I personally, have the greatest respect for the number of Montenegrin citizens who turned out to vote in the referendum; a sentiment I am certain is shared by deputies to the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia. Fundamental democratic principles were thus preserved, and I extend my congratulations to all Montenegrin citizens on the result.

I feel obliged to reiterate that Serbia has never, in this century, imposed government systems on Montenegro, and I believe it will not do so in the future; however, I also feel compelled to remind that Serbia, as a democratic nation, must continue doing what it has done in the past, namely, at the same time to

a) protect the rights and interests of all of its citizens formally or originally nationals of Montenegro, and

b) monitor and assist the exercise and protection of rights of ethnic Serbs who are Montenegrin citizens.

Democratic Serbia has so far never disputed historic Montenegrin nationhood. It may be that the results of the referendum, if accepted by all Montenegrin citizens, will make it easier for citizens and institutions of both nations to become aware of their differences more quickly, and make it possible for them to create true unity by building on their similarities responsibly, and thus facilitate and ensure the future protection of personal and collective rights before both countries inevitably join broader integrations.

I am certain that over the coming months the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, as the highest legislative and constitutional body of government, will act responsibly and consensually to ensure stability, enhance solidarity, and enable the establishment, and respect and protection for standards for our citizens and the future of our nation.