Breakup in the Balkans

PODGORICA, Montenegro – Montenegro’s parliament declared independence from Serbia for the tiny Balkan republic Saturday, forming Europe’s newest country and dissolving the last vestiges of the former Yugoslavia.

The assembly adopted a declaration of independence, verifying results of a May 21 vote in which Montenegrins supported a split from Serbia by a slim margin. The document sees Montenegro as a “multiethnic, multicultural and multireligious society … based on the rule of law and market economy.”

The authorities then raised a red-and-gold Montenegrin flag over the parliament building and played the ancient Montenegrin anthem – “Oh, the Bright May Dawn” – as fireworks exploded. But only a few hundred people celebrated because of a downpour.

The declaration says Montenegro’s strategic national goal is integration into the European Union and NATO, and the new country will immediately apply for admission into the United Nations and other organizations. It also “expresses special interest and full readiness” to “build good and friendly relations with Serbia.”

“Long live Montenegro. The citizens of Montenegro, once and for all, have brought back their country into the family of free nations and states,” parliament speaker Ranko Krivokapic said after reading out the declaration.

“This is the moment when new horizons open for my country,” said Goran Novakovic, 32, a painter. “This is the most important day in the entire century for this country.”