Milatović: On July 13, struggle and freedom came together, to overcome everything that divides us

On July 13, struggle and freedom came together, two inseparable determinants that marked our history, the beginning and origin of our state-building aspiration, said the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, at the ceremonial reception in Cetinje, on the occasion of July 13 - Montenegro's Statehood Day.

"On that day in 1878, at the Berlin Congress, the indomitable desire to preserve the eternally open window of freedom, crowned with the glory of Tsarev Laz, Martinić, Krus, Grahovac, Fundina and Vučje Dol, received its international recognition. Sixty-three years later, inspired by the work of the famous ancestors who did not want to bind themselves in chains, the heroes of Košice lighted the torch of anti-fascism, testifying with their sacrifice that there is no more expensive word than freedom," said Milatović.

He pointed out that Montenegro never retreated from the enemy, "nor shied away from the fight, no matter how cruel or impossible it was".

He also said that anti-fascism represents one of the most important verticals of Montenegrin society, "which lived it much earlier than as the term was found in historical and sociological textbooks", with the belief that "he was a brother, no matter what religion he was", and that "being able to defend another from oneself".

"That's why even today, when the modern world is facing numerous challenges, when geopolitical upheavals often lead to large-scale conflicts, we here, within Montenegro, should overcome everything that divides us and, like the bridges over the Đurđevića Tara or Mala Rijeka, connect coast and where it seems impossible at first glance," said Milatović.

"I am convinced that, all together, we are capable of recognizing the fundamental values ​​around which we should improve social cohesion, while at the same time protecting the right to national, religious and cultural diversity of each individual," he added.

Milatović said that there are still many challenges ahead in the time to come.

"And let it be a time of change for the better, we will be next to it. Long live democratic, civil and European Montenegro," he concluded.

The President of the State and First Lady Milena Milatović hosted a ceremonial reception on the occasion of the Statehood Day at the President's residence in Cetinje.

The reception was attended by representatives of the Government, state institutions, political parties, the media, the diplomatic corps, religious communities, the non-governmental sector...