In an interview for Dan, Minister of Defense Olivera Injac has said that the proposal for the appointment of the new Chief of the General Staff of the Army of Montenegro was sent to the members of the Defense and Security Council.
Speaking about security risks in Montenegro, Minister Injac points out that the activities of Montenegrin organized criminal groups, and especially their links with local powerful people and high-level corruption, are of serious concern.
“The rise of extremism is not a good signal of social polarization in Montenegro, and in the long run it can be a threat to stability, development and prosperity.
If extremism is a reflection of the growing dissatisfaction of citizens due to the change of the decade-long government of the DPS and disagreement with the current policy, then it has the potential to subside over time through the stabilization of political, economic and health conditions in the country. However, if extremism is encouraged by deliberate incitement from political and/or criminal circles, the danger is two-fold. Firstly, because it undermines social resilience. Secondly, if it is a form of manipulation of the masses with the aim of inciting political violence, then it represents a direct danger to society.”
She also stresses that the cooperation with NATO members in the field of defense has been significantly improved. The Army of Montenegro is working intensively on developing capabilities in accordance with NATO standards, she says.
“We have had the support of the Allies since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, and that support is proof that the Alliance remains committed to its core values”, Ms Injac says, and points out that the aid was worth around €800,000 in total.
