We demand that Prime Minister Milojko Spajić clearly inform the public who the other investors are, besides Mohamed Alabar, with whom he negotiated regarding the projects that are to be implemented through the Agreement with the Emirates, the Network for the Affirmation of the Non-Governmental Sector (MANS) announced today.
"Investor Mohamed Alabar, in his recent public statement, clearly stated that investments by several more companies from Dubai are being prepared through this Agreement, emphasizing that he is not the only one, but only the first in a series. However, to date, no other investor has been presented to the public, nor are the details of any additional agreements known. Alabar additionally stated that he prefers investing with 'local investors', which raises additional questions and concerns that individuals connected to local power structures could participate in the investment," the MANS statement states.
The non-governmental organization (NGO) added that this is "a particularly serious issue, given that the Agreement contains no anti-corruption clauses, no provisions related to determining the beneficial owner of companies coming from the Emirates, and no measures to prevent money laundering."
"Also, the Agreement provides for the possibility of so-called 'third parties' participating in the investment without clearly defined criteria or transparent procedures for their inclusion in the project. Of particular concern is the fact that information about other investors is being hidden from the public and that it is Alabar, whose investment of 25-30 billion euros was cited by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić as the key reason for concluding the Agreement, "said MANS.
They said that it now turns out that "not only will Alabar have co-investors and include local tycoons, but he is just one of the investors whose money comes from the Emirates."
"It is known that the Emirates is a destination where many have hidden money acquired in a suspicious manner, which increases concerns about potential money laundering through such non-transparent transactions. Additionally, the European Union has clearly stated that the implementation of this Agreement could jeopardize Montenegro's European integration process due to the abolition of a number of key regulations, especially those related to public procurement and transparent procedures," said MANS.
They state that this is why they are asking Spajić, "Who are the other investors from the Emirates that Alabar mentions and with whom else did he negotiate for which parts of Montenegro?"
"We insist that the Prime Minister and the Government urgently provide the public with clear and precise information. Transparency is not an option, but an obligation. Citizens have the right to know: Who else have you negotiated with?", MANS said in a statement.
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