Bošković: We are considering moving the military airport to Berane or Nikšić

Montenegro is considering the possibility of ceding the military airport in Podgorica for the needs of civilian traffic and that the military aviation center be in Nikšić or Berane in the future, said Defense Minister Predrag Bošković.

In an interview with Radio Montenegro, he said that the goal is to completely rid Boka Kotor of the army and to valorize the resources, to move the Navy to Bar.

"When it comes to the military airport, we are considering the possibility that Nikšić or Berane be the center of the military aviation, and that the military airport in Podgorica be given over to civilian traffic," said Bošković.

Commenting on allegations that Montenegro betrayed Serbia by sending soldiers to Kosovo, Bošković repeated that "our country did not betray Serbia and that there are still forces that would govern Montenegro from Belgrade".

Bošković says that official Podgorica will not allow such a thing.

Montenegro, claims Bošković, can only betray its interests, and the presence of our soldiers, as he explained, is in the interest of Montenegro.

According to Bošković, Montenegrin participation in peace missions is very useful for Montenegrin soldiers, because by training with other partner countries and NATO members, they demonstrate their readiness and gain new knowledge.

"Montenegro has recognized its interest in participating in the missions," said Bošković.

He said that Montenegro is not lagging behind the most modern armies in the world, stressing that the country is not threatened by the migrant crisis, although a greater influx of migrants is evident compared to the earlier period.

Soon, he said, a campaign aimed at voluntary military service will begin.

"It is a three-month military service, a sufficient period for basic military training," explained Bošković.

Stating that Montenegro is proud of the reforms in the security sector, Bošković recalled the growth of tourist revenues and direct foreign investments from NATO member countries.

Speaking about the aspirant countries for NATO membership, Bošković said that Macedonia is well on its way to becoming the 30th member, stating that Montenegro has given that country all the necessary capacities.