Yugoslav President Vojislav Kostunica's priority in 2001 will be to address the push for independence made by Serbia's federal partner Montenegro, he said in an interview published Saturday.
"It is a paradox that our state is recognized by the international community ... while one of its parts does not recognize it," Kostunica told the pro-government daily Politika.
He added: "Only when we establish whether the state exists or not will this state be able to continue improving and strengthening its position in the world."
Kostunica's statements came amid a dispute over a drive for independence by the tiny Yugoslav republic of Montenegro, which has called for a loose alliance with Serbia, with both partners to enjoy international recognition.
The Yugoslav president has insisted that talks over future ties between the two republics "include all the interests of the electorate," supporting the participation of representatives of all political forces in both republics.
"This is the only democratic procedure. Everything else would make a mockery of democracy and common political sense," Kostunica said in a clear reference to the independence-seeking Montenegrin leadership.
He insisted that Europe would "open all doors" if Yugoslavia were to remain together.
"If we separate in an ugly manner, the whole region will be jeopardized and I am sure that neither Europe nor the world will look favorably upon such a decision," Kostunica insisted.
Some analysts fear that tensions over the relations in the Yugoslav federation could lead to another violent conflict in the region.
"Nobody wants a potential fire, or fires on its threshold, and nobody wants border changes in the Balkans," Kostunica warned – BELGRADE (AFP)
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
