The Republic of Montenegro: the 192nd UN Member State

UN Chronicle, Sept-Nov, 2006 by Amy Pont

THE PEOPLE OF MONTENEGRO, within just two months, transformed their nation from creating a newly independent republic in a referendum in May 2006 to saluting a reinvented flag and becoming a full-fledged member of the United Nations. The country peacefully separated from the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro on 3 June 2006 and its people, in aspiring for UN membership, have since demonstrated their desire to actively and cooperatively support solving world issues.

On 22 June, the UN Security Council, in adopting unanimously resolution 1691 (2006), recommended the admittance of the Republic of Montenegro to the Organization. Six days later, on 28 June, the General Assembly declared and welcomed Montenegro as the 192nd Member State of the United Nations--the newest since Timor Leste's induction on 27 September 2002. The world witnessed a great leap forward for Montenegro in its desire to become an active member of the international community.

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On the same historic day, Montenegro proudly raised its flag into the sky alongside the national flags of the other 191 Member States. Its royal red flag, bearing its monarchial coat of arms, captures its pre-1918 history as an independent State. Over 80 years may have passed without an autonomous government, but the country's independence movement has forged ahead since the 2006 referendum, after which its Parliament proclaimed the triumphant result-a free Montenegro.

"The people of Montenegro demonstrated that adherence to democratic values and the rule of law offer the most effective way to achieve political goals. And they showed that even the most difficult and sensitive problems can be resolved peacefully", Secretary-General Kofi Annan stated at the flag-raising ceremony. "Montenegro may be small in size and population, but it has a significant role to play in maintaining stability in the region and in promoting good neighbourly relations and cooperation in the Western Balkans."