Press Release (2006)057 22 May 2006

Statement by the NATO Secretary General on the Montenegrin referendum On behalf of NATO, I congratulate the Montenegrin authorities and the Montenegrin people for having held a free, fair and orderly referendum. The OSCE has concluded that the results reflect the will of the people, according to the agreed guidelines of the referendum. Because of this assessment, and because the high voter turnout lends full legitimacy to the result, NATO recognizes the outcome. NATO invites all political parties and citizens to respect the outcome of the referendum. The governments in Belgrade and Podgorica must now begin discussing the many bilateral issues that require resolution. The Alliance looks forward to continuing good relations with both Governments.

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