President of the Democratic People's Party (DNP) Milan Knežević said that he is ready to cooperate with former party colleagues from the Socialist People's Party (SNP), but that he will always make a distinction between members and party leadership. He told "Vijesta" that he respects the members and sympathizers of the SNP who remained on the original opposition principles.
"That's why I always made a distinction between the membership and the top of the SNP. My disagreement with the policy of the top of the SNP was demonstrated by the fact that I joined the Democratic Front together with some of the officials", said Knežević, stating that time and the election results showed that by creating the DF, as one of its constituents, he made the right decision. "In other words, after two and a half years, I can say without hesitation that we were right about everything."
He pointed out that his party will be open to cooperation with former party colleagues, who will not give up the fight against the ruling coalition even after the SNP congress.
"Our doors are open to everyone who is ready for an uncompromising fight against the regime, without calculations, projected adventures and useful ambiguities. Based on the agreed principles, I will welcome everyone to the DNP", he said.
Knežević clarified that after consultations with the coordination committees of the former political group he led, the founding Assembly of the Democratic People's Party was held where he was unanimously elected president. After that, as he claims, there will be party registration and preparations for the holding of a ceremonial meeting, which will be attended by delegated representatives of the DNP.
Knežević clarified that his party will promote a society of social justice, the construction of the rule of law, democratic principles and standards.
"We remain of the position that European integration is a process that must lead to the democratization of Montenegrin society. We also emphasize the need to develop the best possible relations with Serbia and Russia, as well as with other leading countries in the world that can contribute to our development with their investments," he said. Knežević clarified that the DNP believes that the partnership for peace framework is sufficient for Montenegro and that any decision on joining NATO must be made in a referendum. As he said, the party will advocate for the elimination of divisions in society. "We will advocate that the Serbian language, as the majority language, be standardized as official in the Constitution, and work together on Montenegrin-Serbian reconciliation. One of the determinants is that there is no cooperation with DPS at any level", he claims.
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