Montenegrin independence referendum, 2006 4144616 223842186 2008-07-06T02:44:02Z Tabletop 173687 Spell counsil => council {{Politics of Montenegro}} [[Image:CG-Pobjeda.jpg|thumb|First page of [[Pobjeda]], [[May 22]], [[2006]].]] The '''Montenegrin independence referendum''' was a [[referendum|refe&shy;rendum]] on the independence of the '''[[Montenegro|Republic of Montenegro]]''' from the '''[[State Union of Serbia and Montenegro]]''' that was held on [[21 May]], [[2006]]. The total turnout of the referendum was 86.5%. 55.5 percent voted in favour and 44.5 were against breaking the state union with [[Serbia]].<ref>AP: [http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060522/ap_on_re_eu/montenegro_referendum_8 Montenegro Decides to Secede from Serbia]</ref> Fifty-five percent of affirmative votes were needed to dissolve the state union of [[Serbia and Montenegro]], an option favored by the [[coalition government]] ([[Democratic Party of Socialists of Montenegro|DPS]] and [[Social Democratic Party of Montenegro|SDP]]). By [[23 May]], preliminary referendum results were recognized by all five permanent members of the [[United Nations Security Council]], indicating widespread international recognition of Montenegro once independence would be formally declared. Montenegro's referendum commission<ref>[http://www.rrk.cg.yu/ Referendum Commission of Montenegro]</ref> on Wednesday [[31 May]], officially confirmed<ref>[http://www.rrk.cg.yu/aktuelnosti/aktuelnosti.htm Official Press Release]</ref> the results of the independence referendum, verifying that 55.5% of the population of Montenegrin voters had voted in favor of independence. Because voters met the controversial threshold requirement of 55% approval set by the [[European Union|EU]], the referendum was incorporated into a declaration of independence during a special parliamentary session on [[31 May]]. The [[Parliament of Montenegro|Assembly of the Republic of Montenegro]] made a formal Declaration of Independence on Saturday [[3 June]].<ref>BBC: [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/5043462.stm "Montenegro declares independence"]</ref> In response to the announcement, the government of [[Serbia]] declared<ref>[http://www.srbija.sr.gov.yu/vesti/vest.php?id=23938 Serbian Press Release]</ref> itself the legal and political [[successor state|successor]] of [[Serbia and Montenegro]], and that the government and parliament of Serbia itself will soon adopt a new constitution.<ref>[http://www.srbija.sr.gov.yu/vesti/vest.php?id=23922 Press Release]</ref> The European Union, the [[United States]], the People's Republic of China, Russia, and neighbouring [[Croatia]] all expressed their intentions to respect the referendum results. ==Constitutional background== The process of secession was regulated by the [[Constitutional Charter of Serbia and Montenegro]] adopted on [[4 February]] [[2003]] by both Councils of the Federal Assembly of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, in accordance to the 2002 Belgrade Agreement between the governments of the two constitutive republics of then's [[Federal Republic of Yugoslavia]], Montenegro and Serbia. Article 60 of the constitution required that a minimum of three years pass after its ratification before one of the member states could declare independence. The same article specified the referendum as necessary for this move. However, this constitution allowed member states to define their own referendum laws. It is also specified that the member state which secedes forfeits any rights to [[succession of states|political and legal continuity]] of the federation. This means that the seceding state (in this case the Republic of Montenegro) had to apply for membership to all major international institutions, such as the [[United Nations]] and be recognized by the international community, and that the [[Republic of Serbia]] became the full successor to the state union. No state objected to recognizing a newly formed state prior to the referendum. ==Legal procedure== ===Before the referendum=== According to the [[Constitution of Montenegro|Montenegrin Constitution]],<ref>[http://www.mediaclub.cg.yu/Ustav/ Constitution of the Republic of Montenegro]</ref> state status cannot be changed without a referendum and the President of the state proposes a referendum to the Parliament. The referendum bill was introduced by the president of Montenegro, [[Filip Vujanović]], and it was unanimously passed by the Montenegrin Parliament on [[2 March]] [[2006]].<ref>B92: [http://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2006&mm=03&dd=02&nav_category=11&nav_id=190210 Referendum 21. maja]</ref> ===After the referendum=== The Referendum Bill obliges the Parliament, which introduced the referendum, to respect its outcome. It had to declare the official results within 15 days following the voting day, and act upon them within 60 days. Changes to the Montenegrin Constitution, which involved changes of the state status, required dissolving the Parliament when the bill is passed, and convocation of the new one within 90 days. The new Parliament had to adopt, with a two third majority, such changes to the Constitution, or draft a new Constitution.. The newly-independent country of Serbia, which is the [[successor state]] to the state union of Serbia and Montenegro, while favouring a loose federation, has stated publicly that it would respect the outcome of the referendum, and not interfere with Montenegrin sovereignty. == Referendum rules controversies == There has been considerable controversy over [[suffrage]] and needed result threshold for independence. Montenegrin government, which supported the independence, initially advocated a simple majority, but the opposition insisted on a certain threshold below which the [[referendum]], if a "yes" option won, would have been moot. European Union [[Diplomacy|envoy]] [[Miroslav Lajčák]] proposed independence if a 55% [[supermajority]] of votes are cast in favor with a minimum turnout of 50%, a determination that prompted some protests from the pro-independence forces. The [[Council of the European Union]] unanimously agreed to Lajčák's proposal, and the Đukanović government ultimately backed down in its opposition.<ref>EUobserver: [http://euobserver.com/9/21001 EU wins Montenegro's support for its referendum formula] (subscription needed)</ref> [[Milo Đukanović]], [[Prime Minister]] of Montenegro, however, promised that he would declare the independence if the votes passed 50%, regardless of whether the census was passed or not. On the other hand, he also announced that if less than 50% voted for the independence option, he would resign from all political positions.<ref>Council on Foreign Relations: [http://www.cfr.org/publication/10725/ Montenegro's Referendum on Independence]</ref> The original pursue of the Milo Đukanović and the DPS-SDP was that 40% was a sufficient majority to declare independence, but this caused severe international outrage before the Independentists proposed 50%. Another controversial issue was the referendum law, which relied on the constitution of Serbia and Montenegro, which, again, stated that [[Montenegrins]] living within Serbia that are voters in Serbia would not be allowed to vote in the referendum because that would give them two votes in the union and make them superior to other citizens. Also, the agreement threshold between the two blocs for 55%, was somewhat criticized as ''overriding'' the traditional practice of requiring a two-third [[super-majority]], as practiced in all ex Yugoslav countries before (including the [[Montenegrin independence referendum, 1992|previous referendum in Montenegro]]). ===Referendum question=== :Желите ли да Република Црна Гора буде независна држава са пуним међународно-правним субјективитетом :''Do you want the Republic of Montenegro to be an independent state with a full international and legal personality'' (as translated by [[OSCE]]<ref>[http://194.8.63.155/documents/odihr/2006/03/18369_en.pdf Montenegro Referendum (PDF)]</ref>) == Alleged irregularities during the campaign == On [[24 March]] [[2006]], a nine-minute video clip was aired that shows two local [[Democratic Party of Socialists of Montenegro|DPS]] activists from Zeta region, Ranko Vučinić and Ivan Ivanović, along with a former member of secret police, Vasilije Mijović, attempting to bribe a citizen, Mašan Bušković, into casting a pro-independence vote at the upcoming referendum. In the video clip they're seen and heard persuading Bušković to vote for the independence, and they promise to pay off his electric bill of €1,500 in return. When the video became public, two DPS activists claimed they were victims of manipulation and that Vasilije Mijović talked them into doing so. Mijović denied those claims saying the video had been authentic. DPS spokesperson Predrag Sekulić claimed the video was "a montage" and "a cheap political setup." Mašan Bušković, the target of the alleged attempted bribe, on the other hand said the video is authentic and that it portrays events exactly as they occurred.<ref>RTS: [http://www.rts.co.yu/jedna_vest.asp?IDNews=145283&belong=&rec=Mašan%20Buškovic Opozicija prikazala film o kupovini glasova]</ref> ==Opinion polling== Polling throughout the campaign was sporadic, with most polls showing pro-independence forces leading but not surpassing the 55% threshold. Only in the later weeks did polls begin to indicate the threshold would be passed, albeit barely.<ref>EUobserver: [http://euobserver.com/9/21661 EU awaits Montenegro independence vote] (subscription needed)</ref> ==Blocs== === Independence === * '''[[Democratic Party of Socialists of Montenegro]]''' * '''[[Social Democratic Party of Montenegro]]''' * '''[[Civic Party of Montenegro]]''' * [[Liberal Party of Montenegro]] * [[People's Concord of Montenegro]] * [[Democratic Union of Albanians]] * [[Bosniak Party of Montenegro|Bosniak Party]] * [[Croatian Civic Initiative]] A controversy emerged in the Independentist Bloc, as non-governmental organizations had officially joined and campaigned as its members, which was [[Law|illegal]], thus breaking the Law: * ''Movement for Independent European Montenegro'' * ''Civic Forum Nikšić'' * ''Democratic Community of Muslims Bosniacs in Montenegro''. The Sovereignist Camp concentrated on history and national minority rights. Montenegro was recognized an independent country on the 1878 [[Congress of Berlin]]. Its independence was extinguished in 1918 when its assembly declared union with [[Serbia]]. The minor ethnic groups are promised full rights in an independent Montenegro, with their languages being included into the new Constitution. The camp's leader was Montenegro's controversial national leader [[Milo Đukanović]]. === Union === [[Image:41659492 monagbody.jpg|thumb|right|Union supporters at a rally]] [[Image:Plakat03.jpg|thumb|left|Union political poster]] * [[Socialist People's Party of Montenegro]] * [[People's Party of Montenegro|People's Party]] * [[Democratic Serbian Party of Montenegro|Democratic Serbian Party]] * [[Serb People's Party (Montenegro)|Serbian People's Party]] The Unionists' Logo was ''Montenegro is Not for Sale!'' and ''For Love - Love Connects, Heart says NO!''. The Unionist Camp or "Bloc for Love", [[Together for Change]] political alliance's campaign relied mostly on assertion and support of the [[European Union]], pointing out essential present as well as historical links with [[Serbia]]. They criticized that the ruling coalition is trying to turn Montenegro into a private state, a crime haven. It's campaign concentrated on pointing out "''love''" for union with Serbia. 73% of Montenegrin citizens has close cousins in Serbia and 78% of Montenegrin citizens has close friends in Serbia. According to TNS Medium GALLUP's research, 56.9% of the Montenegrin population believed if union with Serbia is broken health care would fall apart. 56.8% believed they wouldn't be able to go to schools in Serbia anymore and 65.3% thought it won't be able to find a job in Serbia as it intends to. They used [[European Union]] flags, [[Slavic peoples|Slavic]] tricolors (which were also the official flag of the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro) and [[Serbian Orthodox Church|Serb Orthodox]] tricolors. The key camp's leader was opposition leader [[Predrag Bulatović]]. === Neutral === The [[Movement for Changes]], although de facto supporting independence, decided not to join the pro-independence coalition, on the arguments that the independentists are largely made of DPS criminals, and that the bloc is an "Unholy Alliance" gathered around a controversial Prime Minister [[Milo Đukanović]], seen by these party officials as an obstacle to the complete democracy in Montenegro. The PzP was in reality closely cooperating and in general supporter of the Unionist Bloc. A similar thing was from the ethnic Albanian [[Democratic League in Montenegro]], which called the [[Albanians]] to boycott the referendum. ==Results== {{bar box |width=300px |title= |titlebar=#ddd |bars= {{bar percent|'''YES'''|red|47.6}} {{bar percent|'''NO'''|blue|38.2}} {{bar percent|<small>''invalid''|black|0.7}} {{bar percent|<small>'''Abstentions'''|gray|13.5}} }} According to the first estimates at 21:00 (CET), when the voting stations closed, 86.5% of eligible voters – or 419,240 voters (404,840 in and 14,400 outside voting places) out of 484,718 eligible (in 1,124 voting areas) – voted, local NGO organisations monitoring the referendum said.<ref>DTT-NET: [http://www.dtt-net.com/en/index.php?page=view-article&article=1532 Voting ends with high turnout at Montenegro referendum]</ref> 3,577 (0.85% or 0.74% of the electorate) votes were found invalid, so declared 415,663 (99.15%) were published as the final valid turnout (85.75%). 404,840 (96.56% or 83.5% of the electorate) citizens of Montenegro voted at their places, while 14,400 (3.43% or 2.97% of the electorate) voted abroad Serbia and Montenegro, most of whom supported independence. Two organisations that were conducting a [[Quick Count]], Montenegrin CDT and Serbian CeSID, had different projections of the referendum results. CeSID's initial projections were giving YES option significant advantage, but as the evening progressed, they were correcting their projection and lowering advantage of the YES option. This caused serious confusion among general public and sparked journalists to challenge CeSID projections. After CeSID's announcement, thousands of people began to celebrate in the streets of every major city.<ref>DTT-NET: [http://www.dtt-net.com/en/index.php?page=view-article&article=1533 Montenegro government claims independence victory]</ref> However, after the CDT announcement, the public began to realize how close the result was. CDT stated that the results were too close to call. This was later confirmed with the official results, since only about 2,000 votes were over the required threshold (the votes of some 2 or 3 polling stations). They urged the public to remain calm and give time to the referendum commission to finish their job.<ref>[http://www.cdtmn.org/izbori/referendum06.php]</ref> [[Image:Yes for independence-CG.jpg|thumb|right|Supporters for independence]] Montenegrin prime minister [[Milo Đukanović]] first delayed his appearance in public, after learning how close the result was. He finally appeared on [[RTCG|Montenegrin television]] at about 01:40 [[CEST]] and said that after 99.85% of the votes had been counted, the percentage of votes for independence was 55.5%, and the remaining votes (6,236) could not change the outcome of the referendum.<ref>CNN: [http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/05/21/montenegro.independence/index.html Poll: Montenegro quits Serbia]</ref> [[Image:No to independence-CG.gif|thumb|right|"Montenegro is not for sale": Logo of the Unionist (Opposition) Bloc]] On the other side, ''de facto'' leader of the unionist bloc [[Predrag Bulatović]] said at a press conference around 00:15 [[CEST]] that "his sources" informed him that 54% had voted "yes", a figure below the 55% threshold. Predrag Bulatović had announced earlier that he would resign as opposition leader if the referendum was won by those favouring independence. [[František Lipka]], the referendum commission president or Chairman of the Electoral Commission announced on Monday the [[22 May]] [[2006]] that the preliminary results were 55.4% in favor of independence.<ref>AP: [http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060522/ap_on_re_eu/montenegro_referendum_8 Montenegro Votes to Secede from Serbia]</ref> Prime Minister of the Republic of Montenegro Milo Đukanović held a press conference later that day. The press conference took place at 14:30, at the Congress Hall of the Government of the Republic of Montenegro.<ref>[http://www.vlada.cg.yu/eng/vijesti.php?akcija=vijesti&id=13424 Prime Minister of Montenegro]</ref> [[Image:Montenegro Referendum 2006.png|right|thumb|250px|Referendum results; red municipalities returned a majority vote for independence, blue municipalities returned a majority vote for union.]] Due to the fact that about 19,000 votes were still disputed, the Electoral Commission delayed the announcement of final results. The opposition demanded a full recount of the votes but this was rejected by the Commission and European observers, who stated that they were satisfied and they were sure that the votehad been free and fair.<ref>BBC: [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5006380.stm Recount call in Montenegro vote]</ref> On [[23 May]][[2006]], the Electoral Commission released the final results which stated that 230,661 (55.02% of those who voted, 55.49% of the valid votes; 47.59% of the electorate) [[Montenegrins]] had voted for independence, while 185.002 (44.13% of those who voted, 44.51% of the valid votes; 38.17% of the electorate) voted against. The turnout was 86.49% of registered voters (85.75% valid).<ref>BBC: [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5007364.stm Montenegro vote result confirmed]</ref> The distribution of votes was as follows: majority (around 60%-up to around 70%) were against independence in regions bordering [[Serbia]] and [[Republika Srpska]]. The highest ''No'' vote was in Serb-majority [[Plužine]] municipality with 75.70%. In the authentic Montenegrin regions (former [[Principality of Montenegro]]), there was a light majority (around 50-60%) for independence, with the [[Cetinje]] [[Subdivisions of Montenegro|municipality]], traditional centre of old Montenegro, having a huge percentage in favour of independence (over 86.38%). At the coastal regions, [[Herceg Novi]] municipality, which has a Serb majority had voted 61.34% against independence, the middle southern region([[Tivat]], [[Kotor]], [[Budva]] and [[Bar, Montenegro|Bar]]) being in favour of independence, and the south, [[Ulcinj]] municipality, an ethnic [[Albanians|Albanian]] centre, voted strongly in favour of independence (88.50%). The regions bordering [[Albania]] and [[Kosovo]] that have mostly [[Bosniak people|Bosniak]], [[Muslim by nationality|Muslim]] and Albanian population, were heavily in favour of independence (78.92% in [[Plav]], 91.33% in [[Rožaje]]). Municipalities in Montenegro that voted for the Union were [[Andrijevica]], [[Berane]], [[Kolašin]], [[Mojkovac]], [[Plužine]], [[Pljevlja]], [[Herceg Novi|Herceg-Novi]], [[Šavnik]], and [[Žabljak]]. The municipalities that voted for independence were [[Bar, Montenegro|Bar]], [[Bijelo Polje]], [[Budva]], [[Cetinje]], [[Danilovgrad]], [[Kotor]], [[Nikšić]], [[Plav]], [[Podgorica]], [[Rožaje]], [[Tivat]], and [[Ulcinj]].<ref>[http://www.rrk.cg.yu/aktuelnosti/aktuelnosti.htm Electoral Commission website]</ref> The Independentist Bloc won thanks to the high votes of [[Albanians]] and to an extent [[Bosniaks]]. The highest pro-independendist percentage was in Albanian-populated [[Ulcinj]] and Bosniak-populated [[Rožaje]].<ref>[http://www.balkanupdate.com/2006/05/albanians-and-bosniacs-make-montenegro.html Balkan Update: Albanian and Bosniacs make Montenegro independent]</ref>. This fact was, and still is being used by some of the Montenegrin and Serbian media and critics structures in Serbia and Montenegro to complain about and denounce the results of the referendum. Truth is, however, that the independentists won by around 2,000 votes, and that this is exactly the same number Montenegrin diaspora [[Albanians]] that flew from the United States of America to vote for braking the state union. This became especially controversial, taking to granted that over 200,000 Montenegrin diaspora Serbs were not allowed to vote. {|class="sortable wikitable" |- ! Municipality !! Yes !! No !! Registered Voters !! Voted |- |[[Andrijevica]] || 1,084 (27.6%) || 2,824 (71.89%%) || 4,369 || 3,928 (89.91%) |- |[[Bar, Montenegro|Bar]] || 16,640 (63.07%) || 9,496 (35.99%) || 32,255 || 26,382 (81.79%) |- |[[Berane]] || 11,268 (46.85%) || 12,618 (52.46%) || 28,342 || 24,051 (84.86%) |- |[[Bijelo Polje]] || 19,405 (55.36%) || 15,437 (44.04%)|| 40,110 || 35,051 (87.39%) |- |[[Budva]] || 5,908 (52.75%) || 5,180 (46.25%) || 12,797 || 11,200 (87.52%) |- |[[Danilovgrad]] || 5,671 (53.15%) || 4,887 (45.81%) || 11,784 || 10,669 (90.54%) |- |[[Žabljak]] || 1,188 (38.37%) || 1,884 (60.85%) || 3,407 || 3,096 (90.87%) |- |[[Kolašin]] || 2,852 (41.82%) || 3,903 (57.23%) || 7,405 || 6,820 (92.1%) |- |[[Kotor]] || 8,200 (55.04%) || 6,523 (43.79%) || 17,778 || 14,897 (83.79%) |- |[[Mojkovac]] || 3,016 (43.55%) || 3,849 (55.57%) || 7,645 || 6,926 (90.59%) |- |[[Nikšić]] || 26,387 (52.01%) || 23,837 (46.98%) || 56,461 || 50,737 (89.86%) |- |[[Plav]] || 7,016 (78.47%) || 1,874 (20.96%) || 12,662 || 8,941 (70.61%) |- |[[Plužine]] || 716 (24.2%) || 2,230 (75.36%) || 3,329 || 2,959 (88.88%) |- |[[Pljevlja]] || 9,115 (36.07%) || 16,009 (63.36%) || 27,882 || 25,268 (90.62%) |- |[[Podgorica]] || 60,626 (53.22%) || 52,345 (45.95%) || 129,083 || 113,915 (88.25%) |- |[[Rožaje]] || 13,835 (90.79%) || 1,314 (8.62%) || 19,646 || 15,239 (77.57%) |- |[[Tivat]] || 4,916 (55.86%) || 3,793 (43.1%) || 10,776 || 8,800 (81.66%) |- |[[Ulcinj]] || 12,256 (87.64%) || 1,592 (11.38%) || 17,117 || 13,985 (81.7%) |- |[[Herceg-Novi]] || 7,741 (38.28%) || 12,284 (60.75%) || 24,487 || 20,220 (88.50%) |- |[[Cetinje]] || 11,536 (85.21%) || 1,818 (13.43%) || 15,077 || 13,538 (89.79%) |- |[[Šavnik]] || 906 (42.67%) || 1,197 (56.38%) || 2,306 || 2,123 (92.06%) |- |Prison || 379 (76.57%) || 108 (21.82%) || - || 495 |} ==International reactions== On [[May 22]], [[Croatia]]n President [[Stipe Mesić]] sent a message of congratulations to Montenegro on its vote for independence. Mesić was the first foreign head of state to react officially to the vote. The [[European Union|EU]]'s foreign policy chief, [[Javier Solana]], congratulated Montenegro on a "successful referendum" and said the turnout of over 86 percent "confirms the legitimacy of the process." The [[European Union]] would, he said, "fully respect" the final result.<ref>Radio Free Europe: [http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2006/05/07CAEEE7-AD73-487A-A75A-EAC293AD7EF5.html Montenegrins Close To Independence]</ref> The EU's commissioner for enlargement, [[Olli Rehn]], said the European Union would put forward proposals for fresh talks with both Montenegro and Serbia. "All sides should respect the result and work together in order to build consensus on the basis of the acceptance of European values and standards. I now expect Belgrade and Podgorica to engage in direct talks on the practical implementation of the results".<ref>EUobserver: [http://euobserver.com/9/21680 EU prepares for separate accession of sovereign Montenegro] (subscription needed)</ref> In a statement of [[23 May]], the United States affirmed the [[OSCE]]/[[ODIHR]] assessment of the election, which stated that "the referendum was conducted in line with OSCE and [[Council of Europe]] commitments and other international standards for democratic electoral processes." "We urge Montenegro and Serbia to work together to resolve the practical issues necessary to implement the will of the people of Montenegro as expressed in the referendum."<ref>[http://www.vlada.cg.yu/eng/vijesti.php?akcija=vijesti&id=13466 US Statement on the Montenegrin Referendum on State Status]</ref> The [[Russia]]n Foreign Ministry issued a statement on [[23 May]] stating "It is of fundamental importance for Montenegro and Serbia to enter into constructive, friendly and comprehensive dialogue with the aim of producing mutually acceptable political solutions regarding their future relations," the Foreign Ministry said.<ref>[http://www.vlada.cg.yu/eng/vijesti.php?akcija=vijesti&id=13485 Moscow respects choice of Montenegro's people]</ref> The [[United Kingdom|British]] Europe Minister [[Geoff Hoon]] said he was pleased that the referendum had complied with international standards, pointing out that "the people of Montenegro have expressed a clear desire for an independent state."<ref>GNN: [http://www.gnn.gov.uk/Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=203346&NewsAreaID=2 Minister for Europe Geoff Hoon MP welcomes Montenegro referendum result] (23 May 2006)</ref> A spokesperson for the Foreign ministry of the [[People's Republic of China]] indicated "China respects the choice of people of Montenegro and the final result of the referendum" in a regularly-scheduled news conference on [[23 May]].<ref>[http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/xwfw/s2510/t254525.htm Foreign Ministry Spokesman Liu Jianchao's Regular Press Conference on 23 May 2006]</ref> The unanimous recognition of the referendum result by the five permanent members of the [[United Nations Security Council]] indicated that widespread international recognition of Montenegro would likely be swift once independence was formally declared. ===Serbian reactions=== Serbian president [[Boris Tadić]] accepted the results of the referendum in favour of independence, while Serbian prime minister [[Vojislav Koštunica]], a firm opponent of Montenegrin independence, resolved to wait until the end of the week, so that the pro-Serb Montenegrin opposition would have time to challenge the final verdict.<ref>DTT-NET: [http://www.dtt-net.com/en/index.php?page=view-article&article=1550&CMSSESSID=6e633313293d111688f5e473a28b6fd8 Serbia's president recognises Montenegro referendum results, PM waiting]</ref> The prime minister of [[Kosovo]], [[Agim Çeku]], announced that Kosovo would follow Montenegro in the quest for independence, saying "This is the last act of the historic liquidation of Yugoslavia /.../ this year Kosovo will follow in Montenegro's footsteps." Kosovo declared its own independence on 17 February 2008, but is still seen by Serbs as the historical and spiritual heart of Serbia.<ref>EUobserver: [http://euobserver.com/9/21680 EU prepares for separate accession of sovereign Montenegro]</ref> Ethnic Serb groups in neighbouring [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] planned to demand a referendum on the independence of the [[Republika Srpska]], according to the Croatian daily ''[[Večernji list]]'', citing [[Branislav Dukić]], leader of ''[[Spona]]'', a regional Serb organisation.<ref>Vecernji list: [http://www.vecernji-list.hr/newsroom/news/bih/555351/index.do Reakcije Republika Srpska nakon crnogorskog referenduma]</ref> Since such a move could start another war in Bosnia it provoked widespread condemnation from the [[US]], [[European Union]], and other nations. [[Milorad Dodik]], the prime minister of [[Republika Srpska]], subsequently withdrew his calls for a referendum, citing international opposition and the fact that such a referendum would violate the Dayton peace agreement.<ref>AKI: [http://www.adnki.com/index_2Level_English.php?cat=Politics&loid=8.0.380123068&par=0 Bosnia: Serb leader assures "no revolution" over Kosovo]</ref> == References == {{reflist|2}} == External links == * Unionist Bloc video: [http://www.narodnastranka.com/referendum/spotovi/spotf.wmv Vote for Love!] * Unionist Bloc theme: [http://www.narodnastranka.com/referendum/spotljubavspaja.wmv Love connects] * BBC: [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4690294.stm Page on the subject] * BBC: [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5003220.stm Post-election coverage] * [http://www.cgnezavisnost.org/file/1113306618.pdf Referendum Law (PDF)] * [http://www.njegoskij.org/menu_today/menu_articlesToday.php The Njegoskij Fund Public Project >> 21 May 2006 Referendum on Independence] {{Montenegrin elections}} [[Category:2006 in Montenegro|Independence referendum]] [[Category:Politics of Montenegro]] [[Category:Referendums in Montenegro]] [[Category:2006 referendums]] [[cs:Referendum o nezávislosti Černé Hory]] [[de:Unabhängigkeitsreferendum von Montenegro]] [[et:Montenegro iseseisvusreferendum]] [[es:Plebiscito montenegrino de 2006]] [[fr:Référendum de 2006 sur l'indépendance du Monténégro]] [[hr:Referendum o neovisnosti Crne Gore 2006.]] [[it:Referendum sull'indipendenza del Montenegro del 2006]] [[no:Montenegros uavhengighetsvalg]] [[pl:Referendum niepodległościowe w Czarnogórze 2006]] [[sr:Референдум о независности Црне Горе 2006.]] [[sh:Referendum o nezavisnosti Crne Gore]] [[fi:Kansanäänestys Montenegron itsenäistymisestä]] [[sv:Folkomröstningen om Montenegros självständighet]] [[zh:2006年黑山獨立公民投票]]