Milatović: I am firmly convinced that it is the duty of my generation of politicians in the Balkans to forgive and seek forgiveness

"We are all witnesses to Russia's unprovoked aggression against Ukraine. I want to commend the Council of Europe for its quick and appropriate reaction by showing unity in the face of this unprecedented crisis and showing strong solidarity with Ukraine," Milatović said.

8944 views 25 reactions 25 comment(s)
Milatović, Photo: Office for Public Relations of the President of Montenegro
Milatović, Photo: Office for Public Relations of the President of Montenegro
Disclaimer: The translations are mostly done through AI translator and might not be 100% accurate.

I am firmly convinced that it is the duty of my generation of politicians in the Balkans to forgive and to ask for forgiveness, making sure that there is no denial of war crimes, because facing the truth is the only way to true reconciliation, announced the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović.

The Public Relations Office of the President of Montenegro announced that during his official visit to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, Milatović addressed the members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

In the introductory part of the presentation, he expressed his satisfaction that he is addressing the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in the year when the 75th anniversary of this institution is being celebrated.

He pointed out that it is of essential importance that we once again emphasize Montenegro's commitment to support those principles symbolized by the Council of Europe, and that our country is ready to continue fulfilling its international obligations in terms of human rights and freedom of the media to a large extent.

"The transition of power was completed after the presidential elections in 2023, conveying a simple message to citizens that Montenegro should become a country where justice is evenly distributed, opportunities are equal, and hard work and education are the only factors for success in life. Today, almost four After the change of government in Montenegro, elections are no longer a matter of life and death, as is still the case in many places around the world, but a true pillar in the form of a democratic choice of the people," Milatović pointed out.

Milatović
Milatovićphoto: Office for Public Relations of the President of Montenegro

He emphasized that, after more than three years, the full composition of the Constitutional Court was completed, and in December, after more than five years, the Judicial Council was successfully completed, and the stability of the financial sector was strengthened by the meritocratic election of the new governor of the Central Bank, adding that he expects that The Assembly should elect a new Supreme State Prosecutor, which would end the state of emergency that has been in place since 2019.

"All the appointments were implemented with great parliamentary support from various political subjects, which emphasizes Montenegro's progress towards being a country where political dialogue reaches a more mature stage. This has significantly stabilized the judicial system and enables the country to fulfill a number of conditions necessary for acceleration accession to the European Union," said Milatović.

He assessed that a society based on the rule of law is a prerequisite for a successful economy that attracts investments, and that in the previous period, Montenegro went through one of the most intensive periods of structural reforms in its history.

"Thanks to the implemented fiscal reforms, the minimum wage was doubled, the average wage was increased, the tax burden on wages was reduced, which stimulated employment and reduced the informal sector on the labor market. All this led to faster economic convergence with the European Union. In a difficult moment, from the economic abyss of 2020, Montenegro has turned the greatest economic decline into the greatest economic growth, however, the path forward is still full of challenges," said Milatović.

He expressed his firm belief that only a country that is ready to face its historical truths can truly lay the foundations for a stable and reconciling future and added that commitment to this goal is the cornerstone of his presidential mandate.

"I am firmly convinced that it is the duty of my generation of politicians in the Balkans to both forgive and seek forgiveness, making sure that there is no denial of war crimes, because facing the truth is the only path to true reconciliation. By facing our history, we will pave the way for a society in in which the wounds of the past will be able to heal and in which the lessons learned will become the foundation for building a more resilient and compassionate country," said Milatović.

He stated that in the year marking the 75th anniversary of this institution dedicated to setting standards and benchmarks in the protection and promotion of human rights, we are facing international conflicts that emphasize the complex challenges faced by the global community.

"We are all witnesses to the unprovoked Russian aggression against Ukraine. I want to praise the Council of Europe for its quick and appropriate reaction by showing unity in the event of this unprecedented crisis and by showing firm solidarity with Ukraine," said Milatović.

He pointed out that the current war crisis in the Middle East imperatively emphasizes the importance of quick action and the persistent search for solutions that will strengthen peace and added that Montenegro deeply regrets the lives lost both during the terrorist attack by Hamas in Israel and after the bombing of civilian buildings. which followed in the Gaza Strip.

"Montenegro was among the countries that supported a humanitarian cease-fire in the war between Israel and Hamas at the United Nations General Assembly. The resolution called for an immediate cease-fire, with a demand that humanitarian aid be urgently sent to the Gaza Strip, including restoring access to water and flows," said Milatović.

In the end, he said that while we think about progress and challenges both in Montenegro and on the global stage, it becomes evident that peace is not only a lofty aspiration but, as he said, also a collective responsibility of all of us.

Bonus video: