SLOVAK diplomacy views Sunday's referendum on the independence of Montenegro as democratic, and, therefore, Slovakia respects the results of the vote, according to Slovak Foreign Affairs Minister Eduard Kukan.
"Slovakia respects the fact that the people of Montenegro have voted for independence in a democratically organized referendum," he said.
Kukan added that now it is important that the future development of this region be democratic and peaceful, with special attention paid to good relations between neighbouring countries, including Serbia, TASR wrote.
"This will be a test of the political forwardness of the future government of Montenegro, showing whether it will able to advance in a manner that will demonstrate that the creation of the new country will not threaten the stability of the Balkan region, which is Slovakia's main concern. This stability isn't only in the interests of the Balkan region, but also in those of Europe as a whole," said Kukan.
According to an official preliminary count, 55.4 percent of those who took part in the referendum voted in favour of Montenegro ending the union with Serbia, while 44.6 percent were against independence. The turnout was 86.3 percent.
Compiled by Martina Jurinová from press reports
