The arrest of two soldiers in Kosovo is not just an isolated incident - it represents a test of trust in the army, but also in the ability of the Ministry of Defense to deal with challenges that go beyond bureaucratic responses, said the leader of the Party of European Progress (SEP) Duško Marković.
He said that the statement of Defense Minister Dragan Krapović regarding the arrest of two members of the Montenegrin Army in Kosovo raises more questions than it offers answers.
"While the Ministry of Defense is facing a serious challenge, the reactions and explanations we have received so far cause concern about the state of the security system and the military integrity of Montenegro," Marković believes. He wonders how it is possible for "exemplary and good members" of the Army of Montenegro, as described by the minister, to use sick leave - vacation intended for recovery - to travel to another country.
"Sick leave is not a privilege or a private arrangement, but a privilege that implies responsible behavior and clear medical reasons. The minister did not offer an explanation as to how it is possible for members of the military to end up in Kosovo on sick leave, nor who in the system monitors such cases," points out Marković.
The leader of the Party of European Progress also pointed out that the minister's statement that he was "primarily informed about the arrest through the media" draws attention to the alarming lack of communication and control within the defense system. If the minister finds out about an incident involving members of the Army of Montenegro in this way, the question arises as to how sensitive the system is to other potential problems, including security risks, adds Marković.
"The context in which the soldiers were arrested - a parked vehicle with the inscription 'Kosovo is Serbia' - has clear political and security implications. Regardless of private beliefs, members of the armed forces cannot and must not act in a way that undermines official state policy or disrupts relations with international partners. Such actions not only compromise the army as an institution, but also threaten the diplomatic credibility of Montenegro," he believes.
Marković added that Krapović's statement that "nothing will be done over the knee" suggests the need for a thorough investigation, but the absence of clear answers only reinforces the suspicion that the system is facing a serious deficit of responsibility and control.
"This is not just a matter of an individual incident, but a signal indicating deeper weaknesses in military discipline, supervision and systemic processes," he said. The SEP leader says that it is clear that Montenegro deserves more than shifting responsibility and vague statements.
"Concrete steps, a transparent investigation and changes are needed that will ensure that the army remains professional and loyal to the interests of the state. Minister Krapović must understand that the trust of citizens and international partners is not built through defensive statements, but through concrete and decisive actions," Marković concluded. .
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