Brussels, 23/04/2001 (Agence Europe) - The day after the legislative elections that provided a narrow victory to those in favour of Montenegro's independence, the European Union, through fear of the repercussions such an independence could have on the rest of the region, continues to apply pressure on Montenegro for it to remain within the Yugoslav Federation. "President Djukanovic must take responsibility for the situation in Montenegro, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the entire region, and not continue hastening towards a divisive referendum on independence", declared Council President Anna Lindh, considering that "the election results in Montenegro give no clear mandate for continuing with a referendum on independence. The Montenegrin society is obviously divided on the issue of Montenegro's future status". According to the initial results, the pro-independence coalition of President Djukanovic is said to have secured 35 seats, against 33 for the opposition. The power in place should be able to count on 9 other MPs - mainly Liberals - also in facour of independence.
The declaration adopted on Monday by the EU Presidency "urges the new Montenegrin government to resume the dialogue with Belgrade without delay, aiming at an agreed redefinition of Federal relations, according to democratic principles and in a way that will ensure the stability of the region". This appeal comes together with a threat of the suspension of European aid in case of unilateral action (a non-negotiated declaration of independence) by Montenegro. The dialogue, "which excludes any unilateral action", "would enable the European Union to continue its political, economic and financial support to Montenegro", says Sweden, stipulating that "a senior officials Troika from the EU will visit Podgorica and Belgrade 24-25 April to reinforce this message". The declaration also says that "the electoral process has lived up to European standards".
The European Commission has also urged Podgorica to resume talks with Belgrade, steering clear of any "unilateral action". The redefinition of relations in the framework of the Federation "was and remains the option supported by the Commission", which however is showing itself to be more conciliatory, stressing that the EU "would of course respect any democratic decision", which should not, however, be followed by "unilateral actions". "If the referendum comes down clearly for independence, then we shall have to reassess our position", a spokesperson stipulates.