VIENNA, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) on Saturday reiterated its respect for the decision taken by the people of Montenegro to declare independence, calling on Serbia and Montenegro to launch direct talks on their future relations.

    An EU statement, issued by Austria which currently holds the rotating EU presidency, said the declaration on Montenegro's independence is "in conformity with" the Charter of the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro.

    The EU would "fully respect the decision of the people of Montenegro" and plan to discuss "appropriate next steps" among member states at the General Affairs and External Relations Council on June 12.

    Moreover, the EU urged Serbia and Montenegro to take up "a direct and constructive dialogue" on their future relations after the Montenegrin parliament adopted the declaration on Montenegro's independence on Saturday.

    In a special session held in the Montenegrin capital of Podgorica on Saturday evening, the parliament adopted the declaration of independence, which symbolized the complete independence of the tiny Balkan republic.

    In the statement, the EU also urged the Montenegrin government and the opposition to "engage in a dialogue and to cooperate constructively in the implementation of political, social and economic reforms."

    In the referendum on May 21, a total of 55.5 percent of voters opted for an independent Montenegro, which met the conditions mediated by the EU.

    After the referendum, the EU issued a statement calling on Serbia and Montenegro to launch a direct dialogue on their future relations. Enditem