Serbia and Montenegro
Serbia and Montenegro, the two republics still left in the old Yugoslav federation, agreed in 2002 to scrap remnants of the ex-communist state and create a new, looser union of Serbia and Montenegro; this formally came into existence in early 2003. The constitution gave the Union of Serbia and Montenegro a federal presidency and federal defense and foreign ministries, but the two republics were semi-independent states in charge of their own economies and with their own legislation.
The EU-brokered deal forming the union was intended to stabilize the region by settling Montenegrin demands for independence and preventing further changes to Balkan borders. The deal stipulated that after three years the two republics could hold referendums on whether to preserve the union or scrap it.
Montenegro went ahead with a referendum in May 2006. Just over 55% of the population voted for independence. The first formal step in reviving Montenegro's statehood will involve convening parliament in Podgorica to proclaim the country's independence. Once the pro-independence vote is confirmed, Montenegro will be seeking recognition from the EU and its member states. Serbia will become the successor-state to the former Yugoslav federation – Serbia will inherit the union's seat at the United Nations and in other international institutions. Montenegro will have to apply for membership in international organizations once it has been granted recognition by other states. Serbia's successor status gives it some leverage in forthcoming negotiations in dividing the union's relatively few assets: the buildings housing the handful of joint institutions in Belgrade, diplomatic missions and army property. Serbia could also be a calming influence on disaffected opponents of independence. Belgrade can help their leader, Predrag Bulatovic, exercise restraint to prevent political turmoil turning into violence.
In another issue, while Kosovo is de facto an international protectorate, legally it is part of Serbia. Its status remains the subject of a bitter dispute between the Albanian majority, who seek independence, and the minority Serbs. Serbia inherits the union's legal claim to Kosovo – which is likely to harden Kosovo Albanians' resolve to be granted independence. Montenegro's hand will be strengthened in negotiations, as Serbia becomes landlocked and Montenegro holds access to the Adriatic Sea and the union's navy. One possible point of negotiation would be Montenegrins who want to continue using Serbia's hospitals, universities and other public services, given that Montenegro’s 650,000 inhabitants have limited choices of such facilities.
In 1998 violence flared in the autonomous province of Kosovo in Serbia. The Kosovo Liberation Army, supported by the majority ethnic Albanians, came out in open rebellion against Serbian rule. Nato launched air strikes in Kosovo and Serbia in March 1999. An exodus of ethnic Albanians to neighboring countries gathered pace. The UN took over administration of the region after Serbian forces had been driven out. Several years later, in November 2005, UN-sponsored talks on the future status of Kosovo got under way.
Operation Allied Force was suspended 78 days later on June 10, 1999 after Serbian troops began withdrawing from Kosovo. A formal peace settlement was reached the same day which called for the withdrawal of Serbian and Yugoslav troops, the demilitarization of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) and other armed Kosovo Albanian groups, and the deployment in Kosovo, under United Nations auspices, of an international civil and security presence. As part of this presence, Russian forces and NATO troops under Operation Joint Guardian entered Kosovo.
The status of Kosovo remains as it has been since June 1999, when it was placed under the administrative control of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). NATO’s Kosovo Force (KFOR) continues to be deployed across all of Kosovo.
The union parliament of Serbia and Montenegro chose Svetozar Marovic, a Montenegrin, as the country's first president in March 2003. He was the only candidate. Montenegrin Prime Minister Djukanovic heads a council of ministers with responsibility for defense, foreign affairs, economic affairs and human rights.
Boris Tadic, leader of the Democratic Party (DS) was elected Serbian president in June 2004, defeating his nationalist rival Tomislav Nikolic of the Serbian Radical Party in a run-off. Tadic is a supporter of the free market, pro-European reforms and Nato membership. He has called on Serbs to turn their backs on the nationalism of the past and to understand that only the European route will bring lasting improvements to their lives. He has pledged full cooperation with The Hague tribunal, and to capture war crimes suspects Ratko Mladic and Radovan Karadzic.
Vojislav Kostunica became prime minister in spring 2004. Kostunica is generally regarded as a moderate nationalist. He was Milosevic's successor as Yugoslav president. His government has faced criticism for failing to hand over warcrimes suspects to the Hague tribunal. He has promised to implement anticorruption measures and to work towards EU membership.
Filip Vujanovic, a pro-independence candidate and ally of Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, finally won the presidency at the third attempt in May 2003 after the minimum turnout rule had been abolished. PM Djukanovic’s allies won the Montenegrin general elections in October 2002. At the time, Djukanovic was president but gave up that job to take on the more important role of prime minister in the governing coalition. Djukanovic spearheaded the successful campaign for a "yes" vote in Montenegro's independence referendum in May 2006.
The security situation in southern Serbia has much improved as a result of the political process involving the Serbian authorities and the local Albanian minority. In January 2005, there were some large public demonstrations in the southern Serbian town of Presevo, following the shooting of a youth at the border with Macedonia. These demonstrations passed without incident. However, events in Kosovo continue to have an impact in the area; check local developments before setting out. For example, there were demonstrations in southern Serbia (and in the Serbian capital, Belgrade) in response to the violent clashes in Kosovo in March 2004. Avoid demonstrations and public gatherings. Tensions may rise with the beginning of the process to determine the final status of Kosovo. Certain marginal groups have issued threats against the international community.
In March 2004, a demonstration resulted in damage to and temporary closure of the U.S. Embassy. Anti-US sentiment tends to be highest surrounding the anniversary dates of the 1999 NATO bombing campaign or during times of unusually high tension in Kosovo (as was the case in March 2004). More recently, Serb victories in high-profile international sports events have triggered demonstrations. Most demonstrations have been peaceful or have seen low levels of violence.
There have been instances of armed individuals stopping vehicles traveling in west and central Kosovo. There have been no injuries, but a number of thefts have occurred. Over the past few months, there has been an increase in the number of burglaries and robberies against international staff working in Kosovo. Local people have also been targeted. Other recent incidents include explosive devices detonated against UNMIK Headquarters (in July 2005), and a number of explosive devices found under UNMIK cars in September/October 2005, at a political party headquarters (in April 2005) and at President Rugova’s car (in March 2005), although there were no fatalities in any of the cases. In March 2004 widespread inter-ethnic rioting occurred, resulting in 20 fatalities. Check local developments before setting out.
There are still residual mines and other unexploded ordnance in some areas of Kosovo and some areas of southern Serbia.
The Serbia and Montenegro government does not recognize entry points from Kosovo or those on Kosovo's external borders with Albania or Macedonia. In July 2005, new entry control measures came into force for Kosovo. You may now be required to provide documentary evidence (e.g., a letter of invitation giving a reason for your stay) to local authorities when entering Kosovo.
The main route between Pristina and Skopje has now reopened, but there remains an inherent risk of landslide.
In Serbia, there is a potential for hostility towards citizens of NATO member countries (particularly the UK and the US) by both government officials and ordinary Serbian citizens. Other hazards include damaged infrastructure and unexploded ordnance scattered throughout the country.
Local Belgrade nightclubs are becoming increasingly popular with foreign tourists. Patrons should be aware that these establishments can be crowded and may have lower standards for occupancy control and fire safety. Petty crime will also probably increase in such establishments.
