The Government of Montenegro today introduced a temporary suspension of the visa-free regime for citizens of Turkey, the Government announced.
The statement states that, in accordance with Article 10 of the Regulation on the Government, without holding a session, and based on the obtained consent of the majority of Government members, the Government adopted a Regulation amending the Regulation on the Visa Regime, which introduces a temporary suspension of the visa-free regime for Turkish citizens.
"The suspension of the visa-free regime for citizens of Turkey shall enter into force on the day following its publication in the Official Gazette of Montenegro. The material considered by the Government today states that Montenegro fully takes into account the interests and status of approximately 14.000 citizens of the Republic of Turkey who are on its territory, and will take all necessary steps to ensure that their stay is unhindered and in accordance with the law. It is also important to point out that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro, in cooperation with the competent institutions, will provide an accelerated procedure for issuing visas to all citizens of the Republic of Turkey who planned to arrive, stay or transit through Montenegro, so that the negative effects of the transitional period are minimized," the statement said.
The Government added that "ultimately, and taking into account the individual security incidents recorded in the previous period, when making this decision, the Government of Montenegro is primarily based on the need to preserve public order and the safety of all citizens."
"This decision, as a measure of institutional response, is a clear message from the Government of Montenegro that laws must be respected and that there will not and cannot be any exceptions in this regard. In the manner of a good host, Montenegro will implement this decision with full respect for the human rights and dignity of citizens of the Republic of Turkey. On this occasion, we call on the public to exercise restraint and trust in the institutions of the system, which will responsibly and transparently manage all processes of importance for the preservation of peace and security," the statement reads.
"Vijesti" reported earlier today that the Government decided at an electronic session to temporarily lift the visa-free regime for Turkish citizens.
According to unofficial information from "Vijesti", ministers from the Albanian Alternative and the Bosniak Party have allegedly not commented on the decision.
Prime Minister Milojko Spajić announced last night that this would be decided today:
"In order to preserve economic activity and good bilateral relations, in the coming period we will initiate intensive talks with the Republic of Turkey in order to find the best model in mutual interest, in the spirit of good cooperation and alliance," Spajić wrote last night on the social network X.
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