Russia interested in stronger Serbia and Montenegro union

A source in the Kremlin said that Russia was interested in strengthening the union of Serbia and Montenegro. On June 3, President Vladimir Putin will meet with Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica in Sochi.

According to the source, at the meeting the sides intend to discuss the state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, and exchange views on the present situation in Serbia, the state of Serbia and Montenegro's union, the Kosovo problem and regional and European affairs.

"Russia is interested in strengthening the Serbian and Montenegrin union," underscored the Kremlin source.

Moscow hopes that the situation becomes stable, as Serbia has been taking steps to overcome a political, social and economic crisis.

On June 13 the republic will elect its president.

"We hope that the results of the elections will help consolidate society and continue reforms," the Kremlin source said.

"Russia's relations with the union as a whole and with its components, Serbia and Montenegro, are developing dynamically," the source said.

This year, Russian Emergencies Minister Sergei Shoigu and high-ranking officials from the Russian Foreign Ministry visited Serbia and Montenegro. Mr. Shoigu discussed giving aid to the Serbs who had been forced to leave Kosovo during ethnic cleansings in March.

The foreign minister of Serbia and Montenegro, Vuk Draskovic, is scheduled to visit June 9-10.

The source said that the two countries were developing inter-parliamentary contacts and inter-regional cooperation, especially between the capitals.