Serbia and independent Montenegro can’t live together

Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica turned down European Union offer in improving relations with Montenegro . He has refused to explicitly recognize the smaller republic's independence after the May 21 referendum. "I told (EU foreign policy chief Javier) Solana that Brussels ' helps is absolutely not needed," Kostunica stressed. "We shall resolve the problems ourselves."

Photo: Serbia and independent Montenegro can’t live together

Solana met with Kostunica during a Friday visit to Belgrade to encourage Serbian leaders to establish good relations with Montenegro after the referendum.

"There will be many political and technical issues to resolve" as the two Balkan republics part ways, Solana said, cautioning that the separation must be "constructive" and smooth. "To do it in a manner of dialogue is better for everybody."

Solana promised there would be a place in Europe for both Serbia and Montenegro as two independent, sovereign states, and separately pressed Belgrade to cooperate with the U.N. war crimes tribunal based in The Hague , Netherlands .

Kostunica, meanwhile, criticized the EU's handling of the referendum, recounting reports of irregularities and complaining that Serbian citizens of Montenegrin nationality had been prevented from voting. EU and international observers have said Montenegro 's vote was free and fair.

Solana said his meeting with Kostunica was "frank, solid and at some moments a little bit sad," underlining that he understood the breakup with Montenegro was "painful" for many in Serbia .

"But it is our obligation to keep on looking to the future and whatever we can do to help your country move toward the EU we shall do," Solana said. "I will try to do as much as I can but the prime minister has very clearly said he doesn't need any help ... If I am not needed, I will not help." Earlier Friday, Solana congratulated Serbian President Boris Tadic on his prompt recognition of Montenegro 's secession, reports the AP.

N.U.