(ANSA) - BELGRADE, SEP 4 - In Montenegro, tensions are rising because of the inauguration, scheduled for Sunday, of the new local metropolitan Joanikije. By decision of local religious authorities, the solemn ceremony will take place n the monastery of Cetinje, the historical location of the official residence of the presidency, in the presence of the Serbian Orthodox Patriarch Porfirije. The participation of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic is still uncertain.

Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic, increasingly critical of what he considers Belgrade's expansionist aims, has for some time asked to move Sunday's ceremony to another, less symbolic location. This attitude rekindled the disagreements between Belgrade and Podgorica that occurred in the past few months, with numerous protests in Montenegro, whose population is about 30% Serb and where the Serbian Orthodox Church is widespread and very popular. (ANSA).