Podgorica, 7 July 2000 (RFE/RL) - Montenegro's parliament is due today to discuss changes to the Yugoslav constitution that put the small, western-leaning Yugoslav republic in an inferior position to larger Serbia. The Yugoslav parliament yesterday passed constitutional amendments that enable President Slobodan Milosevic to seek another term in office through a popular vote when his term expires next year.
Previously, the federal president was elected by parliament and limited to one term. The changes also call for the direct election of the upper chamber of the federal parliament. This bypasses Montenegro's parliament, which was responsible for electing half of the upper chamber. A statement from Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic said the fate of the Yugoslav federation was now in question. He said Montenegro would protect itself, but gave no details.