Djukanovic: An end to illusions that it is possible to change borders in the Western Balkans

Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic said “Serbia is trying to show that Montenegro is a Serbian state and that through its state policy it questions Montenegro's independence.

He in an interview for Slovak television TA3 stated that for this reason it is very important “to end the illusion that it is possible to change borders in the Western Balkans“.

“It is a permanent centuries-old effort by Serbia, articulated by the great Serbian nationalism to adopt Montenegro and make it part of the Serbian state's national and cultural identity, for that reason they opposed Montenegrin independence” He added that it is easier to deal with the nationalism of “Greater Serbia”, while, as he said, it comes from several academic or other circles. The problem, Djukanovic says, is when that nationalism gains ground in Serbia's state policy. Such is the situation, he points out.

When Serbia gives up its aspirations towards Montenegro, I believe we will be able to use the experience of co-operation between the Czech Republic and Slovakia”, the head of the Montenegrin state said. Speaking about relations between Montenegro and Serbia, Djukanovic said his vision is that they have a relationship like the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and added that Montenegro is trying to preserve the chance for such a relationship in the future.