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Mediterranean Politics | Turkey-Balkans Montenegro: The Difficult Rebirth of a Mediterranean State

Jean-Arnault Dérens, After signing the Dayton Peace Agreement in December Editor in Chief 1995, Milo Djukanovic began a process of progressive Courrier des Balkans, Arcueil distancing. He began to approach the West as well Panorama as Montenegrin separatist movements headed by the Liberal Alliance of Montenegro (LSCG). In the summer With Montenegro’s independence resulting from a of 1996, the final rupture came with the break-up of referendum held on 21st May 2006, Europe and the the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), successor

Mediterranean Basin gained a new State. In reality, of the former Communists League. Milo Djukanovic 2007 it is the rebirth of a State, since the full independence and his followers kept control of the party, obliging Med. of the small mountain principality had been Momir Bulatovic to create a new party, the Socialist recognised at the Congress of Berlin in 1878. People’s Party (SNP). At the presidential elections of Montenegro was admitted to the League of Nations autumn 1996, Milo Djukanovic defeated his rival. in 1918, despite its annexation that same year The subsequent years, particularly marked by the into the new Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Kosovo crisis and NATO bombings in the spring of Slovenes. Within the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, 1999 – which did not spare Montenegro – accentuated 189 Montenegro had enjoyed near independence for this political evolution. Milo Djukanovic posed as an many years. Faced with serious environmental advocate of Montenegrin ‘sovereignty,’ even if he had challenges and the weight of organised crime, this not yet uttered the word independence. small country with a surface area of 13,000 square Milo Djukanovic managed to assert himself as a privileged kilometres and 672,000 inhabitants must now reinvent spokesperson for Montenegro with the West, which its destiny. earned the small republic highly significant financial aid from the USA and the European Union. At the same time, he launched a process of reconciliation with The Long Road to Independence Montenegro’s neighbours, first and foremost with Croatia. Djukanovic cultivated the support of Montenegro’s The vote on 21st May closed a long process of national minorities. By receiving some 100,000 Albanians distancing between Montenegro and Serbia that expelled from Kosovo during the 1999 conflict, for had been underway for a decade. At the time of the instance, the Montenegrin government won the break-up of the Socialist Federal Republic of recognition and support of the Albanians in Montenegro. Yugoslavia, the leaders of the small southern republic Djukanovic likewise acted as a protector of other minority were followers of Slobodan Milosevic. They took power communities, namely, the Croat community of Boka as a consequence of the “Anti-Bureaucratic Revolution” Kotorska (Bay of Kotor) and the Muslim Slavs in the of 1988, orchestrated by the Belgrade leader. The north, alarmed by Serbian nationalism. two strong men of Montenegro, Momir Bulatovic and Milo Djukanovic, respectively President of the Republic and Prime Minister in the early 1990s, both Milo Djukanovic or the Art of Synthesis paraded on the Dubrovnik front, providing their support to the Montenegrin conscripts mobilised for the war Milo Djukanovic’s rallying to ‘pro-Montenegro’ postu- against Croatia. lates represented an unexpected turn with respect aac nlsES07:4Dossier13/9/0711:11Página190 ingles balance 5

190 Med. 2007 Panorama nteohrhn,cmie w oiia ie the – lines political two combines hand, other the on ‘Green’tradition, The tradition. Chetnik Orthodox the and the Church on based nationalism anti-communist Serbian, to related is tradition ‘White’ the Historically, next. the to village one from changing mosaic, complex constitute a Kotor at therefore allegiances tribal political orientationsBay, and particularly large coast, the a Along Montenegrins. of considered never Montenegro, and Serbs members as defined always northern are who the from tribes of Vasojevici, confederation the ‘White,’ primarily are are Podgorica as and Niksic of north the of clans The district, the ‘Green’ of from families are Parliament, of President Krivokapic, current Ranko the and Djukanovic Milo Both are clans Green. of majority the Cetinje, around Montenegro ‘Old In (or districts four society. clannish ( a Montenegro’ remains Tito. of Montenegro followers Communist the them the around of by rallied majority the supported though forces, initially occupying Italian were units Green Chetniks. Green War, Serbian These the World against Second fought detachments war, the civil during bloody a whereas to effective led The Montenegro of abdicated. annexation exile having in without died Antibes Nikola King in case, any In Dynasty. Royal remained hand, other Njegos Petrovic the independence national the and to party the on by Greens, contested The was Greens. an legitimacy Assembly, whose Podgorica the assembly by 1918 December in Slovenes, approved and Croats Serbs, of Kingdom new the into annexation Montenegro’s advocated Whites endvddit w ao oiia rdtos the traditions, political ( major ‘Greens’ two effectively into has divided Montenegro been 1918, Since family’s his tradition. with keeping in is evolution this political but his career, of start the at assumed had he positions to ihdrn h eidof sanctions period the during get rich to managed who profiteers and strata social educated urban as well as tradition Green the of components different the uniting successfully in consisted has Djukanovic Milo of skill political The Zelenasi tr raGora Crna Stara nahije Brda n h Wie’( ‘Whites’ the and ) htfre h er fhistoric of heart the formed that ) o Mutis)Rgo othe to Region ‘Mountains’) (or ausanahija. Katunska ,crepnigt the to corresponding ), Bjelasi .The ). h eba rhdxCuc n t oa metropolitan, with local its associated and Orthodox Church Serbian the is and discourse nationalist clearly a has movement ‘White’ The traditions. ideological two Djukanovic vacillate Milo opponents also between of The Dissent ‘Yugoslav’ or Serbian Albania. neighbouring with petrol in trafficking through rich got Podgorica, coastal near Tuzi, of Albanians the the whereas migrants, illegal with from of transport traffic particular illegal in Italy, of criminals control had Ulcinj of Albanian municipality the market.’ ‘grey Thus the of sectors specific groups different ‘granted’ and contraband, cigarette as such activities, trafficking large-scale certain in engaged directly regime was Djukanovic the period, this in During Montenegro 1990s. and the Serbia afflicted that period sanctions the of during rich get to managed who and profiteers strata social urban educated as well as minorities national of support the securing the while tradition, of Green components different in the consisted uniting has successfully Djukanovic Milo of of skill political Montenegro.’ ‘Old The and essentially monasteries Cetinje of remains region the and to influence limited its churches the but as the Montenegro, presented of Church, ‘usurper’ Orthodox of Serbian legitimacy the the contests which Church, Autocephalous Orthodox Montenegrin a of 1993 in ‘rebirth’ the same the By Ages. Middle ‘pro-sovereignty’movements certain token, High behind were the of ethnic the Croats’ of an ‘Red descendents the suppose be the thus Serbs: to would the Montenegrins as of that far to different as origin go Montenegrin 1990s, the in Zagreb in in exiled Brkovic, Jevrem writer, represented the particular by movements, Green radical most The Nation. Serbian the from different Nation Montenegrin distinct a recognised Tito that forget The never will Greens communists. the and monarchists Montenegrin aoiycommunity the majority with them allied project that political a around country rallied a of minorities ethnic the the history, in recent region’s time first the for minorities. Hence, ethnic of support the without however, reached, have been not could results final The aac nlsES07:4Dossier13/9/0711:11Página191 ingles balance 5 he uiiaiiswr h ky’t referendum to ‘keys’ the were municipalities Three Divided Yet as Society A it. advocating to while akin was independence Montenegrin as against registering was ‘voting’ Serb to oneself case equivalent declaring the expression: been political of form often a became census has the history, Balkan As throughout (41%). population entire country’s the to relation in majority weak rather declare a comprised only to ‘Montenegrins’ the conditions, individuals these convince ‘Montenegrins.’Under longer to themselves no ‘Serbs’and launched had campaign Church Serbian a the as well as are would parties unionist individuals and they fit, see they fact, ethnicity as their declare whereas In to free 30%. 1991, comprise in henceforth population the of 10% represented Serbs The modified. wholly census 2003. this from emerged of Montenegro of structure census ethnic process The the This during vision. culmination was its Serbian reached exclusively opposition an to unionist to rally nostalgia the Yugoslav from away time, turning increasingly same the At 2004. Montenegro,” February and 4th on Serbia proclaimed of “Union provisional the by the Yugoslavia of through Republic Federal the independence of Union replacement said defer then European to The managed leaders independence. advocating Montenegrin in explicitly discourse, ‘pro-sovereignty’ 2000. their audience radicalised the of an after Montenegro for summer from away patiently who turned Podgorica waiting Diplomats West. been losing the for accept had not interest could strategic into and all pouring irritation aid with other Serbia and the subsidies Vojislav viewed international Montenegro and atrocious. Djukanovic were Kostunica Milo between deteriorate. to Relations cease not did Montenegro and Serbia relations between 2000), (October Milosevic’s saw fall After who unity. such State of champion a joint as Milosevic Slobodan a of advocates ‘Yugoslavia,’ in addition In these 1995. Chetnikto since movements, hiding there were also firm believers in been has and Hague The in (ICC) of Court International Criminal guilty the found by was crimes who Serbs, Bosnian the of leader Montenegrinat hospitality monasteries Radovan offered Karadzic, to former have to reputed also was Amfilohije Montenegrin repeatedly ascent, who of protected Arkan, Mgr. militia, him. Serbian the of chief the with had ties Amfilohije strong Mgr. politician. a much very Amfilohije, ietlglipc ntesau fKsv ron or Kosovo of status no the has on Montenegro impact of legal case or direct The other Yugoslavia Union. the former Soviet of did the part as comprising 1991, in republics Committee Badinter the by Arbitration recognised secede, to right such, the As had a Yugoslavia. it socialist was of any republic Montenegro federated represent whatsoever. not precedent’ does mind ‘legal independence in keep this to that serious point is Another most now. region years Balkan the fifteen the for in certain nationalism represented ethnic the of has as on refutation Quite it believe. spasm,’ one contrary, have of would ‘proliferation’ States, ‘nationalist the new by concerned new commentators, a anything but is independence Montenegro’s minorities. Therefore, ethnic its of support withoutthe State a as exist cannot Montenegro – bet their won They Montenegro. civic multi-ethnic, a of of idea the championed proponents however, The independence, Albanians. Montenegrin by project only mono-ethnic a advocated is Kosovo of the independence the supported and State Macedonian never independent an for Macedonia project country, of the in Albanians minority the Serbian the on of majority exclusion based the the was with a independence them Croatian around allied community. rallied that country project a of political minorities history, recent ethnic region’s the the in time first the for Hence, 1.5% and sense’ ethnic Croats. an in ‘Muslims others at and ‘Bosnian’ themselves call times at who Montenegrins Muslim 13% Albanians, 7% country’s the – minorities ethnic of support have the not country without could however, the reached, results been final of The favour. sector in northern 91% voted the in Muslim ‘Bosnian’ enclave a Rozaje, Slav and favour in 88% voted city, coastal Albanian primarily a Ulcinj, municipalities: pro- ever other this two yet by surpassed kingdom, was separation, independence stronghold of the favour of in 85% capital voted former the Cetinje, results. minorities ethnic its of support without the State a as exist cannot Montenegro – bet their won They Montenegro. multi- civic ethnic, a of idea the championed however, independence, Montenegrin of proponents The

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192 Med. 2007 Panorama h anivsosaeRsin hc oe other poses which Russian, problems. are investors been main the has In years. few which configuration, economic and political past new country’s the the industry, for explosion an tourist experiencing the sectors, other in primarily reinvested is 1990s capital the while in State, acquired racketeering small a as image its reverse to attempting thus the is Montenegro Albania Kosovo. of and with behalf trafficking arms on particular tolerance in of authorities, degree high continue a enjoy activities to trafficking other mafia if with even broken activities, partially has the Montenegro and of decreasing State rapidly is DPS. contraband only the Cigarette of retaining President state, as of position his head as responsibilities relinquished his he USA. moreover, 2006, September the 10th of elections and the After future. legal his about concerned be Germany to seem not does leader Switzerland, Montenegro’s Nevertheless, in but Italy, in also only Milo not court instituted in now, proceedings appear various for years in to five summoned survival’ been For of has time. Djukanovic ‘question the a at was Montenegro it that have explaining Djukanovic contraband, such under in participation their acknowledged circles in government Those embargoes. high and sanctions international in of leaders years the Montenegrin to back goes contraband of cigarette European involvement the direct – haven. racketeering image The a poor considered very is the country a to small has also Montenegro but that consequences, regional fact of fear a to on only referendum not ascribed, the be in can attitude majority This independence. a for votes the of 55% requiring system electoral an imposing by particular in in everything Montenegro, did of independence the Union prevent to European power its the that clear is It Crime Organised Combating of Challenge The Bosnia of Republic) Herzegovina. (Serb and Srpska Republika the rmrl h ors industry tourist the primarily sectors, other in is reinvested 1990s the in acquired capital small while a State, as racketeering image its reverse to attempting thus is Montenegro opoettecatie tteTvtArot regular Airport, Tivat the At law coastline. specific the no protect is to there and violated are planning regulations urban all which in construction unbridled by characterised coast the generalised along sprawl a new urban is of growth building there worse, continually matters are make To and ones. Ulcinj to Kotor towns the of from hotels major country’s the all own now who businessmen, Russian to is off with coast sold being Montenegrin currently fraught the while therefore risks, are environmental projects energy These situation. risky Montenegrin highly the a put in will capital of plant power specialists upriver this all that region, River, agree seismic Moraca highly the a on In Podgorica. way under well the is over resurfaced project plant power has another whereas it months, few but past project, the up give to government the in forced protest canyon citizen largest Strong Europe. the Canyon, Tara the flooded have would Monte- dam between The Srpska. Republika border Bosnia’s new and the the negro a at of Rivers, confluence build Piva the and to Tara at proposed plant was power hydroelectric project a 2004, In build plants. to power Montenegro hydraulic pressing more is who and plant Pljevlja, power thermoelectric of the and purchased mines 2006, lignite of the autumn in who Deripaska, for Oleg enough not was country’s This consumption. the energy overall of half company’s nearly the represents guaranteed whereas consumption KAP, already for has rates preferential government The energy chronic deficit. a from suffers countries, Balkan the of at electricity obtain can Nevertheless, price. remainder low it Montenegro, the a as if profitable be could KAP electrolysis. of process the for particular amounts electricity, in of huge requires aluminium of in production The company important most the Montenegro. far by Aluminium (KAP), the Podgorica Plant in the influential out bought very Rusal is Kremlin. who Group oligarch in Rusal Russian the is, a of and owner Montenegro the in Deripaska, Oleg investor fact, foreign primary the The and Development of Environment Challenges The ml Montenegro small developing for resource major a represent could administration proper under tourism theory, In aac nlsES07:4Dossier13/9/0711:11Página193 ingles balance 5 ersn ao eorefrdvlpn small developing for resource major a could administration represent proper under tourism theory, In dangerously accelerating. environmental resources is natural the of pillage and coherent out sketched been no even has as policy protection formula, simply empty is stipulation an this but State,” ecological “an as Montenegro defined 1992 in Constitution adopted The in capital natural time. short its a squandering of risk the running the to origin, Russian of essentially surrendering money, easy of temptation is Montenegro multiplying. Saint-Petersburg are and Moscow to flights charter and 44%o h oeswn otepls hc si iewt hs who those with line in is which polls, the to went voters the of 54.48% and issues nationalistic by dominated the rhetoric. was campaign mentioned, democratic the of just conduct and the elections limitations for basis presidency sound constitutional Serb a provided a the legislation a for election vote either for only to can Save candidate voters presidential RS member. and of Croat, choice a their or in Bosniak limited are BiH and Federation of peoples”— the State in registered “constituent standing Voters presidencies. (RS) from three Srpska of barred the Republic effectively of Serb—are one Croat, Bosniak, as themselves do who identify Citizens suffrage. European equal not and the universal made for Europe of commitments of the Council violation as the well to in as were (ECHR) Rights elections Human of these Convention office, for democratic stand right the to for to limitations ethnicity-based constitutional standards regretted, to due (IEOM) that, international however, Mission Observation with Election line International elections. can in that manner a considered in conducted were be elections These law. democracy of of rule consolidation the and the in improvement authorities further BiH the represented by administered and fully be to Herzegovina. elections and first the Bosnia were in They held were elections general October 1st The LCIN NBSI.FRTEETOSWTOTITRAINLINTERVENTION INTERNATIONAL WITHOUT ELECTIONS FIRST BOSNIA. IN ELECTIONS www.oscebih.org/documents/6465-eng.pdf Information: Further For procedural to due out. 1990 pointed OSCE observers were the Document of the Copenhagen was infringements significant of which A no count, station. 26% However, the irregularities. polling by during correct noted negatively helpful their was assessed offered process locating the in committees of voters deterioration station the the at Polling to being for assistance station. or registered are polling they where wrong list to the due on away turned being were not voters either observed, stations noted polling was of it 55% However in voting. no that carousel were or there voting note, multiple positive a of On observations number. in ID signatures fill against and checked to secrecy, being in how not ballots to their marking as always explanation not voters proper ballots, a receiving not observed, were voters were problems especially voting Procedural observers. group by places day and many in election noted overcrowding during “very Voting although or cases. “good” smoothly, of as 92% proceeded assessed in observers was IEOM stations by polling good” the of opening The elections. previous the at voted A Balkans des Courrier Le information: further For road. obvious this taking is not it is Montenegro independent Unfortunately, that inland. farther regions mountain high and middle the and to Mediterranean south order the between in inequalities development the policy out planning smooth regional coherent a with combined be should rationalMontenegro. tourism Such NDRIJASEVIC ogrc,CC,2006. CICG, Podgorica, Gore, ik,SroR Serbo Zivko, http://balkans.courriers.info/ ASTODER , soiaCrne Istorija

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