1.   But Djukanovic, who has led his republic in a mutiny against the Yugoslav president, has a better reason for boycotting.

2.   Despite opposition from the United States and European governments, President Milo Djukanovic is making a determined effort to lead his republic to independence.

3.   He has not led the republic in dramatic new directions.

4.   But Georgia has also seen a remarkable transformation in the last few months under Shevardnadze, who now leads his republic as chairman of parliament.

5.   The former Soviet republic is led by President Alexander Lukashenko, who has grown increasingly intolerant of opposing views.

6.   The party also criticized Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic for what they say is his failure to lead the republic to independence from Yugoslavia.

7.   In the weeks, in the months, in the years to come I will need you to lead the republic and to defend its values.