Eston Vuciq: NATO with Montenegro's president for Kosovo independence

On the panel with the “Western Balkans' theme match with the EU”, participants were Montenegrin President Jakov Milatovic and Serbia's Aleksandar Vuciq.

However, the two counterparts found no agreement on the issues that were disputed. And, Vuciq did not leave without criticising the Montenegrin president, why his state has recognised Kosovo.

I think the public can see how much Alexander and I disagree, and that's legitimate. Now there is a clear solution to where you want to go. For Montenegro it is clear, I don't know whether it is clear even for Serbia, but it is legitimate to have a vague attitude about where they want to go. I think Serbia, like the biggest economy in the region, is important. You know we all speak the same language”, the president of Montenegro said.

As Klan Kosova broadcasts, Milatovic said Montenegro has harmonised politics with the EU because they want to be part of it.

I understand everything Alexander is talking about, but it would be easier for all of us to have an optimist as president of Serbia, instead of a pessimist. I believe that Montenegro can and wants to become part of the EU during Ursula's mandate, von der Leenen. There is a story greater than Montenegro and will be a big signal to other Western Balkan countries, for the neighbouring countries of the East, and that it will help pessimists become optimistic, including Alexander”, Milatovic said.

Serbian President Vuciq did not agree with Milatovic's statements.

He criticised his Montenegrin counterpart for recognising Kosovo's independence.

“First, it's not so clear and so easy. You forgot to say something. When we talk about vague messages, I've always said that. I have a very clear message today about the EU path, but many from the region, along with others, have always insisted on vague orders because they fit your stories. You wouldn't be so good if there wasn't a bad Serbia”, Vuciq said.

When you talked about easy decisions, you forgot to say, to name six republics. You know, there have been six republics, but talking about Montenegro and other Western countries, in the meantime you took part of one of those republics, which is Serbia, and recognised Kosovo's independence. And this was done incompatible with UN Charter and Resolution 1244 and was done against law”.

Vuciq went back for 25 years, saying that [NATO's] attack on Serbia has been carried out without the UN Security Council decision”.

This is a little difference between us, which is not so small. Which means yes, we are on our way to the EU, and Serbia's biggest problem is our relationship with Pristina. It's a very difficult issue for us. My answer is, okay, some people think we should find an easier way to please someone and say he's good. We'll see in 2028 who's right if I'm pessimistic or you're optimistic. All of you here know that I'm right, that nothing will happen by 2030, and in 2030 we will have Ukraine that will be the first country to enter. I think he'll be here by 2030. I'm not negative, I'm realistic. After that, I think Serbia, Albania, Montenegro, northern Macedonia will do it. But after Ukraine's entry into the EU”, Vuciq said.