[JURIST] Serbian members of parliament declared Serbia [JURIST news archive] a sovereign nation Monday, two days after the parliament of Montenegro proclaimed its own independence [JURIST report] from the former Serbia-Montenegro union. The breakup marks the final dissolution of what remained of the post-WWII Federal Republic of Yugoslavia [Wikipedia backgrounder], now divided into six successor states (the others being Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, and Slovenia). As provided for in the constitution of Serbia-Montenegro [text], the parliament on Monday transferred the federation's international status [press release] to Serbia alone, which now holds the seats in the United Nations and other international bodies. The deputies also voted to resolve remaining disputes with Montenegro within 45 days. After the parliament session, the flag of Serbia-Montenegro was lowered and replaced with that of Serbia. Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica pledged to forge a new constitution [press release] for Serbia with the consensus of the various political parties.

Last month, voters in Montenegro narrowly approved a referendum [JURIST report; CDT materials] calling for Montenegro's independence. The country's referendum commission confirmed [JURIST report] that 55.5% percent of voters had backed the referendum; the EU required a 55 percent majority. AFP has more.