Clashes in Montenegro over Kosovo

A demonstration in Montenegro against the government’s decision to recognise Kosovo has turned violent.

At least 30 people, including ten police officers, were injured in the clashes in the Montenegrin capital, Podgorica.

The protest was called after the government voted last week to support Kosovo’s declaration of independence.

But opinion polls suggest that up to 80 percent of citizens in Montenegro oppose the move. The country has close relations with Serbia, even though a referendum in 2006 ended its loose union with Belgrade.

Many Montenegrins believe their country should support Serbia in its opposition to the secession of Kosovo, which declared independence in February but is seen by Serbs as their cultural heartland.

An estimated 10,000 people had gathered in Podgorica for the protest.

Pro-Serb opposition parties are demanding a referendum be held on the issue.

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