Serbia's president accepts Montenegro's independence

Serbia's President Boris Tadic on Tuesday recognized the results of Montenegro's independence vote, which will separate the tiny Adriatic republic from its union with Serbia. "I supported the preservation of a joint state, but as a democratic president of a democratic republic, I recognize the expression of the free will of the Montenegrin citizens," Tadic said, calling on "close cooperation" between Serbia and Montenegro in the future.

Photo: Serbia's president accepts Montenegro's independence

The pro-Western Tadic was Serbia's first official to fully acknowledge the outcome of Sunday's referendum in Montenegro. "As Serbia's president, I accept the official preliminary results of the Montenegro referendum," Tadic said, and appealed for a fast resolution of questions raised about the tally by the pro-Serbian bloc in Montenegro, to "remove all doubt" and make the results final.

The unionist faction in Montenegro which has close ties with Belgrade's leadership has demanded a recount, citing unspecified irregularities. The EU, the U.S. and a foreign monitors have said the Montenegrin vote was free and fair. Montenegro's election authorities confirmed Tuesday that 55.5 percent of voters in the tiny republic had chosen independence.

Tadic also urged Montenegro's various blocs, divided on the independence issue, to "offer each other their hand of reconciliation," and pledged that he would personally "work so that there will never be any walls or barriers" between the two republic. "Montenegro will have a reliable friend in Serbia, both politically and economically," Tadic said.

Montenegro's choice to split from Serbia also made the larger republic of the now defunct union independent, and Tadic used the opportunity to address Serbian citizens as well. "This day is the beginning of the restoration of Serbia's statehood," he said, urging all in Serbia to "work to build a better future for Serbia." "Everything is now up to us," Tadic said, reports the AP.

N.U.