The Croatian National Council of Montenegro called on its compatriots living in Montenegro to freely and fearlessly declare themselves as Croats on the upcoming Population Census in order to preserve their identity.
Billboards in Bar and Tivat with the slogan "WE ARE CROATIANS" "WE SPEAK CROATIAN" were damaged the same night they were put up, which, according to HNV, "is a clear message through billboards placed in all cities of Montenegro where Croats live". transmits Radio Dux.
"The Croatian National Council of Montenegro will continue its activity with the prepared strategy, using other media to call on its compatriots to express themselves freely without fear," said the president of the Croatian National Council, Miroslav Franović.
The Prime Minister of Montenegro, Igor Lukišić, in a guest appearance on state radio, said that for him the upcoming census is a serious statistical study and that all citizens should express themselves freely on all issues, but unfortunately abuse and politicization occur.
According to the 2003 census, 7062 inhabitants of Montenegro declared themselves Croats, which is 1,05 percent of the total population.
According to the latest census, there are 2761 Croats in Tivat, 1842 in Kotor, 831 in Herceg-Nova, 734 in Podgorica, 268 in Bar, and 139 in Nikšić.
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