Proceeding from the Centuries-long Tradition of Statehood and Independence, and International Recognition of the Principality of Montenegro at the Congress of Berlin on July 13, 1878,

Based on the freely expressed will of citizens through the Referendum of the State-legal Status of the Republic of Montenegro held on May 21, 2006, conducted in accordance with international standards, in co-operation with European Union,

Expressing its commitment to maintain and promote International Peace and Stability, and reiterating its readiness to respect the Principle of Territorial Integrity and Sovereignty of all States, seeking to settle all international disputes by peaceful means, promoting friendly relations and co-operation with all States on the basis of the Principle of Equality,

Based on the Decision on Proclamation of Independence of the Republic of Montenegro, and on art. 81 para. 2 of the Constitution of the Republic of Montenegro, The Parliament of the Republic of Montenegro adopted at its Session on June 3rd, 2006:

DECLARATION
OF THE INDEPENDENT REPUBLIC OF MONTENEGRO

1.— The Republic of Montenegro, Independent State with full international legal personality, will continue to develop as a civic, multiethnic, multicultural and multiconfessional society, founded on the respect and protection of Human Freedoms and Rights, Minority Rights, principles of Parliamentary Democracy, the rule of Law and market economy, which will be further enhanced by the promulgation of a new Constitution for the Republic of Montenegro,

2.— Proceeding from its restored Independence, the Republic of Montenegro:
a) Accepting the principles laid down in documents of the United Nations, Council of Europe, Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and other international organisations, shall initiate the process for gaining a full-fledged membership of the organisations,
b) Shall accept and adhere to the rights and the obligations that arise from the existing arrangements with European Union, United Nations, Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, as well as other international organisations in relation with Montenegro and which are in conformity with its legal order, providing full support to the operation of their agencies and representations on its territory,
c) Confirms, as its strategic priority, an accelerated integration into European Union, and is determined to continue to efficiently fulfil the conditions and requirements included in the Copenhagen criteria and the Stabilisation and Association Process,
d) Is firmly determined to join European and Euro Atlantic-NATO security organs and to continue to contribute to strengthening the regional stability and security,
e) Committed to further progress in the process of accession of the World Trade Organisation, stands ready to fulfil the obligations stemming from the membership of this organisation,
f) Shall continue and further the existing co-operation with the international financial in stitutions and start the procedure to regulate its membership as an Independent State,
g) Shall observe the Principles of the International Law, the decisions of the International Court of Justice and is determined to continue full co-operation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia at the Hague.

3.— The Republic of Montenegro shall establish and develop bilateral relations with the third States on the basis of Principles of International Law, accepting the rights and obligations stemming from existing arrangements and shall continue with active policy of good-neighbourly relations and regional co-operation.

4.— Reiterating its good faith, the Republic of Montenegro expresses particular interest and full readiness to address the existing mutual rights and obligations with the Republic of Serbia and develop good and friendly relations between the two states.

5.— The present Declaration shall be published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Montenegro.