For Whom the Bells Toll
Celebrators waving Montenegrin and Albanian flag.
Even though the votes haven't been entirely counted yet, some Montenegrins are already celebrating independence from Serbia. Mass media was all too quick to announce a "narrow victory" (around 55% of the votes) of Montenegro's pro-independence block, and eager to report jubilation in the streets of Montenegro's cities, people shooting up in the air and a slogan 'E viva Montenegro' scanted by the mob in Montenegro's capital, Podgorica -- the same slogan was last time shouted during occupation of Montenegro by Nazi Italy. BBC has even managed to dig out a Croatian "Balkan analyst" from somewhere, who used her two minutes on BBC World News to string all the keywords necessary for a gratuitous block of anti-Serb bashing. Following the well rehearsed scenario, the EU suspended negotiations with Serbia only few weeks before the vote was due, providing additional ammunition for secessionist block when it was most needed.
The tiny republic with a population of a medium size city (around 600,000), with virtually no industry and heavily relying upon Serbia in every regard: jobs, tourists, industry, trade, army, even joint sports teams in world competitions, was being trained for this day during the past decade.
Montenegro's Great Leader, Milo Djukanovic, was on a verge of being indicted by the Hague for his role in the shelling of Dubrovnik, but the investigation was quickly dropped, along with Croatia's charges. He is also known as the Tobacco Smuggling King, closely connected to Italian and Albanian mafia trafficking drugs, arms, cigarettes and people. At one point, Milo Djukanovic was investigated by the Italian police and threatened to be charged along with the other smugglers and criminals, but that obstacle to his unquestionable rule was also efficiently removed. There are reports that out of 200 cars Montenegro's government officials are being driven around in, only 5 vehicles are legally obtained, bought and paid for, and have the proper papers. In such a climate where crime is the only viable "industry", it is no wonder many have concluded Milo Djukanovic presides over a Smuggling Enterprise, rather than a government.
Despite everything, Montenegro was financed by Germany and European Union to replace Yugoslavia's currency -- dinar -- with Deutsche Marks, and than with euros. Around the same time, Montenegro's pro-European leaders and their Western trainees started propping up an obscure defrocked "priest" to establish the Montenegrin "church" that would create a schism within Serbian Orthodox Church and divide Montenegrins even further. Anyone who knows the first thing about Eastern Orthodox Church, knows that in order for a church to be accepted as canonical it has to be recognized by other Sister Churches and in Communion with them. Montenegro "church" is neither recognized by any canonical Orthodox Church, nor in Holy Communion with them. It is a political organization, established to divide and spread animosity between Montenegrins and Serbs. The final straw that brought much ridicule to Montenegro and was equated with a full-fledged farce, was a decree by Montenegro's Academy of Science and Arts proclaiming that Montenegrins do not speak Serbian, but a "Montenegrin language" (which just happens to be exactly the same as Serbian).
The preparations for the referendum were marred by a scandal that was quickly swept under the carpet: a documentary that showed Montenegro's officials paying secret visits to voters who were expected to vote against secession from Serbia. Stubborn pro-union Montenegrins were being promised monthly pay checks, paid off mortgages, new cars, bills and debts taken care of, in some cases in return for their ID cards, to make sure they can't take part in the referendum. In view how the last such referendum, held in 2001 in Montenegro abysmally failed even after the consistent reports of serious irregularities, bribery and paying for votes in the latest attempt at secession should come as no surprise.
Many of the rules set for the referendum were also hotly disputed. One of them was that not one of around 300,000 Montenegrins living and working in Serbia were allowed to cast their vote for or against independence. The fact some 150 charter flights were organized for Montenegrins living in States, Western Europe and around the world -- anywhere BUT Serbia -- to enable them to arrive in time to Podgorica and cast their vote, made this decision even more incomprehensible.
Another important point, made by an actual Balkan analyst, Diana Johnstone, is something the celebrating part of Montenegro should take note of. Speaking about Montenegro's referendum she says:
Of course this is not affecting Serbia only but also Montenegro. They [western media, Milo Djukanovic and his America/western lobbyists et al.] are saying, 'Look Serbia is terrible, Serbia is a pariah. If you are attached to Serbia you are not going anywhere.' So this is a way of pushing people in Montenegro to vote for independence of Montenegro, which will, in my view, put people of Montenegro in great danger. Many of the votes in favor of Montenegrin independence will come from ethnic minorities, particularly Albanians who have a project to attach Montenegro, which is very small, to Albania or to Kosovo and to turn Montenegrins into a minority in an Albanian controlled entity. So, the voices are saying 'Albania is good - Serbia is bad!' Leading to the conclusion that 'Montenegrins are better off with Albanians then with the Serbs', which is very strange.
Indeed, a number of Montenegro cities and towns are entirely Albanian, and it shouldn't come as a surprise if, a decade or so down the road, next generation of Montenegro's Academia proclaims Montenegrins, in fact, speak Albanian. Only this time it won't be funny.