Montenegrin opposition warns of massive protests if Podgorica recognizes Kosovo
The Montenegrin opposition – made up largely of parties representing the Serb community – has warned the government in Podgorica of massive protests if it decides to recognize the unilateral independence of Kosovo.
(KosovoCompromise Staff) Monday, July 21, 2008
The leader of the Serb People's Party Andrija Mandic has warned the Montenegrin government to make a serious assessment of the risks involved for a multinational Montenegro with the possible recognition of Kosovo's independence.
He said that Montenegro can expect mass protests should the government recognize Kosovo's independence, emphasizing his party will take the responsibility to convey the people's dissatisfaction.
"Montenegro would suffer shame in front of herself, her ancestors and children, and also in front of Serbia", unless Kosovo's recognition is obstructed, Mandic said.
The president of the Democratic Serb Party Ranko Kadic the Montenegrin government's fear of the people's reaction was the most important factor delaying the promised recognition of Kosovo's independence.
"The people will never accept that," Kadic warned.
Serbs represent one third of the population of Montenegro.
Meanwhile, the Albanian Alternative leader and Montenegrin MP Vasel Sinistaj said on Sunday that he expects Podgorica to recognize Kosovo as a part of "the third round" of countries to do so, and mentioned a timeframe for this: from August 5 to 15.
