PODGORICA (AFX) - Montenegro spent its first day as a sovereign state Sunday following a proclamation of independence that finally disbanded the last remnant of the former Yugoslav federation.
The parliament of the small Balkans republic late on Saturday adopted a statement declaring the Republic of Montenegro 'an independent state with full international and legal legitimacy within its existing borders.'
The proclamation effectively meant that the loose union of Serbia and Montenegro, neighbouring republics that have been together in various ways since 1918, ceased to exist.
Montenegro proclaimed independence after 55.5 pct of its voters supported separation from Serbia in a referendum on May 21.
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