by Rex Wockner
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Montenegro's government is supporting the nation's first gay pride parade, scheduled for May 31.
Deputy Prime Minister Dusko Markovic said in a meeting with activists that the march has "full institutional support."
In a statement posted at gov.me, the government said, "By supporting what is to be the first LGBT rally ever staged in Montenegro … the Government demonstrates its commitment to European values of tolerance, equality and social inclusion."
The Podgorica police chief also attended the meeting and, according to the statement, "said that the law enforcement authorities will make every effort to ensure full safety of participants and maintain public order during the rally."
Two government officials have joined the parade's steering committee "to help with the logistics for the event," the statement said.
Montenegro was part of the former Yugoslavia.