Montenegro Gets New Opposition Force in Parliament

Montenegro's newest party, the Civic Movement, presented its leadership and program on Monday, describing itself as a pro-Western force that aims to "work hard to create a fair and balanced society".

The Civic Movement says will strive for three fundamental objectives - a civil state, a democratic change of government and Euro-Atlantic values.

It was founded by several former senior officials, professors and current MPs who left the opposition Positive Montenegro party two months ago and formed their own caucus in parlliament.

The former vice-president of the government and former leader of the Social Democratic Party, Zarko Rakcevic, has been named leader.

Other senior figures in the leadership are former Foreign Minister Branko Lukovac and the parliamentarians Dritan Abazovic and Mladen Bojanic.

Abazovic told BIRN on Monday that the Movement was formed by people who "do not not care for parties" but want political change.

"We will cooperate with all those who want changes in society, which excludes the ruling Democratic Party of Socialists,"Abazovic said, referring to the party of Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic.