Situation concerning the Law on Freedom of Religion shows that, unfortunately, one great state nationalism is still very alive and determined in its intention to undermine Montenegro.Great state nationalism which is trying to make decisions instead of Montenegrin institutions. That nationalism protects rights of citizens of only one nationality instead of the competent state institutions in charge of protecting rights of all citizens in charge of protecting rights of all citizens regardless of their religion and nation. That state nationalism is inclined to arrange Montenegro’s pathway. Therefore, this debate is not about the Law or about the property. This is debate about the state, said Mr Milo Đukanović in the session of the Municipal Board of the Democratic Party of Socialists of the Capital City.
Mr Đukanović said that debate about the Law had turned out to be very as useful as it was unpleasant. It also woke up those who fostered illusion that question of Montenegrin independence was finished in 2006.
The historical aspect of that story has been clarified, Mr Đukanović said. It is necessary to consider state and political aspect now, he added.
“Montenegro’s opponents are sure that Montenegro will eventually disappear. That exists as hope, and there’s a very persistent and unwavering strategy aimed at making that hope become reality. We must disappoint them. We must demonstrate national responsibility, determination, decisiveness, reason and must neglect all the misunderstandings and dissatisfaction we have”, said DPS leader.
He reminded that there were less Serbs now than before the church decided to deal with political activities.
According to Mr Đukanović, a very atrocious and very dangerous war is being waged against our state under the cloak of the Law fuss and potential seizure of property.
Mr Đukanović reiterated statements of the disrespect for Montenegro: Montenegro as “fildžan state”, “invented nation” and that “Montenegrins have been invented with the aim of jeopardizing Serbian national identity”.
“We are trying to get back what has been usurped”
“Who are we trying to get the holy places and structures from – from our own selves. What we are trying to do is get back what has been usurped. Rulers in the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church are announcing that they are going to usurp something. Bishop Atanasije said he would take the relics of the Saint Basil of Ostrog to Herzegovina if we aren’t obedient. Holy places and structures are part of the culture, historical heritage of every nation and only a serious manipulator can negate that”, says DPS leader.
Mr Đukanović said there was a lot of state property used by the Serbian Orthodox Church in Serbia as well.
“The Law defines immaculate legal procedure that will help us prove what we believe in, and help them defend what they think belongs to them”, said Mr Đukanović.
DPS leader laid out the procedure prescribed by the law. He said that the law wasn’t the cause of resistance or protest.
“It’s just an alibi for anti-Montenegrin campaign. But let me tell you, only citizens of Montenegro will decide in Montenegro! We aren’t going to accept any blackmail”, Mr Đukanović concluded.
President of the DPS in Podgorica, Mr Časlav Vešović, pointed out that it was necessary to divorce those who are trying to manipulate and fuel tensions from those who are prone to manipulation.
“We have to be strict and straightforward in relation to those who are trying to manipulate. However, we must be more sensitive to those who might be subject to those manipulations”, said Mr Vešović.
Mayor Ivan Vukovič stressed that church was unbreakable part of Montenegrin identity and said that we had to hang in there if we wanted to protect our state and national identity.
