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Pažin: Law on Freedom of Religion was adopted so that everybody can have equal rights

Government is willing to open dialogue over the application of the Law on Freedom of Religion, Religious Beliefs and Legal Status of Religious Communities. Government is also ready to discuss conditions for the conclusion of a fundamental agreement with the Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral, said Vice-President of the Government, Mr Zoran Pažin.

“No state in our region, and wider, has the law that has been prepared so carefully and thoroughly, with open consultations with all interested subjects in the state and beyond its borders. This law was adopted so that everybody in Montenegro could have equal right to choose to be a believer or not to be a believer”, pointed out Mr Pažin.

He reminded that many public gatherings had been organized starting from 2015 and that Government representatives had had individual consultations with all religious communities on several occasions.

“The original text of the law was considerably amended, given the fact that the Government approved of the proposals made by religious communities”, said Mr Pažin.

Mr Pažin said he didn’t believe that the incoming elections will be marked by senseless divisions and discussions over which nations and religions in Montenegro “are older or more deserving”.

“Montenegro went through too many terrible historical experiences to allow some retrograde policy to bring considerable political advantage to anybody”, said Mr Pažin.

He concluded by saying that Montenegro’s Government had no reason to shun the facts about the results of its activities.

“Owing to such state policy, salaries in Montenegro doubled, tourism revenues tripled, Montenegro is full-fledged NATO member and one of the fastest-growing economies in Europe. I firmly believe citizens of Montenegro know what destruction religious hatred and conflicts could lead us into. Therefore, I know citizens will put their trust in the policy which doesn’t want to divide family members, friends and neighbors”, said Mr Pažin.

 

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