Dubrovnik - Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic said yesterday the republic was closer than ever to calling a referendum on independence and urged the West to help avoid a military conflict with Serbia.
"Unfortunately, Belgrade's irresponsible behaviour brings us closer to that option [of calling a referendum] every day," Mr Djukanovic told reporters after meeting his counterparts from Croatia, Slovenia and the Czech Republic.
Western leaders have cautioned Montenegro against calling an independence referendum, fearful it could lead to a new conflict in the Balkans. However, Mr Djukanovic said the international community's "policies and honour" were at stake over Montenegro and called for Western help.