AP interview with PM Djukanovic, Draskovic comments

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• published: 28 Jul 2015
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Podgorica, 23 May 2006 1. Wide of Podgorica skyline 2. Close-up of sign reading "Government of Montenegro" 3. SOUNDBITE: (Serbian): Milo Djukanovic, Montenegrin Prime Minister: "I believe that all the prerequisites are created now for Serbian politicians to speak up (and recognise the referendum result). This is an act of formality now, but the fact is that during the entire referendum campaign it was clear the Serbian government decided to take part in it. They chose to take the side of those political structures that were supporting the union (with Serbia). The referendum results, which could be predicted by any neutral and objective political analyst, have caught a part of the political structure in Serbia off guard. I assume they need some time to face the new reality." 4. Cutaway 5. SOUNDBITE: (Serbian) Milo Djukanovic, Montenegrin Prime Minister: "The first step I undertook today, after the talks with EU Commissioner Mr. Rehn is the start of a consolidation and negotiating process on the association and stabilisation with the EU. Our aim in to sign the agreement on association with Europe by the end of 2006. " Cetinje, 22 May 2006 6. Wide of Montenegrin flags being waved in Cetinje, the separatist stronghold 7. Close-up of man with Montenegrin cap 8. Wide of crowd with flags 9. Photo of Djukanovic being held up Belgrade, 23 May 2005 10. Foreign ministry building 11. Serbia-Montenegro Foreign Minister Vuk Draskovic and European Union envoy Miroslav Lajcak along towards microphones 12. SOUNDBITE: (Serbian) Vuk Draskovic, Serbia-Montenegro Foreign Minister: "In line with those preliminary results, I would like to use this opportunity to offer preliminary congratulations to the people of Montenegro on their democratic choice." 8. Various of media STORYLINE: Montenegro's Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, the architect of the tiny republic's move to European statehood, said on Tuesday, former ally Serbia should "face the new reality" and open talks on future ties with his new country. Montenegro's referendum commission on Tuesday released complete results of Sunday's independence referendum, confirming the republic's decision to secede from Serbia after 88 years of living as a joint state, and form a separate nation. "The referendum results, which could be predicted by any neutral and objective political analyst, have caught a part of political structures in Serbia off guard," Djukanovic told The Associated Press in an interview. "I assume they need some time to face the new reality," he added. The complete vote result, released on Tuesday, showed 55.5 percent of voters in favour of independence, just a half-percentage point - or 2,090 votes - over the 55-percent threshold needed to validate the referendum under rules set by the European Union. The close ties between Serbs and Montenegrins date back into history, with the two nations sharing the same religion, language and culture. Pro-independence Montenegrins say the big-brother grip of Serbia has stifled them and they want to restore the independent state that existed between 1878-1918. Serbia's pro-democracy president, Boris Tadic, said on Tuesday he recognised the results of the Montenegrin independence vote - as did Vuk Draskovic, Serbia-Montenegro's Foreign Minister. "In line with those preliminary results, I would like to use this opportunity to offer preliminary congratulations to the people of Montenegro on their democratic choice." Draskovic said. But Serbia's nationalist Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica, who actively campaigned against Montenegro's independence, stopped short of that, saying Belgrade will await the formal vote results after any complains by the pro-Serb bloc in Montenegro. You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/7334adb3965ad10901e0805b99a80fc9 Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork