Sweden, Denmark recognize independent Montenegro

In Sweden, the decision was made Wednesday by the government, spokeswoman Kerstin Olsson said.

Photo: Sweden, Denmark recognize independent Montenegro

Sweden's Foreign Minister Jan Eliasson said in a statement that he was "very pleased" to inform his counterpart in Podgorica, Miodrag Vlahovic, that "Sweden now formally recognizes Montenegro as an independent state."

In neighboring Denmark, Foreign Minister Per Stig Moeller said Thursday that the tiny Adriatic republic's "decision to become independent was an expression of the best democratic traditions."

Montenegro declared independence from a union with Serbia on June 3, after its voters supported the separation by a slim margin in a May referendum, the AP reports.

The 25-nation European Union, of which Sweden and Denmark are members, and scores of other countries, have recognized the new country this week.