Prime Minister of Montenegro Dusko Markovic said speaking to Pobjeda daily that joining NATO will help Montenegro build a better international position.
“It represents a long-term guarantee of sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. Conditions will be created for a stable economic progress, further strengthened by EU membership. Membership in NATO gives a clear answer in regards to our future. Montenegro is becoming increasingly important at the international scene”, Markovic said.
The decision has historical significance.
“Montenegro earned this position, since it has always fought on the winning side of history. Many of our ancestors sacrificed for civilizational values during two world wars. Only know we are repaid for our contribution”, Markovic said.
Clean relations with Moscow
He commented on relations between Montenegro and Moscow.
“Our history spans three centuries. We had our ups and downs, cooperation and friendship, but also times of misunderstandings. Lately we have been going through such a phase. Our choice to decide our own future and offer the best perspective to our citizens cannot be a sin in the eyes of Russia”, Markovic was clear.
Our decisions is not directed against Russia.
“Moscow should understand that we must make our decisions and support that through equality and partnership. We are ready to renew our cooperation”, Markovic said.
He also spoke of opposition’s request for repeating the elections.
“It is not reasonable to expect that we overturn democratic elections. We have no rights. We are ready and open for a dialogue with opposition once they renounce such unreasonable notions”, Markovic said.
Their boycott and blackmail “new elections or nothing” point to their lack of readiness to deal with politics seriously. Despite their pressure, this government will have a full mandate.
“We are working tirelessly to fulfill our promises. Citizens must have recognized it”, Markovic said.
