Montenegro: independence

An opinion poll conducted by the Podgorica branch of the US opinion poll company, NDI, has pointed towards a clear win for the independence factions in the Parliamentary elections, to be held this year. The opinion poll was conducted among a sample of 1,256 people two weeks ago and its results point to a clear 70/30% vote in favour of the parties in favour of Independence. The question of independence for Montenegro has long been discussed in Podgorica. Whether or not this small country opts for full independence or a Federation with Serbia is another question. A third option would be a Union of two separate States. There are 600,000 Montenegrins working in Serbia, many of whom favour a continuation of the status quo. Any attempt to seize independence in rash and unplanned moves may create tensions among the Montenegrins.

TIMOTHY BANCROFT-HINCHEY, PRAVDA.Ru, LISBON