Belgrade, 9 April 2002 (RFE/RL) -- The Serbian parliament has approved an accord to replace federal Yugoslavia with a new country called "Serbia and Montenegro." The parliament today voted 146 to 79 in favor of the union accord, which was signed by the leaders of Yugoslavia, Serbia, and Montenegro on 14 March.
The parliaments of Yugoslavia and Montenegro must still ratify the accord before a commission can be set up to draft a constitution for the new state.
Montenegro's President Milo Djukanovic told EU officials yesterday that he is confident his parliament will soon ratify the accord.
The Yugoslav parliament has yet to convene to discuss the accord, which was brokered by the European Union and provides for the creation of a union of Serbia and Montenegro for at least three years.
The parliaments of Yugoslavia and Montenegro must still ratify the accord before a commission can be set up to draft a constitution for the new state.
Montenegro's President Milo Djukanovic told EU officials yesterday that he is confident his parliament will soon ratify the accord.
The Yugoslav parliament has yet to convene to discuss the accord, which was brokered by the European Union and provides for the creation of a union of Serbia and Montenegro for at least three years.