Montenegro celebrates 5th anniversary of independence

Montenegro marked its fifth anniversary of independence on Saturday, celebrating the results of a referendum which led to its peaceful secession from a common state with Serbia in 2006, reported Radio Television Serbia.

Amid the Independence Day fireworks and celebrations throughout this small Balkan state of 620,000, the main event was a reception in its medieval capital of Cetinje. On the eve of the official holiday, Prime Minister Igor Luksic hosted a reception for foreign and domestic guests.

Since its independence, Montenegro has managed to become a candidate for EU membership. Nonetheless, its economy was hard hit by the global recession in 2008, and critics point to the country' s inability to address endemic corruption and organized crime.

The referendum on Montenegro's independence was held on May 21, 2006, with 55.5 percent voting in favor of national sovereignty and 44.5 percent against. On June 3 of the same year, Montenegro formally declared its independence.

Source: Xinhua

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