Podgorica - The former Yugoslav republic of Montenegro declared independence Saturday to regain its sovereignty after 88 years and become the latest sovereign European nation.Independence was declared by the parliament in a festive atmosphere, with live classical music and cocktails preceding the working part of the session. The new national anthem was played at the start of the legislative session.A small crowd stood outside the building in pouring rain to watch the guests arrive. The session was boycotted by the opposition, which wanted Montenegro to remain in union with Serbia.Montenegro declared independence following a May 21 referendum, in which 55.5 per cent of the votes cast were in favour of sovereignty. The declaration dissolved the union of Serbia and Montenegro (SCG), established in 2003 to replace the rump Yugoslavia.The assembly first approved the report of the head of the referendum commission, Slovak diplomat Frantisek Lipka, followed by the vote on the declaration of independence.Parliament also approved a set of basic principles, setting out the state's independent, democratic and civilian character and noting its desire for NATO and European Union membership.Without the opposition, the vote was unanimously in favour of both declarations. Fireworks followed the expressly conducted session, which lasted less than 30 minutes.Montenegrin government officials said they now expect recognition from the EU this month and a seat in the United Nations when the General Assembly convenes in September.Montenegro's independence snuffs out the last vestige of the Yugoslav federation, which had existed in some form since December 1918. With it, Montenegro has regained the sovereignty it voluntarily gave up to join the federation after World War I.The Serbian government is yet to definitely and unambiguously recognize Montenegrin independence. Belgrade, which inherited the SCG, did not send representatives to the ceremony in Podgorica despite invitations to participate.A day earlier in Belgrade, EU top diplomat Javier Solana called on Serbia and Montenegro to build a 'constructive relationship' and swiftly resolve issues stemming from the dissolution of their union.Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica, who continues to appear angry and frustrated over the decision of Montenegrin voters, refused any EU help in the dissociation process.The name SCG will linger through the football World Cup in Germany and possibly the basketball world championships in August and September in Japan. SCG, invited on a wild card after a disaster last year at the home Euro, defends the basketball title won four years ago by Yugoslavia.related news: Montenegro declares independence
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The flag of Montenegro.
Montenegro is preparing today to declare its independence from Serbia in a special parliamentary session in the capital, Podgorica. The official announcement comes two weeks after a referendum, where just over 55% of voters chose to support the split.

The 650,000-strong nation has been tied in this current union with Serbia since 1918, and the two countries are the last to remain joined since the dissolution of Yugoslavia. This evening, the alliance will come to an end to the sounds of the Montenegrin national anthem, which will be played to mark the occasion.

The main feature of tonight's session is to be the reading of the official declaration, which prioritises Montenegrin membership of the European Union and NATO. A draft version of the document states that  "Montenegro is determined to build its state policy by respecting the principles of the United Nations, EU, Council of Europe and Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe."

The location of Montenegro within Serbia and Montenegro.
Despite initial intentions that the event be low-key, thousands are expected to turn out in celebration of the split. Among those not expected to attend the session is Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Koštunica, who openly supports pro-union movements. Koštunica is not the only Serbian official who is against the separation: Serbia and Montenegro's President, Svetozar Marović, has reputedly resigned today ahead of tonight's events.

The session is set to begin at 8 p.m. local time (1800 UTC), and will include the presentation of a final report by Slovakian diplomat František Lipka, who is the head of the referendum's commission.