JURIST - Paper Chase: Referendum commission confirms Montenegro vote for independence from Serbia

[JURIST] Montenegro's referendum commission [official website] Wednesday officially confirmed [press release] the results of the country's May 21 referendum on independence from Serbia [JURIST report], verifying that 55.5% of the population of Montenegro voting had voted in favor. Because voters met the controversial threshold requirement of 55% approval set by the EU [JURIST report], the referendum will be incorporated into a declaration of independence during a special parliamentary session scheduled for today. Sources suggest that the declaration will be made official on Saturday.

In response to the announcement, the government of Serbia declared [press release] that Serbia is the legal and political successor of Serbia-Montenegro, and that the government and parliament of Serbia itself will soon adopt a new constitution [press release]. EU High Representative Javier Solana on Monday said [press release] that the EU endorses Montenegrin independence, and the US ambassador to Montenegro and Serbia has also announced US support for Montenegro's push for independence [press release], and has congratulated Montenegro on the peaceful referendum process. Reuters has more.

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