Defense Minister Dragan Krapović said that he believes that everything he does and proposes is in accordance with the Constitution and laws of Montenegro and in the interest of Montenegro and its citizens, devoid of any particular or daily political approach.
Krapović reacted to the statement of the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, who, among other things, said that Defense Minister Dragan Krapović announced that he would cancel the decision of the previous Minister and Chief of the General Staff of the Army of Montenegro (VCG) Zoran Lazarević to de facto retire.
"In my work, I am guided exclusively by the Constitution and laws and I would never allow myself to assume any powers that do not belong to me, especially when it comes to the Defense and Security Council. Equally aware of the powers of the Council, we must also be aware of the powers of the Minister of Defense which are precisely regulated by law. In the same way that I do not intend to interfere with other people's powers, I will certainly not allow anyone else to interfere with mine, as the Minister of Defense," said Krapović.
He added that on the occasion of Milatović's remark about praise for Lazarević, "no 'praises' were made, but basic respect for the career and contribution of General Lazarević was expressed, both by the members of the Council and by me as the Minister of Defense".
"Furthermore, I requested that General Lazarevic remain present during the debate on my proposal to be relieved of his duties as Chief of the General Staff of the Army of Montenegro, even though it was suggested by President Milatović that he leave the room where the Council session was held during the debate. I consider that all I am doing is and I propose in accordance with the Constitution and laws of Montenegro and in the interest of Montenegro and our citizens, devoid of any particular or daily political approach, in a way that corresponds to the seriousness and dignity of the institution I am at the head of," said Krapović.
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