The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has rejected as unfounded and inappropriate allegations by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, accusing Montenegro of waging a hybrid war against Serbia and allegedly threatening its interests.
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The MFA's announcement on the X network states that it is obvious that, as Montenegro gets closer to achieving its strategic goal - membership in the European Union (EU) and as the electoral processes approach, statements from the neighboring country are becoming more frequent, testifying to the unwillingness of some political structures to accept the simple fact that they are surrounded by sovereign, internationally recognized and equal states.
"Not spaces that should one day be returned to any imagined political or national centers," the statement said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed to the saying "No one insults you like the insulting one", stating that perhaps it best illustrates the absurdity of the claim that Montenegro is waging a hybrid war against anyone.
"We leave it to the public to assess whether such statements should be seen as an introduction to new campaigns of disinformation and political pressure or as an attempt to divert attention from problems that have nothing to do with Montenegro," the MFA said.
That government department reminded that Montenegro did not renew its independence against anyone, nor in spite of anyone.
"The citizens of Montenegro have freely, democratically and in a referendum whose results were recognized by the whole world, made the decision to restore state independence and return full dignity to one of the oldest states in Europe," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed.
That decision, they emphasized, is final, democratic, and internationally verified.
"Montenegro is today a civil, multiethnic and multireligious state based on the rule of law, respect for human rights and European values," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
They stated that the Montenegrin Constitution and legal system are an example of how diversity is respected and the rights of all citizens are protected, regardless of their national, religious or linguistic affiliation.
"Freedom of religion, the right to use language and script, as well as full protection of minority rights, represent the fundamental values of modern Montenegro and standards that we are continuously improving in the EU accession process," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
As they added, Montenegro's European path implies building a society of equal opportunities, in which no one is divided by any personal characteristic, but everyone is guaranteed equal rights, dignity and the opportunity to contribute to common progress.
"We want everyone who considers Montenegro their country to be on their own and to feel safe, equal and respected," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
They also reminded that Montenegro's foreign policy is clear, consistent and principled.
"As a responsible member of NATO and a country leading the European integration process in the Western Balkans, we make our decisions independently, sovereignly and exclusively in accordance with the interests of our citizens and the state of Montenegro," the MFA said in a statement.
It is added that Montenegro wants the best possible relations with all its neighbors, including Serbia.
"However, good neighborly relations can only be built on mutual respect, equality and acceptance of reality," the MFA stressed.
They reiterated that they most resolutely reject claims that Montenegro has taken territory from anyone.
"It is time for the region to be focused on the future, reforms, economic development and European integration. We need more responsibility, and fewer attempts to create tensions and political constructions that conceal internal problems and the lack of reform progress," the MFA said.
As they concluded, Montenegro will continue to provide support to all countries of the Western Balkans that sincerely share European values and want to build their development on the principles of democracy, good neighborly cooperation and mutual respect.
"On this path, they will always have a partner in Montenegro," the statement said.
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