Milo ?ukanovi? says he did not announce that Podgorica will recognize Kosovo’s independence. Several agencies today carried an interview ?ukanovi? gave to the Sarajevo-based Hajat television, but the chairman of the ruling Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) and Montenegro’s former president and prime minister this afternoon said that his comments were misinterpreted, and that he advocates steps that would lead to the region’s stability.

“We have chosen to be a part of the European Union, and will have to honor its decisions. Naturally, Montenegro is not taking the role of the leader when it comes to Kosovo’s independence,” FoNet news agency quoted ?ukanovi? earlier today.“But, in the end, we will recognize Kosovo’s independence just as other regional countries will,” ?ukanovi? reportedly added.

Asked about the second round of presidential elections in Serbia, ?ukanovi? said he hoped that Serbia will take a pro-European path.

As for the good election result of the Radicals’ candidate, Tomislav Nikoli?, considered an ultra-nationalist who would lead the country to renewed isolation, the Montenegrin leader said this was in part down to Prime Minister Vojislav Koštunica and President Boris Tadi?’s actions.

“They created a space for Nikoli? with their clumsy policies, especially regarding [Serbia’s]national interests,” he said.

“Everything tells us Serbia ought to be the engine to take the region forward and toward Europe. However, due to some well-known issues from the recent past, it is now the last carriage in that train,” ?ukanovi? was blunt.

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