BELGRADE -- Although he indirectly recognised the independence of Montenegro, Vojislav Koštunica did not congratulate its people.
Source: Beta
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Asked whether he would congratulate the people of Montenegro personally, Koštunica avoided the question and said that Serbia needs to focus on its own problems.
“A state can exist without being recognised, and diplomatic relations can be formed in various ways. It can be done with the visit of a senior official or a note, but this is not as important as the problems we face. Everything else is just a manifestation, not essential.” Koštunica said.
He added that Serbia is prepared to define its politics towards Montenegro in order to serve the best interests of both nations.
At a press conference following the parliamentary session, Koštunica said that Serbia will take over all legal rights of the union of Serbia-Montenegro in light of the Montenegrin referendum, and that this will soon be confirmed by the Serbian Parliament. He also said that the Government is preparing a package of measures for defining the status and relations with Montenegro.
Asked whether he recognises the results of the Montenegrin independence referendum, Koštunica said that “the Serbian Government accepts the decision of the President of the Republic Referendum Commission František Lipka” regarding the results of the referendum, and that he does not wish to give any further comments on the matter.
It is diplomatically appropriate and I am pleased that Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica did not congratulate the outcome of the Montenegro referendum.
This is a tragic, unnecessary and questionable separation and not a time for expressing pleasure.
Serbs in the Homeland and in the Diaspora must now look to a positive future with increased healthy and optimistic communication between us. Together we can build a better Serbia.
(Susan Stojana Harris(Vekovic), 3 June 2006 03:05)
Montenegro and Serbia are NOT enemies. The separation of the two States is purely ECONOMIC. It would be wise for Kostunica and others to recognize that respect and cooperation is most beneficial to all parties and that jokes and ridicule have never contributed to friendship, it only contributes to animosity.
Mr. Kostunica needs to join the 21st century, recognize the past transgressions and move on.
(Mihail Penzioner, 3 June 2006 00:07)
It is diplomatically appropriate and I am pleased that Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica did not congratulate the outcome of the Montenegro referendum.
This is a tragic, unnecessary and questionable separation and not a time for expressing pleasure.
Serbs in the Homeland and in the Diaspora must now look to a positive future with increased healthy and optimistic communication between us. Together we can build a better Serbia.
(Susan Stojana Harris(Vekovic), 3 June 2006 03:05)
Montenegro and Serbia are NOT enemies. The separation of the two States is purely ECONOMIC. It would be wise for Kostunica and others to recognize that respect and cooperation is most beneficial to all parties and that jokes and ridicule have never contributed to friendship, it only contributes to animosity.
Mr. Kostunica needs to join the 21st century, recognize the past transgressions and move on.
(Mihail Penzioner, 3 June 2006 00:07)
Montenegro and Serbia are NOT enemies. The separation of the two States is purely ECONOMIC. It would be wise for Kostunica and others to recognize that respect and cooperation is most beneficial to all parties and that jokes and ridicule have never contributed to friendship, it only contributes to animosity.
Mr. Kostunica needs to join the 21st century, recognize the past transgressions and move on.
(Mihail Penzioner, 3 June 2006 00:07)
It is diplomatically appropriate and I am pleased that Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica did not congratulate the outcome of the Montenegro referendum.
This is a tragic, unnecessary and questionable separation and not a time for expressing pleasure.
Serbs in the Homeland and in the Diaspora must now look to a positive future with increased healthy and optimistic communication between us. Together we can build a better Serbia.
(Susan Stojana Harris(Vekovic), 3 June 2006 03:05)