Serb and Montenegrin need friendly relations
16.07.2010
Serbian President Boris Tadic's visit to Montenegro last week sparked the resumption of a heated debate about the viability of good relations between
the countries in light of Podgorica's recognition of Kosovo's independence.
Serbia, which refuses to recognise the former province as independent, reacted furiously and pronounced the Montenegrin ambassador to Belgrade a
persona non grata. Now, the ambassador is back in Belgrade and relations are mostly back to normal.
Montenegro (6) -- Analyses -- 2010
Two realities
16.07.2010
In Podgorica on July 8th, Tadic met with counterpart Filip Vujanovic and with Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic to discuss enhancing economic co-operation and overall
relations, as well as EU accession. But the issue of Kosovo remains a bone of contention.
Tadic said Serbia does not understand Montenegro's decision. Recognising Kosovo also has a practical consequence for Serbia -- the inability to demarcate the border.
Vujanovic replied that there are "two realities".
"Kosovo is recognised by 69 states, but at the same time it is not recognised by 123 UN member states," said Vujanovic.
Montenegrins, he added, "would be happy to see talks between Belgrade and Pristina" with the aim of an agreement on the issue. This "would be of regional importance".
Bulgarian