Albanian parliament delays recognition of Montenegro's independence

The Albanian parliament on Friday postponed its approval of the country's recognition of Montenegro's independence until Monday.

Parliament Speaker Jozefina Topalli said the parliament could not ratify the government's recognition because the opposition boycotted the parliamentary session in protest against the expulsion of an opposition deputy from attendance.

Topalli said the parliament's endorsement could be put off until next Monday when the parliament meets again.

A government press release said on Tuesday that Albania had officially recognized the independence of Montenegro and hoped the parliament to ratify the recognition within this week.

Montenegro declared independence from the state union with Serbia on June 3, after its citizens supported the split move by a slim margin in a referendum on May 21.

Source: Xinhua