Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06ZAGREB665
2006-05-30 07:06:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Zagreb
Cable title:  

CROATIA WELCOMES MONTENEGRIN REFERENDUM RESULT

Tags:  PREL HR REGIONAL ISSUES 
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VZCZCXRO0672
RR RUEHAST
DE RUEHVB #0665 1500706
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 300706Z MAY 06
FM AMEMBASSY ZAGREB
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 6216
INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS ZAGREB 000665 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EUR/SCE: JMITCHELL, BBELL

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL HR REGIONAL ISSUES
SUBJECT: CROATIA WELCOMES MONTENEGRIN REFERENDUM RESULT


UNCLAS ZAGREB 000665

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EUR/SCE: JMITCHELL, BBELL

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL HR REGIONAL ISSUES
SUBJECT: CROATIA WELCOMES MONTENEGRIN REFERENDUM RESULT



1. (U) The initial reaction of GOC officials toward the
Montenegrin independence referendum, as reported by the
press, has been generally positive. In a May 25
Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Ivo Sanader issued a
statement in support of the outcome of Montenegro's
Referendum on Independence. The statement assessed
that the voting process was free and fair, and that the
outcome was an honest reflection of the majority of
Montenegrin citizens. The Croatian Prime Minister also
added, "We will be among the first to recognize
Montenegro, together with the European Union." Sanader
added that he supports regional integration and
stability, and integration of the region into the whole
of Europe.


2. (U) The GOC statement also welcomed Montenegrin
Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic's previously-offered
apology for war-time attacks on Dubrovnik as a step
towards overcoming lingering negative feelings about
Montenegro's role in some of the more notorious events
of the recent past. However, the statement noted
recognition of an independent Montenegro can only be
given provided it fully renounces its role in Serbia's
aggression towards Croatia in the 1990s. Some media
commentary notes expresses concern that Serbia will
inherit all responsibility for war crimes committed
until Montenegro's 1999 pronounced neutrality and
separation from Milosevic.


3. (U) Sanader's statement also notes that:
-- the GOC intends to develop good neighborly relations
with Montenegro, calling for cooperation based on
"mutual respect and joint efforts in promoting peace in
this region" as a premise for regional integration;
-- further cooperation between Serbia and Montenegro in
this ongoing process is considered elemental in its
success, and should be done in accordance with all
democratic standards;
-- the GOC is optimistic that as a result of the
referendum, Serbia will improve its own social and
economic situation, as well as experience better
integration in the regional and international
community; and
-- the GOC welcomed the role of the European Union in
implementing the referendum, as affirming its role in
the stabilization of the region and the maintenance of
good relations between the states of former Yugoslavia.


4. (U) According to press reports, Croatian President
Stjepan Mesic also sent a personal message to Serbian
President Boris Tadic following the referendum, noting
developments in southeast Europe and Croatia-Serbia
relations in particular.


FRANK