Prime Minister Milojko Spajic (Europe Now Movement) intends to seek to conclude an agreement with Ukraine that will, among other things, concern infrastructure and strategic food reserves, believing that it would be good to sign that document together with the agreement on cooperation in the field of security between the two countries, which was expected to be initialed this week in Podgorica, "Vijesti" has learned unofficially.
The newspaper's source from the top of the government said that its head believes that in this way, by signing the documents in a package, both Kiev and Podgorica would benefit, because the prime minister wants "something for Montenegro, in addition to benefits for Ukraine." He says that a new agreement is being negotiated, but that it takes time for the executive authorities in Kiev and Podgorica to agree.
The interlocutor claims that Spajić cannot sign the Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Security and Support between Montenegro and Ukraine tomorrow (Saturday, May 17), as announced, because that day he is traveling to the Vatican for the inauguration of the new Pope, which will take place the day after. Yesterday, the government published a proposal for the platform for the presence of the Montenegrin delegation at the ceremony, which states that the Prime Minister will be there from May 17 to 19.
The source claims that Spajić has no problem signing a security agreement with Kiev, explaining this by saying that the document was "adopted by the Government" and that "everyone voted for it."
Head of State Jakov Milatovic announced the day before yesterday that the head of the executive branch, due to previously undertaken commitments, will not be able to meet with the President of Ukraine in Podgorica on Saturday Volodymyr Zelenskiy and initials the agreement. Spajić's cabinet did not respond to questions from "Vijesti" yesterday whether this is true, if so, what obligations are involved, and if not, what other reasons are there for not being able to sign the agreement at that time.
The questions that remained unanswered were whether another date is being agreed upon or has been agreed upon for Spajić and Zelenskiy to meet and initial the document, as well as whether the Prime Minister is negotiating with Ukraine about concluding another agreement, and if so, what the document refers to and what benefits Montenegro and Ukraine would have from it.
There was public speculation that Zelensky could come to Podgorica yesterday (May 15) and sign the agreement, but that option was dropped after the announcement of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul.
When asked whether negotiations are underway on a new date for when an agreement could be concluded, the Embassy of Ukraine in Montenegro told "Vijesti" that they are constantly working on organizing the highest and high-level visits between the two countries.
"This is, in fact, one of the main directions of our daily work as diplomats. Possible dates for the visit will be worked out and determined in the future. Both sides are ready to intensify our relations, including at the highest level," they said.
EMBASSY: A SERIES OF AGREEMENTS IS BEING PREPARED
The newspaper expects a response from the Ukrainian Embassy on whether they received an explanation as to why the document will not be signed tomorrow.
Responding to the question of whether the governments of Montenegro and Ukraine are negotiating another agreement and, if so, what it would cover, the embassy said that "updating and expanding the contractual-legal basis" between the two countries "is taking place on an ongoing basis and in many areas of mutual interest."
"A number of agreements in various areas between Ukraine and Montenegro are currently being prepared, including those that have already, as you of course know, been approved by the governments of both states. Their signing will take place when they are fully ready," they noted.
At its session on 8 May, the Government adopted the text of the Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Security and Support between Montenegro and Ukraine. At the same session, a Report on the Negotiations on the Agreement was adopted. The signed agreement needs to be ratified by the State Parliament.
The ruling parties did not respond to the question from "Vijesti" yesterday whether they would "raise their hand" for the agreement, while of the opposition parties, only the Social Democrats responded.
It states that the two states commit to consultations in the event of a significant escalation of the current aggression or a future Russian armed attack on Ukraine.
"In these circumstances and acting within its capabilities and capacities, in accordance with the national and international order, Montenegro will provide assistance to Ukraine as needed and in accordance with its capabilities, which may include rapid and continuous political, security, military, humanitarian and economic assistance...", the document states.
The agreement also envisages cooperation in the defense industry, which would be aimed at "mutual commercial and political benefit."
"Montenegro will consider options for allocating financial support for the development of Ukraine's defense industry, through investments in capacity expansion, procurement of ammunition materials and Ukrainian defense products for the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces," the document states.
It also stated that Montenegro will provide further long-term support to Ukraine in the field of security and defense in all domains, in accordance with its capabilities, with a focus on Ukraine's most urgent needs.
"Montenegro will, on a bilateral basis and through cooperation with allies and partners, consider potential ways to support Ukraine's capacities and resilience to defend itself and deter any possible future aggression," it said.
RADIC: THE AGREEMENT IS NOT A NEW OBLIGATION
Military analyst from Belgrade Aleksandar Radić He told "Vijesti" that the agreement does not represent a new obligation and that it does not state that Montenegro "has to do something."
"That document does not oblige Montenegro to act. You have situations where various countries have signed agreements that look nice, but there is no particular cooperation...", he said.
Radić stated that Montenegro has signed a number of such agreements with various countries at the level of military-technical cooperation, "which are not specific."
"These documents are no different for Ukraine than for an agreement with any other country. The differences are in the subtleties, but in general it is typical. There must be a definition of cooperation, listing all areas and saying 'these are possible potentials for cooperation'. The specific forms of cooperation themselves are up to the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Ministry of the Interior, whoever is connected to that topic," he added.
Responding to the question of whether the situation changes because it is an agreement with a country at war, Radić said that Montenegro has already provided significant military assistance to Ukraine in the form of weapons and military equipment through decisions of its government.
"Military assistance is already underway. This is about the long-term nature of cooperation, the definition of joint activities. Since 2022, Montenegro has also been sending lightweight portable air defense systems Strela-2M and various weapons, ammunition, and various equipment to Ukraine. And this can be done without that agreement by decision of the Government. The Government makes a conclusion and it functions in a legal sense...", explained the interlocutor.
Asked whether the agreement obliges Montenegro too much, Radić replied that it is not "obliging too much", adding that the agreement "defines a concrete form".
"You have a legal basis, and what you will do specifically depends on the circumstances and mutual needs," he notes.
The military analyst stated that Montenegro, as a member of NATO, will have some of its own activities in later support, after the war in Ukraine.
"Ukraine will probably be engaged in demining, many ordnance has not been activated... This will be a job for all of Europe, not just for NATO member countries," said Radić.
Spajić thinks Milatović can sign an agreement with Zelensky
Speaking about the messages from the head of state, a "Vijesti" source from the top of the executive branch said that Spajić believes that, if the Government authorizes Milatović, there are no obstacles for him (the president) to sign an agreement on cooperation in the field of security with Zelensky.
"The government is ready to authorize him to sign whenever he wants...", the source said.
A source close to Milatović said that the head of state is not responsible for signing international agreements, but rather the executive branch, "especially since it often complains that the president interferes with its jurisdiction."
The Government's conclusions, adopted on the same day the agreement was accepted, state that Spajić will sign this international document.
Social Democrats: Ukraine should receive all available assistance to defend itself from aggression and liberate occupied territories
The Social Democrats responded that they strongly advocate that Ukraine should receive all available assistance to defend itself from aggression and liberate the occupied territories.
"Ukraine's victory represents not only their victory, but also the victory of all of Europe and all those democratic and libertarian values. In that context, any initiative or agreement that would come on the agenda would receive our support," the party told "Vijesti".
They point out that for a more detailed answer to the question of whether the Agreement will be supported in parliament, it would be necessary to have insight into the proposed agreement, consider it in detail, and make a final decision in accordance with our obligations as a full member of NATO and a candidate for EU accession.
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