The controversy between Podgorica and Belgrade followed the statement by the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, that he would not attend the celebration of 20 years of restoration of Montenegrin independence, which he described as a “celebration of secession from Serbia”, stating that he would “spit in his own face” by coming.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro reacted to Vučić’s statement, assessing that such rhetoric does not contribute to good neighborly relations, Radiotelevision of Montenegro reports.
This was followed by the response of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, which announced that the President of Serbia has the right to a personal position and that he did not express insults at the expense of Montenegro, but a legitimate opinion that he does not want to celebrate the separation of two, as they stated, “close and brotherly countries”.
The Montenegrin MFA then said that Montenegro is not celebrating anyone’s defeat or “separation from Serbia”, but the freedom and right of the state to decide its future independently. The Ministry pointed out that Podgorica respects modern and independent Serbia, as well as the democratic choice of its citizens.
In the press release, it was emphasized that Montenegro is a civil, multi-ethnic and multi-religious state where the rights of all citizens are protected by European standards, with the assessment that the political discourse in the region should be freed from the narrative about the endangerment of any people.
The MFA also warned that attempts to present Montenegrin identity, language and culture as anti-Serbian activities do not contribute to reconciliation, but deepen divisions.
As they state, Montenegro is still committed to good neighborly relations, regional cooperation and the European future of the Western Balkans, with the message that relations between the two countries can be best when they are based on mutual respect and equality.
At the end of the press release from the Montenegrin Ministry, they said: “May Montenegro be eternal and long live Serbia. Happy Independence Day”.
