A coalition of non-governmental organizations, on behalf of 11.790 petition signatories, sent a letter today to the members of the Parliament of Montenegro, along with a symbolic gift - an hourglass.
As announced by the Center for Bird Protection and Study (CZIP), this gesture is a reminder that with every grain of sand that falls, time is running out, and the responsibility of those who make decisions becomes greater.
"The reason for this action is the re-decision on the controversial Agreement between the Government of Montenegro and the United Arab Emirates, which the President of the country returned to the Parliament for reconsideration. The letter to the MPs clearly emphasizes that they are not just facing a formal decision, but the most important political 'retest' of their careers - a decision that directly affects the preservation of natural resources, legality, state sovereignty and the future of local communities."
The letter warns that the adoption of this Agreement opens the door to non-transparent investments in numerous locations throughout Montenegro, avoiding democratic and legal procedures, without any judicial or arbitration protection for the state. It particularly highlights the danger of devastation of protected areas, such as Velika Plaza, through projects that are contrary to the state's strategic development documents and the principles of sustainability.
"The petition under the slogan 'A Great Beach for Future Generations, Not for Private Interests' has so far been signed by 11.790 citizens, and it represents a clear signal to the public against this Agreement and similar attempts to jeopardize the public interest. The message to the MPs is clear - 'It is not too late to show that you are working for the citizens, not for private interests. To protect the nature, legality and honor of Montenegro'," it was announced.
They called on all citizens, media and organizations to join "in defending what must remain ours - space, nature and the right to decide on our own future."
We are publishing the letter to the members of the Parliament of Montenegro in its entirety:
"Dear,
You are faced with the same Law again, but with a different chance. After the controversial Agreement between the Government of Montenegro and the United Arab Emirates was voted in favor once, the President of the country returned this decision to you for reconsideration. You are facing, figuratively speaking, a make-up exam. This exam is probably the most important in your political life because you are taking it in front of the citizens whose future you are shaping, but also in front of the generations that are yet to come, who will not have the opportunity to ask you why you left them without the right to decide on their own space and wealth.
The agreement you are deciding on is not just another document on the agenda, but a ticket for investors from the UAE to take over multiple locations across the country, without transparent procedures and public insight, which has incalculable consequences for the public interest, natural resources, constitutional order of Montenegro, compliance with EU law, as well as the sustainable development of local communities. At the same time, it excludes judicial and arbitration protection of Montenegro's rights, while diplomatic channels, which the Agreement provides for as the only mechanism for resolving disputes, leave future governments, convening parliaments and citizens without legal instruments to protect the public interest.
Your decision today will not only affect us today, but also generations to come. The stakes are enormous — natural resources, the sovereignty of legislation, the development of our local communities. Megalomaniac projects in protected areas, such as Velika Plaza, not only contradict Montenegro's strategic documents, but also threaten to irreversibly damage our most valuable resources — space and the richness of biodiversity.
That is why we urge you to PASS this retake exam! To make a decision that will show your understanding of the weight of the responsibility you have. To listen to the profession, to hear the voice of the public that has said clearly and loudly "NO" to this attitude towards the most valuable thing we have. To what must remain OURS! By rejecting this agreement, you are not voting against development, but defending the right of citizens to their country and a decent life in it. Do not let yourself be remembered as those who sold the future of generations to come. Show that you are true representatives of the people.
It's not too late to show that you work for the citizens, not for private interests. To protect the nature, legality, and honor of Montenegro.
We hope you choose correctly this time.
"Warm greetings from 11790 citizens, signatories of the petition 'A Great Beach for Future Generations, Not for Private Interests'," the letter reads.
Bonus video:
