Podgorica, (MINA) – Almost half of Montenegrin citizens, 47.2 percent, believe that inter-ethnic relations in Montenegro are positive, while a significant part of them, 39.8 percent, view them as mostly or very poor, the opinion poll conducted by the Center for Democratic Transition (CDT) has demonstrated.

The survey, according to the press release, also revealed that almost half of respondents, 48.1 percent, believe that historical relations between ethnic communities in Montenegro are the reason for political tensions in the country today.

Around a third of citizens, 35.6 percent, believe that Montenegro is at risk of losing its identity due to cultural blending, while more than a half, 55.5 per cent, believe their ethnic group should increase natural growth so as not to be marginalized by other ethnic groups.

According to the opinion poll, 43.2 percent of respondents said that they feel more comfortable when they are among members of their ethnic community, and 41.7 percent of respondents feel the same about their religious community.

The press release adds that a third of respondents, 34.4 percent, believe that loyalty to their ethnic community is more important than loyalty to Montenegro as a state.