Serbian MFA: Montenegrin MFA does not contribute to good neighborly relations

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Montenegro continues to resort to rhetoric that does not contribute to the development of good neighborly relations and mutual respect between two mutually recognized, sovereign states, the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) announced.

The MFA reacted to the assessment of the Montenegrin MFA that, on the occasion of the anniversary of the restoration of Montenegrin independence, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić continues with rhetoric that does not contribute to good neighborly relations and mutual respect between the two internationally recognized states.

It is assessed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro is, without any real reason or need, constructing a pretext for a public attack on Vučić, dealing an unnecessary blow to interstate relations.

It is added that Vučić, using his inalienable right to express his own opinion, did not say a single bad word about or in relation to Montenegro.

"He expressed a completely legitimate and in no way offensive position, that he does not want to celebrate the separation of two close and fraternal states. We regret to note that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro continues to resort to rhetoric that does not contribute to the development of good neighborly relations and mutual respect between two mutually recognized, sovereign states," the statement said.

It is stated that in 2006, after a referendum, Serbia, without any delay, fully recognized the independence of Montenegro and established diplomatic relations.

"By doing so, it has clearly shown that it respects and does not question its sovereignty, territorial integrity, or European path. However, this does not mean that Serbia should remain silent in the face of attempts to erase or relativize historical truth and facts," the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

According to them, Montenegro and Serbia were members of the state union, but for centuries before that they were part of the same state, largely the same people and with the same destiny.

The MFA believes that Vučić did not dispute Montenegrin independence and that he has repeatedly reiterated that Serbia sees Montenegro as a brotherly and friendly state.

"What he emphasized is that the independence of Montenegro cannot and must not be used as an excuse to deny the Serbian identity, culture, language and religion of a large number of Montenegrin citizens, nor to incite divisions in Montenegrin society," the MFA statement said.

It is added that it is unacceptable and politically irresponsible to present any statement about a common history or expression of concern for the position of Serbs in Montenegro as "revisionism", "patronage" or "insult".

"Montenegro is celebrating its independence – and it has every right to do so. But that celebration must not turn into a campaign against Serbia and the Serbian people, nor into an attempt to erase from history everything that unites us," the MFA said.

Serbia, they said, remains firmly committed to developing good neighborly relations with Montenegro, based on equality, mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs.

It is emphasized that such relations, however, cannot be built on a selective reading of history, the denial of the identity of one people in another state, or on rhetoric that encourages confrontation instead of cooperation.

"The anniversary of the restoration of Montenegrin independence is an opportunity for both our countries to turn to the future - a European, prosperous and common one, in which Serbs and Montenegrins will live as brothers, not as foreigners. Serbia is ready for this. We expect Montenegro to show the same readiness," the statement concludes.