A party atmosphere in Podgorica as Montenegro celebrates vote to become an independent state.
Early estimates suggested that 56.3% of voters in Montenegro supported dissolving the union with Serbia, although this figure was later revised down to 55.5%, underlining just how close the result was. The outcome highlighted deep divisions within the country between those favouring independence and those who wished to remain united with Serbia.
Despite the narrow result, thousands took to the streets to celebrate. One man described the occasion as the happiest moment of his life, declaring,
Montenegro is finally free.
Another woman travelled from New York specifically to cast her vote in the referendum. Many of those celebrating said they felt like citizens of a newly born nation, ready to take its place on the world stage.
Another woman travelled from New York to have her say in the referendum. Many of those celebrating feel themselves to be citizens of a new born country.
Montenegro Prime Minister, Milo Djukanovic, said the new state’s first priority would be to seek membership of the European Union and called for the process to be fast-tracked. Keen to avoid instability in the region, the EU had set a minimum threshold of 55% for the referendum to be considered valid. EU envoy to Montenegro, Miroslav Lajcak, remained cautious about the timing of formal recognition.
Serbia and Montenegro will now begin the delicate process of dismantling their shared union.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 22 May 2006. The reporter is Tony Connelly.
