NATO, EU 'Respect' Montenegrin Independence

(RFE/RL) June 4, 2006 -- NATO and the European Union have said they respect Montenegro's declaration of independence.

NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said in a statement that the declaration follows a referendum in favor of Montenegro's separation from Serbia, which was "certified free and fair."

The EU said in a statement that it "fully respects" the decision of the people of Montenegro.

Montenegro's parliament officially declared the country's independence on June 3. It also identified integration in the EU and NATO as key priorities for the nation of some 650,000 people.

(AFP)