Minister of Foreign Affairs (MVP) Đorđe Radulović he said that he would have resigned himself if he had in any way violated the law or abused his position in the way that he wants to present himself and that he would not have waited for an interpellation in parliament.
Radulović pointed out that he does not see the questioning, which was adopted at the end of December by the deputies of the Democratic Front (DF) and the opposition demanding his removal from that position, as a personal relationship towards him and his work, because he believes that the questioning of any of his fellow ministers would not have ended in a different outcome.
"Simply, it is the attitude of the political parties towards the Government", said Radulović in an interview with "Vijesta".
He pointed out that, if they do not find an acceptable solution to the Prevlaka issue through a bilateral agreement, they are ready to go to the International Court of Justice in The Hague or to ad-hoc arbitration.
"Nevertheless, I am convinced that, taking into account the fact that Montenegrin-Croatian relations are characterized by a friendly spirit and mutual desire, we will find the best solution bilaterally, without involving the courts and seeking arbitration".
Are you thinking about resigning after the parliament voted for an interpellation on the government's policy in the field of foreign workers, or do you see it as a political revolt by part of the government due to the dismissal of some of their personnel?
I am happy about the new political moment in which DF and DPS jointly vote for the dismissal of ministers. It is a new political moment. I believe that any of the civil parties of the center or some other parties did this, in order to be accused of political corruption, "betrayal of the will of the people". However, such standards do not seem to apply to these two political blocs, which at the same time create rules of conduct demanding others to respect them, while not shying away from breaking them themselves.
How much they value the work of the Government and how much they care about the results in general is shown by the fact that the DPS-DF alliance overthrows the Minister of Foreign Affairs, whose Ministry had the highest percentage of success in implementing the program. The attitude of the DPS and the DF towards the three ministers speaks of who is overthrowing the Government and who is "playing the electoral will of the people".
I do not perceive the questioning as a personal relation to me or my work, because I believe that the questioning of any of my fellow ministers would not have ended in a different outcome. Simply, it is the attitude of political parties towards the Government. If I had in any way violated the Law or abused my position, in the way it is being presented, I would have resigned myself without waiting for an interpellation.
It should be noted here that the reason for the interpellation is not valid. DPS calls for information before the Commission of the Bureau for Operational Communication of the Government of Montenegro was formed, which had yet to check the behavior of all actors and the Montenegrin police during the events in Cetinje.
It is very important to repeat that at a specific moment for our country, laden with danger and various spins initiated by the DPS, the MFA cannot stand apart and not say a word to the international community, which at that moment asks us to address it, to explain the events in the country and do what is our job, which is to communicate with the international public.
We would like to ask them what DPS would do about it, whether they would wait a month or two for the report to arrive and then inform the international public. I believe that this would not be the case, as it was not during their rule when they sent a large number of instructions to embassies, as a modus operandi that does not suit my human or professional dignity.
The mention of the president, which obviously caused such a reaction, is in the context of what he himself publicly commented on those days and what went on the air towards the international community - the defense of Montenegro, the defense of Cetinje, the arrival in the capital and the gathering of the people around him. Also, it is absolutely incorrect that the wounded citizens were not mentioned in the Non Paper - all of that was mentioned, although I would prefer that there were no injuries.
Unfortunately, we are witnessing that Montenegro is trapped in an invisible coalition between two populisms, and it can be said that the interpellation is a vivid example of this phenomenon that we are witnessing today in Montenegro.
Is the diplomatic network complete? What happens to the embassy in the USA and other important countries where we do not have an ambassador?
After the change of government in Montenegro, we have cohabitation, which is not easy in any country, especially not simple for Montenegro, after 30 years of rule by one party, therefore the process of completing the diplomatic network is ongoing.
An agreement was reached with the President of Montenegro regarding career diplomats, while we are still at a standstill regarding the proposed political appointments, although I have repeatedly pointed out that cohabitation implies the necessity of political dialogue, which the EU and our partners continuously invite us to do.
I would like to repeat this message once more. MFA is here for every dialogue, we are here to initiate it, we are here to lead it in the best interest of our citizens, because Montenegro needs diplomacy.
The last meeting with the President (Milo) Đukanović was in May last year. Each meeting, including the last one, lasted about three hours and each meeting was initiated by the vice president (Dritan) Abazović me too. You don't talk to someone for three hours because you agree, but because you are trying to overcome misunderstandings. Especially when you consider that foreign policy is something that is essential for a country. The dialogue resulted in a good example of the appointment of the Head of Mission to the EU and the ambassador to Italy and the Council of Europe.
On the other hand, we hope that professional and career diplomats who have tied their entire working life to the MFA, without a political background and with extensive professional experience, contacts and knowledge of the language - will receive a positive opinion from the parliamentary committee in the repeated process.
It is in the best interest of all of us to find common solutions, and communication is the only way to get there.
When is the so-called black list of the State Department expected, on which Montenegrin politicians could be found?
Biden's (Joe) the administration is determined to use sanctions with the aim of encouraging the fulfillment of international obligations, but also the democratization of the countries to which they are intended and the prevention of their moves that could violate peace, stability and threaten democracy. The USA introduces sanctions within the framework of various legal acts, including the so-called Magnitsky's global corruption powers, named after a Russian whistleblower lawyer who died in prison in Moscow after accusing the government of corruption.
When it comes specifically to the Western Balkans, in June 2021 the US president issued an executive order that foresees additional sanctions aimed at individuals who threaten the peace, security, stability or territorial integrity of any area or country in the Western Balkans (WB). Sanctions can also be aimed at those responsible for human rights violations at the ZB and their accomplices, as well as those responsible for corruption, undermining democratic processes and obstructing institutions and international agreements. This is an integral part of the US administration's global efforts to promote democracy and "deal" with corruption, with the assessment that it causes direct damage to the foreign policy, national security and economy of the US and its allies. In a recent interview with the Montenegrin media, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Gabriel Escobar he pointed out that the USA "will not hesitate to use sanctions or other mechanisms to send a strong message to corrupt and destabilizing actors", and that "it is frustrating and counterproductive that politicians and other actors exploit identity issues to gain political points at the expense of economic progress and regional reconciliation".
If sanctions are imposed on Montenegrin citizens and entities, criteria such as those mentioned above will undoubtedly be followed.
When imposing sanctions on certain individuals from Malta, the Vice President Abazovic he praised the move due to their involvement in the Možur affair, with the expectation that "justice will reach our companies and individuals".
A long-standing open issue between Montenegro and Croatia is Prevlaka. What did you do as the relevant minister to resolve this issue?
I must first emphasize that the existing Protocol on the temporary regime between the Government of the FRY and the Government of the Republic of Croatia along the southern border between the two countries from 2002 is functioning smoothly. No less important, all the talks that have been held with varying intensity since 2002 between the two countries regarding the establishment of a mutual definitive border at sea and on land, are characterized by mutual respect and appreciation as well as a mutual desire to preserve and improve good neighborly relations, regardless of certain disagreements regarding the definition of the subject of the dispute.
Specifically, related to the latest activities on this matter, the formation of the new Montenegrin Interdepartmental Commission is underway, given that some of its previous members have taken on other duties since the formation of the new Government. We are ready to go to the International Court of Justice in The Hague or to ad hoc arbitration if we do not find an acceptable solution through a bilateral agreement. Nevertheless, I am convinced that, taking into account the fact that Montenegrin-Croatian relations are characterized by a friendly spirit and mutual desire, we will find the best solution bilaterally, without involving the courts and seeking arbitration.
Another open issue with Croatia is the school ship "Jadran", which both Zagreb and Podgorica claim is theirs. Have you discussed this with Croatian officials?
As you know, the training ship "Jadran" is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defense. In agreement with them, during my recent official visit to the Republic of Croatia, I launched an initiative to re-actualize the work of the interstate interdepartmental commission to resolve the issue of the Adriatic Sea. However, it should be said that this is a sailing ship that was built in 1933, so well into its ninth decade, whose maintenance and navigation requires significant financial resources. Bearing that in mind, it would be irrational and rather incomprehensible if the issue of the old sailing ship affects the mutual relations between Montenegro and Croatia. During my talks with Croatian colleagues, we showed absolute readiness for dialogue and finding the best solution.
The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Aljbin Kurti, stated in July in the Assembly of Kosovo that there will be no implementation of the Agreement on Demarcation with Montenegro, in the form in which it was ratified in 2018. Were there any talks with Kosovo on this occasion?
There were no talks or official initiatives on this matter. The agreement on the state border between our two countries entered into force on June 4, 2018, and with that we closed the issue.
In the bilateral talks, this topic is not mentioned, because by signing and ratifying the aforementioned Agreement, we have finally resolved the issue of the border between our two countries. I appreciate that Kosovo will stick to the agreements and obligations arising from the Agreement in the interest of its credibility on the international stage. I see no reason why it should not be the same in this case. We strive to build relations with our neighbors based on mutual respect, which was our basis during our negotiations. As a result, in addition to the Agreement with Kosovo, the same was previously signed with Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the expectation that we will soon be able to finalize this issue with other neighbors as well.
Given that Montenegro's priority is to join the EU, how do you view the idea of "Open Balkans"?
The government supports every kind of regional integration, through the key aspects offered by the Berlin initiative, which is based on the four European freedoms of movement of people, goods, capital and services. The Berlin Process has been in existence for the eighth year in a row and some progress has been made with the establishment of the Action Plan for the Common Regional Market, as a complete document that defines the facilitations for better functioning and more productive communication in the region. Compared to all others, this document is a testament that should be adhered to and that offers more extensive clarifications and more concrete steps on the way to integrating the region into the EU single market. Unquestionable results have been achieved so far, which the citizens are already witnessing, such as the agreement on free roaming in the region, but also through the upcoming signing of agreements on the recognition of academic and professional qualifications. When it comes to economic prosperity, which is so rhetorically present in the discourses of the founders of the "Open Balkans", we should not ignore the fact that Montenegro is one of the signatories of CEFTA. "Open Balkans" offers XNUMX already known opportunities for improving regional cooperation, which have already been determined and implemented under the auspices of the Berlin Process, as a platform that prepares the region for the EU. We certainly continue discussions with our partners on all modalities of cooperation that can contribute to stronger economic integration and closer to EU membership.
I am convinced that France will recognize the results of Montenegro
Are you worried that France will take over the presidency of the Council of the EU from January 1, given its rigid stance when it comes to enlargement policy?
Several years ago, France asked the European Commission to improve the enlargement process, in order to make it more credible, so that it would not be reduced exclusively to the administrative and technical dimension. Montenegro was the first to accept the new enlargement methodology, which was created precisely on the basis of France's efforts to speed up the negotiation process of candidate countries for EU membership. The European partners recognized the determination of Montenegro to continue with the necessary reforms. Aware of the firm position of France, but also of the other EU members, that transformation in the area of governance is necessary in order to make essential progress on the European path, we are working intensively on the realization of obligations in this area. If our country fulfills the recommendations of the European Commission in the coming period, we can say that it is realistic that our efforts will be evaluated during the French presidency.
In addition, the priorities of Paris during the presidency of the Council of the EU clearly and unequivocally show that the Western Balkans region has not been neglected by the European Union. Namely, President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that the Western Balkans is "at the heart of Europe", stressing that EU leaders must have a "special responsibility" towards that region. Therefore, I am convinced that the results of our country will be recognized by one of the most powerful EU countries, and that the enlargement policy will be further stimulated during her presidency.
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