Ana Paula Marra
Reporter - Agência Brasil

Brasília - In a message directed to the minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Montenegro, Miodrag Vlahovic, the Brazilian government recognized the Eastern European nation's independence.

In the message, sent last Wednesday (14) by the minister of Foreign Relations, Celso Amorim, the government communicates "Brazil's recognition of the independence of the Republic of Montenegro, as well as its intention to initiate, at the proper moment, the process of establishing diplomatic relations." The independence of Montenegro was recognized after the majority of electors voted in favor of its separation from Serbia in a plebiscite held on May 21.

The separation of the two republics constitutes the definitive disintegration of the former Yugoslavia. Serbia and Montenegro formed a single State for approximately three years, from 2003 to 2006.

Translation: David Silberstein