: Montenegro has let it be known what it will require if it is to remain a part of
the Yugoslav Federation. The demands are stiff and amount to defacto independence. They include:
@ Serbia and Montenegro are to be equal partners in the federation.
@ The Federal parliament will have a single chamber with equal numbers of members from each of the two Republics. Members of the Federal parliament will represent their republics, not cross-republic political parties.
@ A federal council of ministers may exist as Serbia wants, but its powers will be strictly defined and limited. The post of foreign minister is to rotate between the two republics in two-year terms.
@ Each republic can introduce its own currency. (Montenegro already uses the German Mark.)
@ The president of each republic is the commander-in-chief of all Army and police units in his republic.
@ Serbia will appoint the commander of the Army and Air Force, but Montenegro will appoint the commander of the Navy.
@ A state of war can be declared only if both republics agree to do so.
@ The Army must move toward an all-volunteer professional force. Conscripts will only have to serve for six months (training them for duty in reserve units) and must serve in their home republic.
@ Half of all ambassadorial posts must go to each Republic, and each Republic will have the right to establish its own embassy (at its own expense) in foreign countries if it wants to do so. --Stephen V Cole