Washington, 25 August 2000 (RFE/RL) -- Albanian Premier Ilir Meta says it is vital to continue support for the democratic government in Montenegro which is opposed to the regime of Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic. He said Montenegrins should refuse to give in to Milosevic but should also not provoke Serbian forces.
He said it is very important for the international community to closely follow developments in Montenegro in order to be prepared if Milosevic "were to provoke another conflict there as it looks."
He said if Milosevic eliminates democracy in Montenegro it would leave the "international community without a party in existing Yugoslavia for working for democracy, for peace, stability, and for regional cooperation."
Belgrade severed diplomatic ties with Tirana after Albania sided with NATO over Kosovo. Montenegrin Prime Minister Filip Vujanovic said in May that he wanted cooperation with Albania despite Belgrade's objections.
He said if Milosevic eliminates democracy in Montenegro it would leave the "international community without a party in existing Yugoslavia for working for democracy, for peace, stability, and for regional cooperation."
Belgrade severed diplomatic ties with Tirana after Albania sided with NATO over Kosovo. Montenegrin Prime Minister Filip Vujanovic said in May that he wanted cooperation with Albania despite Belgrade's objections.