July 03, 2007 7:46 AM

PODGORICA, Montenegro-Montenegro's army on Tuesday began destroying all but one of its battle tanks, as part of a military reform in the Adriatic republic.

The 61 tanks, which were part of joint army that Montenegro formed with Serbia until it became independent last year, were being destroyed in the ironworks in the town of Niksic, officials said.

The one remaining tank will be kept as a museum display, the Defense Ministry said.

"Destruction of the surplus of ammunition and weapons is a decisive step forward in the reform of the defense system," Vice Adm. Dragan Samardzic said.

He promised to turn the Montenegrin army into "an efficient, professional and modern armed force."

Montenegro joined NATO's Partnership for Peace Program after its split from Serbia last year. The two former Yugoslav republics were the last to remain united following the violent breakup of the federation.

Montenegrin officials have pledged to move the country closer to mainstream Europe and implement pro-Western reform, including the army overhaul.

The United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe missions in Montenegro both supported the decision to destroy the tanks.