PODGORICA, Serbia, May 19 (UPI) -- A massive pro-independence rally was held Friday in the capital of Montenegro ahead of Sunday's referendum on whether to split from Serbia.
An estimated 50,000 people gathered in the main square of Podgorica to listen to traditional Montenegrin songs and speeches from pro-secession politicians.
Montenegro, which lost independence almost 90 years ago, currently forms part of the state union of Serbia and Montenegro. A decision to break away from Serbia would be the final act in the dissolution of the former Yugoslavia.
The demonstrators, waving red and gold flags with the Montenegrin royal crest, heard messages from a series of public figures including Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, who has led the country's campaign for independence.
He said the whole world was looking to Montenegro and that the nation's destiny was in their hands. The country was facing a test of its maturity and that it would pass that test, he added, according to the BBC.
Montenegro, with less than 700,000 people, was the smallest republic of the former Yugoslavia. It has a proud culture and history, but one that is deeply intertwined with that of Serbia, a fact that has left Montenegrins divided over whether to opt for independence.
According to the 2003 census, 32 percent of the population identify themselves as ethnically Serb, while 43 percent are Montenegrins. Those who support independence are broadly speaking Montenegrins, who believe their country is being held back by its association with Serbia, particularly in its bid to become part of the European Union.
Opponents of independence tend to identify themselves as ethnic Serbs and believe the two peoples have religious and historical ties which overcome any divisions. Serbia itself is bitterly opposed to Montenegrin secession, which it fears will fuel the desire of Kosovo Albanians for independent statehood.
