The pro-Serbian opposition in Montenegro will hold a rally in the afternoon of October 13, to urge the government to withdraw its decision to recognize Kosovo's independence, or call a referendum on the issue.

Podgorica's decision to recognise Kosovo as an independent state has seriously disrupted relations between the ruling coalition and the opposition, which has also called for early parliamentary elections.

"We want to articulate the popular will on this issue", the president of the opposition Socialist Peoples Party Srdjan Milic said. He said most Montenegrins do not support the government's move to recognise Kosovo's independence.

Despite harsh language between the government and opposition over the weekend, local analysts expect the overall situation to remain calm, and both sides have called on their supporters to remain calm.

About a third of Montenegro's population declare themselves as Serbs, while ethnic Albanians make up around seven per cent of the population of this small coastal republic.

Montenegro's police chief, Veselin Veljovic, said that police were prepared to prevent any disturbances during the rally. "The organisers have been warned to respect their obligations and responsibilities regarding public order," he said.

Podgorica recognised Kosovo's independence on October 9, leading Belgrade to expel Montenegro's ambassador.

Montenegro's decision came just a day after the United Nations General Assembly voted in favor of Belgrade's request for the International Court of Justice to render an opinion on the legality of Kosovo's unilaterally declared independence in mid-February.

Source: BalkanInsight.com