Former Montenegrin diplomat: Ruling coalition in Podgorica favors continued recognition of Kosovo

Stressing the danger of Russian influence in the region, he warned that Montenegro's new government -- regardless of how it turns out to be pro-European -- is actually pro- Moscow, and is in favour of attracting recognition to Kosovo.

Not the worst, but I think the situation is constantly on the verge of escalation. I refer not only to the Serbian state-sponsored attack in Banjska, but in general, there are a range of different potential crisis situations, not only in the northern part of Kosovo, but also in Bosnia and Herzegovina. And to some extent, there have been some challenges in Montenegro over the past three years. I don't think we're facing the possibility of escalation, but this option should not be forgotten or considered, as I say, in existence.

I think it's always there. It is very important that Montenegro is in NATO, Albania and Macedonia are also in NATO, and that significant steps forward have been noted for Kosovo, in the context of security-related issues. Our Western allies and friends, despite some difficulties in communication, are only in the hands of Mr. Kurti, but in general of the Western Balkans.

Despite these specific misunderstandings and friction, I think allies and Western friends have understood the importance of keeping things under control, which is certainly very important and very necessary when it comes to Serbia and the Serbian regime. This kind of constant attention and readiness to act if something happens, because ties between Belgrade and official Moscow are undeniable, cannot and should not be ignored. And this is probably the best way to overcome potential problems, monitor the situation and have full awareness of the crisis that could arise not only, I repeat, not only in the northern part of Kosovo, but elsewhere.He said:

 

 

He was also asked about Montenegro's relations with Kosovo, following developments there, saying the ruling coalition in Podgorica is in favour of continuing to recognise Kosovo.

” Montenegro has been in serious and very devastating condition in the past three years. I refer to Serbia's influence, Russian interests, government services, the media, the Church of Serbia. Everything has been harmful to our country. I want to mention here that there is new optimism in the European Union that Montenegro will advance and advance in the context of the EU agenda, which is generally positive and must be supported.

But we in Montenegro are aware of the kind of government we have, what is the nature of the political coalition that has formed the government and what is actually the ideological and political profile of political forces that have created the parliamentary majority. There are very few exceptions to these political parties. These politicians are not pro-European, or Western pro, it is unnecessary to say, And it is unnecessary to mention that they are not in favour of continuing to recognise Kosovo from Montenegro. They are against all these values.

At the same time, they are being promoted as political parties and politicians who can lead Montenegro towards the EU. And they're getting promoted, as we speak, by Europeans themselves, which is intriguing, it's interesting... But when it goes deeper, when you see what it's really about, in real life there are a series of issues that could be very damaging to the general idea that Montenegro will progress quickly towards EU membership. And the end is simple. We're aware of the fact and it's logical, it's natural. He added A2 CNN.