to keep the power.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem942751249,59313,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>UN Envoy for Balkans visits Montenegro: Port of Bar has to wait until spring</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/karl.jpg" align=left>In his two-day visit to Montenegro Carl Bildt, Special UN Envoy for the Balkans, met with representatives of international humanitarian organizations to discuss humanitarian issues in the region and with President Djukanovic and Prime Minister Vujanovic as well as Foreign Minister Perovic to discuss the wider issues of stability. <br>In an interview with Vijesti Carl Bildt talked about the potential use of the Port of Bar. "The Port of Bar is an very important infrastructural facility, not only for Montenegro, but the whole region. The future of the Port of Bar is tightly linked to the future of the region, because it enables economists a direct link with the rest of the world. At the moment a smaller proportion of the capacities of the Port are utilized. The World Food Program and the UN use the Port of Bar". Responding to the question of whether KFOR has interests in utilizing the Port's facilities, Bildt raised the issue of the approaching winter and the potential difficulty in transporting goods through northern Montenegro. "KFOR is an international unit with a separate structure for the provision of services and separate decision making structure. For now all their goods arrive via the Thessaloniki port and through Macedonia. Difficulties do arise on the Macedonia - Kosovo border and there are very long delays. ... The problem is the approaching winter during which travelling from Montenegro to Kosovo is difficult which means we are compelled to wait until the spring for the possible use of the Port of Bar", concluded Built. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem942750997,84538,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Military courts can bring charges to imprison them, but civil courts will set them free</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">"The Amnesty Act adopted by Parliament last Friday is fully applicable in practice. The military police does not have the authority to, if the military courts charge a citizen with a prison sentence for avoiding military drafting, arrest and take this citizen to prison. When the military court brings charges against a citizen, it is the civil courts who are responsible for ensuring the charges are carried out, and during these procedures it will be established that the Amnesty Act applies to a particular case", said Vladan Djuranovic, Secretary of the Ministry of Justice. <br>This Act envisages the collective freeing from charges brought between 1st and 30th June of this year against youngsters who failed to respond to military drafting and who were sentenced to imprisonment for refusing to participate in the war in Kosovo. <br>The military police, according to Djuranovic, does not have the right to arrest those charged, after the charges are issued. Djuranovic adds that Montenegro has no military jails.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem942750971,41643,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>World leaders for stability to meet in southern Europe</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/osce.gif" align=left>At the next Summit of OSCE countries which is to be held on 18th and 19th November in Istanbul, the presidents of the USA and Russia, Bill Clinton and Boris Yeltsin will participate. <br>A Montenegrin delegation headed by President Milo Djukanovic will also be attending. <br>The main theme on the forthcoming summit, according to the words of President Clinton will be eliminating instability in Southeast Europe. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem942669147,54400,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Bankers will also have to respect the rules of the game: Ljubisa Krgovic, member of the Monetary Council talks about the first ten days of the dual currency system and responds to criticisms </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Exerts from an interview with Ljubisa Krgovic<br>Has the problem of the trade deficit been resolved with the decision of the American Congress to provide assistance in the value o f 40 million dollars?<br>With this assistance and with other assistance, which has been pledged, we could function as normal. There is a 20% deficit in the balance of accounts of the budget. Last year we achieved a balanced budget, but this year it will not be possible because of the war. <br>What is the view of the Monetary Council on the fact that a rise in prices has taken place after the introduction of the dual currency system?<br>The rise in prices, are above all a question for the ministries and the Government. The Government is already taking moves to protect the most deprived sections of the community. Nevertheless, I think the rise in prices happened in particular instances, and that it is not taking place on a massive scale. In any case it is necessary to look into this carefully and respond where necessary. <br>How does the Monetary Council respond to criticisms coming from businessmen and bankers according to which some decisions linked to the exchange rate are not in the interests of Montenegro?<br>I think it is a question of a lack of understanding of the place and role of the Monetary Council, and the new established mechanism. A fluctuating exchange rate assumes that it is not determined by anyone, not even the Monetary Council. The exchange rate is determined on the basis of the market flows. We only carry out such changes. <br>Are there practical explanations behind these criticisms?<br>For a longer period of time commercial banks in Montenegro have had no monetary authority above them because of the relationship with the Federal Government. <br>Can Montenegro endure the possible losses caused by Belgrade's suspension of financial transactions from Montenegro to Serbia, whilst through the same channels dinars are coming from Serbia into Montenegro?<br>For now this mechanism is under control and we are not expecting harmful consequences. <br>Announcements in Serbia have been made that payment of the already delayed salaries and pensions will be made, which smells like the printing of money with no backing. Payments to Montenegrin reservists have started and the military is to receive salaries. Will this influx of dinars cause disturbances and how will Montenegro protect itself. <br>Having a realistic exchange rate is the only effective protective mechanism from an uncontrolled amount of dinars in circulation. We have no ambitions to, nor can we influence how the exchange rate will respond and the market will determine this. If these amounts [payments in dinars] are significant they will lead to an increase in the dinar supply which will definitely lead to a change in the exchange rate.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem942404536,91698,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Fresh support from the European Union</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/brisel.jpg" align=left>A Montenegrin government delegation including Branko Perovic, Foreign Affairs Minister, Miroslav Ivanisevic, Finance Minister, Dimitrije Vesovic and Ljubisa Krgovic, members of the Monetary Council received fresh support from the EU for monetary and other reform projects, according to the Brussels SENSE agency. <br>Minister Perovic has announced that a high-level EU delegation will be visiting Podgorica early next week, which is yet another sign of political support to Montenegro.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem942404493,96193,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The Monetary Council prepares normative regulations </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Monetary Council of the Montenegrin National Bank met late last night to analyze the implementation of the dual currency system and to find resolutions to some of the problems which have arisen after Serbia's suspension of financial transactions from Montenegro. <br>The Monetary Council is preparing a number of decrees which will regulate all key questions related to the introduction of the DM as legal tender.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem942404478,2914,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The Croatian Consulate to open in Kotor </b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Croatian Foreign Affairs Minister, Mate Granic, announced that a Croatian Consulate would open in Kotor in the first week of December. The main candidate for this position is former mayor of Dubrovnik and the Croatian Consul in New York, Pero Poljanic.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem942320564,30007,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>USA warns Milosevic not to jeopardize Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/pentagon.gif" align=left>Last week, at a joint press conference with Milo Djukanovic, at the State Department, Madeline Albright has sent a very clear message to Milosevic that the USA are “extremely interested” in maintaining the peace in the Balkans region, in particular stressing the safety of Montenegro.<br>However, Djukanovic’s departure from Washington did not mean that public discussion on this topic ended. At last night press conference a question was posed whether, the head Commander of NAP, General Klark is charged with planning the defense of Montenegro in case Milosevic’s forces attempted to overthrow President Djukanovic and his Government in Podgorica. Answering this question, the Pentagon official has said that they have warned Milosevic not to undertake anything that would undermine Djukanovic’s Government. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem942320513,52529,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Legalization of DM does not necessarily mean separation from FRY</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/miloint.jpg" align=right>President of Montenegro Milo Djukanovic has said that it “is not necessary” for Serbia and Montenegro to separate, but what is necessary is to redefine the relations between the two republics. “No it is not necessary , but the relation have to be redefined”, said Dukanovic to the journalist of Ljubljanja’s “Delo”, answering his question if it is necessary for Montenegro to separate from Serbia. <br>Djukanovic has said that if this Yugoslavia happens to share the destiny of the previous one, Belgrade autocratic regime will be blamed, the regime whose sole goal is to keep the power and nothing else. <br>Djukanovic has said that monetary independence does not necessarily mean the separation of Montenegro from Serbia. Introducing the duel currency system means the protection of Montenegrin monetary system from the monetary policy conducted in Belgrade. He has reiterated that Montenegro does not have its representative in the Yugoslav Central Bank and that the inflation has been increasing. In Belgrade, they have publicly said that they have been printing money without backing. The money supply has increased for the past 3 months by 40%, said Djukanovic.<br>That is why, Djukanovic has said, we decided to renew Montenegrin Central Bank, in order to safeguard our living standard and reforms.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem942236148,80721,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Army’s requests should not be accepted as long as Djukanovic does not have his say in the Supreme Military Council</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="images/novak.jpg" align=left >As long as Djukanovic is not a member of the Supreme Military Council , all the requests of the Yugoslav Army should not be considered, said yesterday the President of the People’s Party Novak Kilibarda, speaking of the initiative to place the military forces of Montenegro under the control of the civilian authorities.<br>The Amnesty Act will protect people that the charges are brought against by the Yugoslav Army, said Kilibarda, adding that the situation is quite contradictory. He has said the people will be safe far as the civilian authorities are concerned, but the question is if the military authorities will abide by this Act. In this regard, Montenegrin leadership has to undertake certain measures, said Kilibarda at yesterday’s press conference. <br>He has reiterated his party’s initiative to organize the international conference on the subject of returning the refuges back to their homes. Kilibarda has said that the understanding that the democratic world has shown regarding Montenegrin decision to protect its economy by introducing the dual currency system stipulates People’s Party to renew its proposal for Montenegro to organize, within the Stability Pact for the South East Europe, a Conference on the subject of the refugees’ problems. People’s Party holds that such a Conference should pass a Declaration that all refugees should have the right to go back to their home towns, i.e. that all former Yugoslav republics enable the refugees to come back. The UN sanctions should be imposed against the states that would not be following the Declaration’s provisions said Kilibarda. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem942149795,21264,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Yugoslav left party accusing federal government</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="/images/miram.jpg" align=left> The Minister of Health and high official in the Yugoslav Left Party, Leposava Milicevic announced yesterday in Lebane that her party will initiate issuing of the responsibility of the Federal Government.<br>Last Thursday General Ojdanic criticized in Podgorica Momir Bulatovic and his Government. Now this is the second direct message from Dedinje for the Federal Prime Minister meaning that he can be expecting to be overthrown from his position of the Federal Prime Minister.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem942149381,64635,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Vukovic: it was obvious that Bulatovic’s government can not last long</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">President of the Executive Board of the Democratic Party of Socialists of Montenegro, Miodrag Vukovic has said that the announcement to overthrow Bulatovic by the Yugoslav left Party is not unexpected because it was obvious that Bulatovic’s Government can not last long. He has said that this coalition was a compilation of Serbian, allegedly civil, but undeniably nationalistic parties, that explicitly supported unitary Yugoslavia, i.e. Great Serbia.<br>Vukovic has added that one party from Montenegro participated in this Coalition too, the party that obediently served the Coalition for the past two years, the party that manipulated its voters by asserting that they defend Yugoslavia from the Montenegrin separatists.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem942062417,44543,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>Montenegro will defend its own interests</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Excerpts of President Djukanovic's interview with CNN<br><br><img border=1 src="/images/miloint.jpg" align=right> The introduction of a dual currency system:<br><br>We introduced the German Mark as official tender in order to protect the jeopardized living standards of citizens in Montenegro, in order to protect the existing reforms which could be undermined with the hyperinflation instigated in Belgrade and in order to secure the necessary pre-requisites to continue with transparent economic and democratic reforms. We are offering Belgrade the proposed economic reforms as well as proposals for changing the political system in the wish of continuing down this path together. If Belgrade does not wish to take this path, Montenegro will certainly continue down the path of democratic and economic reforms and down the path of integrations into European and Euro-Atlantic structures, on its own.<br><br>The Yugoslav Army and Montenegro:<br><br>We have noticed that, for quite some time now, the Yugoslav Army in Montenegro behaves like the army of a political party or even like the private army of Mr. Milosevic and that Mr. Milosevic is preparing it for the de-stabilization of Montenegro's democratic government. <br><br>The visit of General Ojdanic, who has been indicted for war crimes, to Montenegro:<br><br>The Montenegrin government is clearly committed to cooperating with The Hague Tribunal. <br>... Apart from this commitment, there is another commitment which is not less important and that is the safeguarding of the security situation in Montenegro and contributing to the stability of the region. With respect to concrete responsibilities towards the international tribunal, I think one has to be realistic and one should not overburden Montenegro with responsibilities, which would certainly lead to instability in Montenegro and to the de-stabilization of the region.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem941997395,72408,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>The congress agrees a 40 million dolar for Montenegro</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="http://mnnews.net/images/capitol.jpg" align=left>President Milo Djukanovic met with Laurence Summers, the US Finance Minister, in Washington yesterday, to discuss the use of a 40 million dollar assistance package, agreed by the Congress. We discussed the further implementation of economic reforms especially in the context of changes in monetary policy. I explained that we were compelled to make the moves we made, and that these moves represent a prerequisite for the continuation and development of all-encompassing reforms of which the most important are the changes in the tax and banking systems. It is clear that it is an illusion to talk about economic reform with such an unhealthy currency as is the case presently with the Dinar, said Djukanovic.<br>Djukanovic added that he requested economic, expert and technical assistance for securing stability of economic reform in Montenegro. <br>Minister Summers expressed his full readiness to offer expert support to Montenegro, even from his closest associates, which would be followed with full technical assistance for the implementation of the reform of the tax and banking systems, added Djukanovic. <br>President Djukanovic finished his two-day working visit in Washington, and today he will be meeting informally with representatives of financial institutions and non-government organizations in Washington.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem941897935,31078,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>THE CONGRESS AGREES A 40 MILLION DOLLAR ASSISTANCE PACKAGE FOR MONTENEGRO</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000"><img border=1 src="http://mnnews.net/images/capitol.jpg" align=left>President Milo Djukanovic met with Laurence Summers, the US Finance Minister, in Washington yesterday, to discuss the use of a 40 million dollar assistance package, agreed by the Congress. “We discussed the further implementation of economic reforms especially in the context of changes in monetary policy. I explained that we were compelled to make the moves we made, and that these moves represent a prerequisite for the continuation and development of all-encompassing reforms of which the most important are the changes in the tax and banking systems. It is clear that it is an illusion to talk about economic reform with such an unhealthy currency as is the case presently with the Dinar”, said Djukanovic.<br>Djukanovic added that he requested economic, expert and technical assistance for securing stability of economic reform in Montenegro. <br>“Minister Summers expressed his full readiness to offer expert support to Montenegro, even from his closest associates, which would be followed with full technical assistance for the implementation of the reform of the tax and banking systems”, added Djukanovic. <br>President Djukanovic finished his two-day working visit in Washington, and today he will be meeting informally with representatives of financial institutions and non-government organizations in Washington.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem941897742,73607,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>GENERAL OJDANIC ACCUSES MOMIR AND PAVLE BULATOVIC FOR THE FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES IN THE ARMY</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">The Supreme Commander of the Yugoslav Army, General Dragoljub Ojdanic, accused the Federal Prime Minister, Momir Bulatoivic, Deputy President of the Federal Government Nikola Sainovic and the Federal Minister of Defense Pavle Bulatovic for the financial difficulties in the Army and warned that he will request a rise in salaries for Yugoslav Army officers, directly from FRY’s President Slobodan Milosevic. <br>Ojdanic left for Belgrade by helicopter from the Podgorica airport last night. At the same time Momir and Pavle Bulatovic landed at the airport in the Federal Government’s ‘Falcon’.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem941360083,23000,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>PREMIJER VUJANOVIC OTVORIO POGON TRIKOTAzE</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">PODGORICA, 30. oktobra (Montean-fax) - Predsjednik Vlade Republike Crne Gore Filip Vujanovic, simbolicnim presijecanjem vrpce, pustio je juce u rad pogon trikotaze u mjesnom centru Vladimir, u ulcinjskoj opstini. <br>Rijec je, prakticno, o jedinom privrednom objektu u tom kraju, uglavnom naseljenom pripadnicima albanske nacionalnosti. Zaposljavace oko 150 radnika, a poslovace u sastavu italijanske korporacije "Kiko grup". <br>Prigodnoj svecanosti, pored vise zvanica, republickih i opstinskih funkcionera, prisustvovao je i vlasnik te korporacije Italijan Djuzepe Kiko.</font><br></p> <a name="newsitem941360007,39452,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>POLICIJA BRANI CRKVU OD AMFILOHIJEVIH POPOVA</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">CETINJE, 30. oktobra (Montena-fax) - Pripadnici MUP-a Crne Gore sinoc su sprijecili pokusaj trojice svjestenika Srpske pravoslavne crkve i desetak ucenika Cetinjske bogoslovije, sa kojima su bili i tri civila, da nasilno udju u hram rodjenja Presvete Bogorodice, u selu Djinovici, u cetinjskoj opstini - saznaje agencija Montena-fax.<br>U crkvi u Djinovicima, naime, za danas u 10 sati, Crnogorska pravoslavna crkva zakazala je sluzenje Svete arhijerejske liturgije, pa su pripadnici Srpske pravoslavne crkve namjeravali da nasilno udju i zabarikadiraju se u crkvi, kako bi onemogucili da se danas tamo realizuje vjerska sluzba. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem941359917,99303,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>SVETA ARHIJEREJSKA LITURGIJA NA TRGU KRALJA NIKOLE</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">CETINJE, 30. oktobra (Montena-fax) - Crnogorska pravoslavna crkva najavila je da ce sjutra, u nedjelju, 31. oktobra, na Lucindan -crnogorski Petrovdan - na Trgu kralja Nikole, na Cetinju, prirediti tragicionalni skup vjernika i postovalaca Crnogorske pravoslavne crkve, kojom prilikom ce Mitropolit crnogorski, gospodin Mihailo, sluziti Svetu arhijerejsku liturgiju, zajedno sa episkopima, svjestenstvom i novim svjestenicima - javlja Montena-fax, dodajuci da taj skup pocinje u 10 sati. <br>Za jedan sat ranije, ispred Cetinjskog manastira, najavljen je i plemenski skup Katunjana, jedan od brojnih koji su ovih dana priredjeni pod vidom borbe za odbranu Jugoslavije od crnogorskog separatizma. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem941359813,98174,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>CRNOGORSKI REZIM UZROCNIK RUSENJA MOSTOVA</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">PODGORICA, 30. oktobra (Montean-fax) - Nelegitimni savezni premijer Momir Bulatovic izjavio je da je za rusenje upravo obnovljenog zeljeznickog mosta na rijeci Lim, nedaleko od Prijepolja, kriva vlast u Crnoj Gori. On je, takodje, naglasio da je savezno rukovodstvo sa predsjednikom Slobodanom Milosevicem spremno da zastiti nase drzavne interese od svih mogucih napada i pritisaka.<br>"Crnogorski rezim je uporno sirio neistinu da ce biti napadnut od Vojske Jugoslavije, a ova komunikacija je bila na liniji tog izmisljenog napada", rekao je Bulatovic, prilikom jucerasnjeg svecanog otvaranja mosta u Bistrici, dodajuci da "neke politicke snage u nasoj zemlji, bez ikakvog utemeljenja i podrske u narodu, i danas slijepo slijede naloge onih koji su nas do juce bombardovali i ubijali neduzne gradjane".<br>Bulatovic je, takodje, rekao da SRJ zeli da ponovo uspostavi saradnju sa zapadnim drzavama, za koje je rekao da su agresori, isticuci da prije toga te zemlje treba da isplate ratnu stetu pricinjenu bombardovanjem i da postuju teritorijalni integritet SRJ. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem941359658,19412,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>SINOC STIGLO 15 HILJADA TONA ZITA IZ SAD</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">BAR, 30. oktobra (Montean-fax) - U Luku Bar sinoc je uplovio brod "Teodor Oldendorf", vlasnistvo njemacke kompanije iz Libeka, koji je dopremio 15 hiljada tona kukuruza koji je Vlada Sjedinjenih Americkih Drzava uputila kao pomoc Vladi Republike Crne Gore.<br>Najavljeno je da ce americko zito, koje ce preuzeti Direkcija za robne rezerve Crne Gore, biti iskrcano za cetiri dana - javlja Montena-fax. </font><br></p> <a name="newsitem941359590,68184,"></a> <p><strong><font face="Verdana" size="3" color="Navy"><b>AMERIKA OHRABRUJE EKONOMSKU NEZAVISNOST CRNE GORE</b></font><br></strong><br><font face="Verdana" size="2" color="000000">Montean-fax - Predsjednik Republike Crne Gore Milo Djukanovic razgovarao je juce telefonom o monetarnoj nezavisnosti Crne Gore sa americkim drzavnim sekretarom Medlin Olbrajt - javila je agencija Rojters, isticuci da Sjedinjene Americke Drzave smatraju da Crna Gora zasluzuje ekonomsku slobodu.<br>Portparol Stejt Departmenta Dzejms Rubin izjavio je, tim povodom, da "SAD zele da ohrabre Crnu Goru da imaju ekonomsku i politicku slobodu koju zasluzuju". Prema Rubinovim rijecima monetarna nezavisnost olaksala bi Crnoj Gori da razgovara o svojoj politikoj buducnosti sa Srbijom, sprijecila bi da se visoka inflacija iz Srbije prelije u Crnu Goru i pomogla joj da efikasno primijeni ekonomske reforme.<br>Rubin je, takodje, rekao da SAD pozdravljaju pocetak razgovora izmedju Beograda i Podgorice i spremnost obje strane da slijede miroljubiv put rjesavanja problema - prenosi Montena-fax. </font><br></p> |
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