However, if Serbia does not concur "Montenegro, in order to keep hitherto achieved results will have to choose a different direction". Or independence. Then, he sent a message to NATO and international community: be careful not to stifle the signals coming from Belgrade. Peace should happen soon.
President Djukanovic, a few hours ago, NATO bombs hit Podgorica. Your reaction?
That was a catastrophic mistake. We are punished, although we haven't sinned. We cooperated with Europe with the goal of stabilizing the situation in the Balkans. We do not deserve to be bombed. that was a very bad move by the International Community.
The attempt to solve the conflict with Yugoslavia with bombs reveals the impotence of diplomacy and the policy of dialog. The dramatic problems in Kosovo will never be solved by bombardment.
What do you propose, then?
I repeat my appeal: urgent halt to bombardment in all of Yugoslavia. Milosevic is an autocrat in conflict with the whole world. However, NATO's spite is no better than Milosevic's spite. As I recall, the International Community has for years treated Milosevic as its only partner in those region. Now they want to get rid of him. But, that cannot be brought about with the destruction of individual property and human lives. I am an optimist. peace is near, and its outline can already be discerned. I would even say that peace is imminent. This will all end in at most ten days.
What makes you so confident?
There is peace at the end of every war. Furthermore, the Serbian ,and so-called Yugoslav governments have announced a cease-fire. NATO has already rejected their proposal as insufficient. However, for me, it is important that in Belgrade someone has begun to think about peace. Every peace proposal should be received with political and diplomatic wisdom. It should not be stifled, because every peace proposal will bear some fruit.
Are you afraid of Milosevic inspired coup in Montenegro?
As long as he is in power, Milosevic will not cease attempts to violently overthrow the authorities in Montenegro. He feels threatened by our democracy. he wants to eliminate that threat. However, we will not allow them to do that. A coup? We do not fear that. There are state and democratic institutions which will protect us and I have their support. Montenegro will defend the state and democracy. I warn those who would like to destroy our democratic achievements: Do not do that! We have enough strength to convince you that you are wrong. We have the police and a democratic movement of citizens who love their freedom.
Montenegro is now thinking about its independence?
Eight years ago, a majority of Montenegrin citizens in a referendum decided to remain in the Yugoslav Federation. We respect that fact and I do not believe that the global mood has changed in the meantime. We are convinced that we can live well in a community with Serbia. I believe that the common interests are stronger than the mistakes made in the past. I am even convinced that we will be able to integrate not only Montenegro, but the whole of the Yugoslav Federation in the International Community.
Therefore, you predict peace without Milosevic?
I believe in peace under any circumstances. With or without Milosevic. however, if there is a peace, it will become clear that Milosevic cannot lead Serbia, nor Yugoslavia to the future. Europe has enormous responsibility to help renewed Yugoslavia to become an integral part of Europe.
What if none of that takes place?
If Milosevic does not respect our rights, Montenegro will find a different path.
Independence?
Montenegro has for years been an autonomous state, and will remain so in the future. Either alone, independent, or in the Yugoslav Federation. On the other hand, it will not be possible to always seek middle ground between our democracy and Milosevic's autocracy. However, we intend to continue to live together with Serbia, although now Milosevic has shut us in an international cage. The bombardment of Montenegro has increased Milosevic's support among Montenegrins.
Do you fear such possibilities?
It is not necessary to be incredibly smart to realize that it is difficult to talk about reforms and democracy under bombs, and that it is easy for Milosevic to manipulate the dissatisfaction provoked by the bombardment. However, I am not concerned because of the current events. My policy will triumph in the end, while Milosevic will fail.